Discover the Secrets to capturing the best photos when selling a property
Real estate photography, often underrated, is an art that requires meticulous attention and technical skills to achieve a successful presentation of a property on the market. In this essay, we will explore tips and secrets to capturing the essence of a home and engaging potential buyers with what they see. From cleaning up the environment to proper lighting and lens selection, every detail counts in creating stunning images.
First impressions are key! If you’re ready to sell your home, these tips can be your best allies for spectacular photographs. Get ready for your home to shine like never before in the pictures.
An Impeccable Environment
The saying “first impressions count” is especially true in the world of real estate sales. Before we dive into the technical niceties of photography, it’s essential to remember a tip that often goes unnoticed: the property’s surroundings must be clean and tidy. No amount of post-production can save an image if the place does not look impeccable. Cleanliness and tidiness create a sense of care and attention that prospective buyers deeply value.
The Choice of Lens
One of the most technical aspects of real estate photography is choosing the right lens. Here, the main rule is to use wide-angle lenses whenever possible. If you’re working with a non-full-frame camera, look for lenses with ranges of 11 to 16. If your camera has a “multiplication factor” of x1.5, opt for lenses between 16 and 24. For those who don’t have cameras with interchangeable lenses, consider avoiding zoom. Choosing the right lens can open up new perspectives and showcase living spaces in a way that appeals to buyers.
The Importance of Location
The location from which photographs are taken is essential to capturing the essence of a property. It is recommended to start from the front door and take at least two photos from the corners of each room. Avoid cluttering your list with multiple images of the same room; generally, two photos are sufficient, never more than three. In addition to general shots, it’s a good idea to capture shots of details that might stand out, such as decorative elements. Change lenses or zoom in and out as needed.
If the property has built-in closets, open the doors slightly. If you have a walk-in closet, give it the same importance as any other room. And, whether you have a walk-in closet or an en-suite bathroom, make sure at least one of the overall shots includes a partial view of the bathroom, which will give a sense of spaciousness.
Playing with Height
The height from which the photos are taken is also a critical aspect. Avoid taking photos at eye level; instead, place the camera on a tripod no higher than three feet. This allows images to be captured from a perspective that is often more appealing and realistic to viewers.
Lighting Magic
Lighting plays a critical role in real estate photography. The more natural light you can take advantage of, the better. Turn off lamps whenever possible, as artificial lights can create unwanted reflections in the image. If the room is dim, consider bracketing (BKT) to create HDR images, which will eliminate the need for flash and produce more natural lighting. To get the most out of HDR, shoot in RAW format and close the aperture to f/8 for realistic colors.
Attention to Exteriors
Don’t underestimate the importance of exterior photographs. This includes capturing the entrance to the property and views from the street. If the home has common areas, ask for permission to photograph them, but if you don’t get permission, you can capture these areas from another home’s window, making sure to eliminate any faces of people that may appear.
Smart Exporting
When exporting your images, it is crucial to keep in mind the size and weight requirements of the website where you plan to upload them. A general set of settings that are usually compatible with most platforms include JPEG format, a maximum size of 170K, longest border at 850px and a resolution of 72dpi.
Bonus Tip: The Power of Social Media.
Take advantage of one of the exterior photos to create a poster that you can share on social networks. Don’t forget that “a picture sells more than a thousand words”. This additional strategy can increase your property’s visibility and attract a wider audience.
Real estate photography is an essential component to selling a property. From cleanliness and lighting to lens choice and shot placement, every detail matters. By following these tips and secrets, you can present your properties in a way that will attract potential buyers and increase your chances of success in the real estate market.
