Proud Photography Blog

When it comes to selling real estate, the next most important element that can directly effect a sale besides location is presentation. Photographs are extremely important when selling property, especially when Internet sales are a factor. Take a few minutes to peruse through an Internet real estate site and determine for yourself which pictures portray the property well and which pictures fail to do the seller any justice. This article addresses some important elements to consider when photographing real estate.

It is important to first communicate with the seller before you schedule a photo shoot of the property. Oftentimes, the seller does not live at the property and the area may appear to be uninhabited. Let the seller know that the grounds should be clear of all debris and the lawn and garden should appear neat and presentable as if they were expecting important guests. If the windows are bare, the seller should install some curtains, at least temporarily, to avoid creating a cold feel to the home. Carefully reconsider taking any pictures if the property appears to be in disarray. You are better to preserve your reputation than to take photographs of derelict property.

Location, location, location. Just as location is important to the potential real estate investor, location is also an important consideration for the photographer. Take a few minutes to walk the property before wildly snapping photographs around he house. Determine the best and most appealing view of the property and visualize how the picture will appear in a real estate ad. Oftentimes, it is best to take shots from a low angle at close proximity to enhance the size of the property. Be suer not to over exaggerating the size, but create an image where the home appears bold and spacious. Minimize the amount of sky to avoid minimizing the appearance.

The best time of day for outdoor shots is either early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low. The golden hue of the sun will greatly enhance the appearance of the edifice. Caution should be exercised not to capture the sun’s reflection in the windows. The low angle of the sun will also bring out the blues in the sky and the colors in the grass and garden; a very complimentary effect when portraying landscapes.

Interior shots can be tricky. Just as we discussed earlier, the seller must understand the importance of having a clear and uncluttered appearance. There should be minimal furniture and photographs throughout the area to be photographed. If necessary, you may need to reschedule an interior session if the home is not well prepared. There should be no loose materials on the counters, rubbish should be removed, and the sink should be free of any dishes or debris. Photographing clutter is a huge turn-off for any prospective buyer. Speaking of turn-offs, toilets are off-limits. You may want to photograph the bathroom if it is presentable, but under no circumstances should the toilet be in the photograph.

Once you have processed the photographs, submit a sampling of the best shots for the client to review. Be prepared for a request to retake some of the photographs, especially if they are to appear in a magazine or as a high-resolution photograph.

The final word in real estate photography goes to truth and ethics. You may be tempted to enhance a photograph by cropping out distractions, such as neighboring houses or cars, or perhaps to bring out the colors or add some depth to the sky. However, there is a fine line between enhancements and lies. Do not remove elements, such as power lines or other unpleasant elements, like dead shrubs or structural damage. No matter how bad the appearance, the truth is always better than a lie.