The 6 Components of a Great Property Photography [Infographic]
1. The Right Kit
Wide angle lens, flash, tripod with spirit level, remote shutter and grey card.
2. Tailored aperture and shutter speed
Large depth of field with smaller aperture (bigger f-stop) for shooting rooms in their entirety; bigger apertures to show interesting features.
3. Perfect lighting
Soft, natural lighting is best; try different combinations of natural and artificial lightning, illuminating dark spots with an off-camera flash as long as it’s help, not a hindrance.
4. Thoughtful angles
Best practice: shoot from a corner at a 45 degree angle. For unusually shaped rooms and intriguing details, shoot from a different vantage point.
5. Comfort staging
Plump cushions, straighten chairs, and encourage homeowners to do their staging before arrive.
6. Clean post-production
Use photo-editing software to remove shadows, correct lighting and adjust contrast levels to show the property off to its best potential.
Although knowing the basics of photography is essential, you also have to be familiar with the best practices that a real estate photographer should follow once you arrive at the property.
1. How to Master the Basics of Real Estate Photography
Aside from using the rules of real estate photography as a foundation for every shot that you take, you also need to take into consideration the agent’s taste and preference. You need to have a good grasp of their marketing strategy and goals so you can prepare for the shoot.
2. How to Choose the Correct Camera Setting
Once you have set up for your shoot, your next concern should be setting up your camera. Doing it properly will ensure that you have the right camera settings in taking great shots.
Take into consideration the specific shoot that you’re doing and adjust the settings accordingly.
3. How to Photograph Bedrooms for Real Estate
Bedrooms can be a tricky space to shoot. The good thing though is that they usually don’t vary as much compared to the other rooms in the house.
In shooting a bedroom, you can either take the photo from the hallway looking into the bed or from the back of the bed. These perspectives are flattering and improve the look of the room.
4. How to Photograph Dining Rooms for Real Estate
Kitchens can vary in layout. In shooting a kitchen, you need to consider its size and layout and angle the photo accordingly. You can step back and shoot it from the outside while looking into the dining space.
Make sure that you prop your camera higher so you can see the table. Another option is to take a photo with the view of the kitchen so you can give a view of how these two spaces are working together.
5. How to Photograph Front Exteriors for Real Estate
Aside from taking the necessary interior shots of a property, the exterior is as important. In taking exterior shots, make sure that you’re not dwarfing the property.
Zoom in on the façade of the property and do not cut off its edges. Make sure that you shoot up to capture the sky and tree line.
6. How to Master the Basics of HDR and Flash for Real Estate
High Dynamic Range (HDR) and flash are essential aspects of real estate photography. HDR is usually done by taking five to seven photos of the space in varying exposures and are then merged to create a composite.
When using flash after you’ve taken your exposure set, make sure you’re gentle in adjusting the flash and take enough flash photos until you get one that’s adequately exposed.
7. How to Photograph Porches, Views, and Panoramas for Real Estate
In shooting the porch and view of the property, it is essential to take into account what you’re looking into.
Aside from taking a photo of the entire porch, you may want to include its view but choose the better view. You can use HRD in shooting the view and panorama from the property. Remember to take a photo from the best vantage point that highlights the view.
8. How to Photograph Bathrooms for Real Estate
Taking photos of the bathroom can be difficult, especially if you’re shooting a small half bath. However, just remember the important objects to include are the sink and the mirror.
Just avoid getting the camera’s reflection in the mirror. In shooting a bigger segmented bathroom, take two or more photos as necessary in order to capture the important elements of the bathroom.
9. How to Photograph Kitchens for Real Estate
The kitchen is another important part of the property that needs to be highlighted. The usual kitchen shot for real estate is one that is taken from outside of the kitchen over the kitchen island looking into the cabinetry.
However, you can get away with taking a one-shot perspective granting that there’s an open space on one side that makes it look expansive.
10. How to Photograph Living Rooms for Real Estate
When shooting a living room, it is important to take different shots that would highlight its features.
This is usually a main part of the house and is an important shot for real estate photography. Take different perspectives and take into account the style and layout of the living room.
11. How to Photograph Entrances and Staircases for Real Estate
When you’re taking photos of the property, the entryway and the staircase is usually not prioritized unless they have interesting features that add value to the home.
When shooting these parts of the home, make sure that you give a perspective that leads the eye into the hallway or the property. Having a single angle for each of these will work.
12. How to Photograph Backyards for Real Estate
In shooting the back of a property, it is essential to take these three perspectives. First, take a shot from the house looking into the yard.
Take a photo from the corner of the yard and try to fit as many things as possible into the frame. Use your photos to create experiential images for prospect buyers where they can imagine how it will be to sit on the patio. Next is to take a shot of the yard with the entire house either by showing more of the yard or zooming into the edges of the house
13. How to Wrap Up a Real Estate Photography Shoot
The most important step in shooting properties is discussing with the agent before wrapping up the photo shoot. This is the time where you go through all the photos that you took and discuss which photos will be kept.
The agent might also ask you to retake some photos and change up the angle. This is better done while you’re still on site. This ensures that the client is happy with your photos and you walk away with a good shoot.
