Whether due to social distancing, time constraints, or preference, real estate professionals often find themselves handling home photoshoots. With the right approach and practice, taking photos for listing or marketing purposes can be a creative and fun process. Here are some hints for getting the best shots and the best results:
- Ask clients to clear clutter from all the rooms that will be photographed. While a few accessories can be attractive in pictures, too many small items in a room can be detracting and can even make spaces look smaller than they are. To save time, FaceTime or video call with clients before you arrive for the shoot so you can make suggestions on things they can do and change to help their home look its best.
- Be sure clients understand beforehand what shots you will be taking. If you want to photograph areas like closets, laundry rooms, and storage rooms, they can have a chance to straighten them before you arrive.
- Like professional photographers do, take several shots of each room using different angles, light levels, and composition. Having multiple photos of each room can help you choose the best shots to feature later.
- You may need to photograph different rooms at different times of the day. Some rooms may have too much glare in the morning light while other rooms may be too dim in the afternoons. Visit the home before the shoot to ascertain the best light conditions for each area of the home.
- Bring props. A vase of fresh flowers can add a nice pop of color to rooms, a stack of white, fluffy towels can give bathrooms a spa-like feel, and candles can make a dining room feel welcoming.
- Capture details. While you want to show a home’s layout and full rooms, it’s also important to zero in on architectural and quality details that make a home special. If a home has a beautiful fireplace mantel in the living room, be sure to capture a close-up. Lovely ceiling moldings should also be featured, as well as attractive flooring, countertops, and window views.
- Take advantage of editing software. Technological advances can help you brighten and crop shots for better photos. Practice using the software before shoots, so you’ll be familiar with the process and know the capabilities and limitations.
- Look at other listing photographs for ideas and pointers. Take note of how different rooms are featured, and what the photographer focused on. Notice which photos and rooms appeal to you and why. Incorporate some of the concepts to improve your shoots.
Before you shoot clients’ homes, practice photographing rooms in your own home or the homes of friends and family. In addition to getting some good experience, you’ll have documentation for insurance as well as memories recorded for posterity.