Real Estate Photography: A guide to showcasing properties at their best

Real estate photography is a tricky business. You're not just taking pictures of a building, you're showcasing a lifestyle, a dream, and a potential home. And let's face it, no one wants to buy a home they've never seen in person. But with the help of a skilled photographer, buyers can get a sense of what it's like to live in a home even before they step foot through the door. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you take stunning real estate photos that will make buyers want to take a closer look.

Lighting is Everything

When it comes to real estate photography, lighting is one of the most important factors to consider. Good lighting can make a property look bright, welcoming, and inviting, while bad lighting can make it look dark, gloomy, and unappealing. That's why it's essential to understand how to work with lighting to showcase a property at its best.

As the saying goes, "natural light is always best." So, schedule your photoshoots during the day when there's plenty of natural light streaming in. Take advantage of the sunlight coming in through windows and skylights, and use it to highlight key features of the property such as hardwood floors, fireplaces, and architectural details. Take note of the direction of the sunlight and how it moves throughout the day, so you can plan your shoot accordingly.

But what if the property doesn't have a lot of natural light? Don't worry, you can always supplement with artificial light. Use lamps, floor lights, or even candles to add a warm, inviting glow to the room. Be careful not to use too much artificial light, as it can create harsh shadows and make the room look artificial. A good rule of thumb is to use a combination of natural and artificial light to create a balance.

Another important aspect of lighting is the use of a tripod and a remote trigger. When taking real estate photographs, it's essential to keep the camera steady to avoid camera shake. This can result in blurry or out-of-focus images that won't do the property justice. A tripod will help keep the camera steady, and a remote trigger will allow you to take the photo without having to touch the camera, further reducing the risk of camera shake.

In actual fact lighting is an essential element of real estate photography that can make or break a photo. By understanding how to work with natural and artificial light and using a tripod and a remote trigger, you'll be able to take stunning photographs that showcase the property at its best.

Composition is Key

Now that we've got the lighting sorted, let's talk about composition. A good composition is key to a great photo. When composing a photo, think about the rule of thirds. This rule states that an image should be divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and that the subject should be placed on one of the intersecting points. This will make the photo more interesting and visually appealing.

But the rule of thirds is just the start. To really make your real estate photos stand out, you'll need to pay attention to other elements of composition as well. For example, leading lines can be used to guide the viewer's eye through the photo and towards the focal point of the image. This could be a stairway leading up to a bedroom, or a pathway through a garden. Similarly, symmetry and patterns can be used to create a sense of balance and harmony in the image.

Another important aspect of composition is the use of negative space. This refers to the empty areas of the photo that surround the subject. By leaving some negative space in the photo, you can create a sense of depth and make the subject stand out more. This is particularly effective when used in conjunction with leading lines, as it can create a sense of movement and guide the viewer's eye towards the focal point of the image.

We've found composition is a critical aspect of real estate photography. By understanding the rule of thirds and other elements of composition such as leading lines, symmetry, patterns and negative space, you'll be able to take stunning photographs that showcase the property at its best and capture the attention of potential buyers.

Angles and Perspectives

When it comes to real estate photography, the angles and perspectives you choose can make a huge difference in how the property is perceived. For example, shooting from a low angle can make a room look bigger and more grand. On the other hand, shooting from a high angle can make a room look more cozy and intimate. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to see what works best for the property you're photographing.

Another important aspect of angles and perspectives is the use of wide-angle lenses. These lenses can help to capture a wide field of view and make a room appear larger than it actually is. They are particularly useful for smaller rooms or for capturing large open-plan spaces. However, be careful not to use a wide-angle lens that is too wide, as this can cause distortion and make the image appear unnatural.

In addition to playing with angles and perspectives, don't be afraid to get creative with your shots. Take a picture from an unexpected angle, or zoom in close on a unique feature of the property. These types of shots can add visual interest and break up the monotony of traditional real estate photography.