How to Take Photos for Real Estate Listings 

If you are planning to sell your home, you may want to hire a real estate photographer to take pictures of your property. But you should know that these photographs can’t replace an in-person visit with your prospective buyer. Your photos are your first impression, and your buyers will view hundreds of photos online. So, you should make sure that your photos look as realistic as possible. 

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First, you should prepare your property for photos. You’ll need to clean the windows and doors and remove any personal items. You can also ask your neighbors to move their cars out of the way. This will open up the floor space and allow your house to look more expansive. However, be aware that pets can interfere with photos. Some buyers don’t like seeing pet pictures on listings. 

Secondly, you need to take several photos of your listing. Your average real estate shoot should net about 12 to 20 images. This number will depend on the size of your home and your listing. But, the real trick to getting good pictures is to shoot from different angles. You can use a tripod to take exterior shots. A wide-angle lens of 12mm on a crop sensor is ideal, as it will make the interiors look bigger. 

Third, you need to consider how you will light the pictures. You don’t want your room to appear dark, so you should use an external flash to brighten up the shots. The best time to take exterior photos is at dusk or sunset. The sun will give you a more even lighting of your house. You can also get a unique shot by using an aerial camera. But be wary of clouds and storms. 

If you are a realtor, you should tell your clients that you will be taking pictures of their property. If they aren’t happy with the results, you can always reschedule the photos. But keep in mind that you shouldn’t schedule just a few minutes for your photo shoot. You’ll need to plan, especially if you need to reschedule your shoot for another day. 

In addition to the usual preparations, you’ll also need to have a high-quality DSLR camera. You should also be able to handle low-light conditions. If you’re shooting exterior shots, you should have a sturdy tripod and a radio trigger to help you position your flash. You can even use a painter’s pole to extend your tripod. 

Lastly, you should try to find a photographer who will be willing to work with you on a schedule. Your client can pay you more money if you’re flexible. You might also be able to find a photographer who will give you free photos in exchange for the use of their portfolio website. But keep in mind that this type of arrangement may not be a good idea if your client is a newbie in real estate. 

If you are interested in becoming a professional photographer, you should invest in a reputable, quality DSLR camera and a good wide-angle lens. You might also want to learn about the process of composing and editing photos.