Real Estate Rules of Thumb When Taking Photos of Private Property? 

As a photographer, you’ll need to be aware of the various real estate rules of thumb before attempting any photo ops. This includes knowing what you can and can’t do in your backyard. Even if your neighbor is on the fence about letting you take pictures of their property, they could be in for a rude awakening if you decide to sneak a camera into their prized possession. 

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While a few rogue photographers have managed to get away with it, the rule of thumb is to keep your nose to the ground and your camera at arm’s length. If you’re trying to capture the perfect shot with a drone, you may want to think about where you’ll be shooting from. In addition to this, you’ll want to pay attention to the angles of your photos. Also, consider what you’re photographing, as the quality of the images will be affected. You also don’t want to be photographed by anyone you don’t know! 

The most obvious rule of thumb is that you’re not allowed to take pictures of other people’s property. Unless you’ve got written permission from the owner, there is no legal basis for doing so. However, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right permit for the social media and networking juggernauts that will be invading your turf. There are many different types of permits, and they vary by jurisdiction. A good starting point is to check with your local law enforcement agency. 

Aside from your usual safety and hygiene, you’ll want to be armed with a property release form. This isn’t just to protect you from the owner’s ire, however. It can help you prove your ownership of the right to the image. Getting a signed copy of this document from your neighbors and bringing it with you will give you the peace of mind that you’re a reputable citizen and the ability to move on without worrying about a lawsuit. 

While you’re at it, make sure you’ve got your camera atop a ladder that’s securely fastened to a solid base. Also, a solid base will prevent your shots from getting blown out as a result of a wind gust. On a related note, don’t forget to remove any small items from your lawn such as a lawn mower or weed eater. Lastly, be sure to make the most of the opportunity by taking advantage of the available natural light. Having the best possible lighting is the single best way to make your next real estate photo a hit. 

It’s not always easy to snag the perfect shot. But, with the right precautions, you can capture your dream home in style while keeping your sanity intact. From there, you’ll find that the rewards are well worth the effort.