One part of selling a house that some people overlook in terms of importance is real estate photography. If you look at a lot of the pictures of houses in ads, youll see graininess, blurring, reflections, etc. This really decreases the speed with which you can sell your house. Graininess or blurring, for example, might be interpreted by potential buyers as trying to obscure something that decreases curb appeal. Reflections make it hard to get a good look at the basics.
The truth is that it may be well worth the money to hire a photographer who also knows how to be a sales ape. Real Estate photography has some specific technical aspects, and even creativity to it that you may not expect. No, your house isnt going to pose per se. But an effective real estate photographer knows how to position your house and put it in the best possible frame for advertising. Their images have to be able to sell it.
Composition:
Most real estate photographers use digital cameras because they can process the images quickly and see what works and what doesnt. There are some methods they use that you can learn from if you have to take pictures of your own home for whatever reason. These helps and hints include
- Using a wide angle zoom lens: What this does is give potential buyers more scenery it effectively sets the stage for your home (curtains up!). Youll also be able to take a much closer shot, meaning all those little objects in the foreground that just clutter up the image go neatly away. If you do not have a wide angle lens, make sure you move anything distracting items out of your frame (garbage cans being a good example).
- Using an external flash: This is if you plan to take interior images of the house. An external flash helps you direct light where you want it and avoid shadows. Note: make sure the spaces are tidy! Pick up toys, dishes etc.
- Just like taking pictures of people, focus on the houses best features for your pictures.
- Try a variety of shots from different angles, then pick the one that really makes your house pop
- When shooting outdoors keep the sun behind you. The best type of day is one where theres a bright blue sky and a few clouds. Wait till a cloud diffuses the sunlight then click!
Last but not least you need a steady hand: Its easy to ruin a shot because your hand shakes or moves. Look around for a flat surface on which to put your camera for stability.
By following these hints, youll find your real estate photography comes out looking far more professional, and more importantly helps sell your home.
