“The Basics” of Real Estate Photography

Anyone who has worked in the real estate market for a while knows how essential photos are for the success of a listing. High-quality images are a fundamental marketing tool, capable of showcasing a property and speeding up the sale or rental process.

When listing on a portal like Idealista, OLX, or Imovirtual, including good images is crucial. Studies show that properties advertised with photos sell up to 32% faster than those without. Surprisingly, some still list properties without photos, resulting in less visibility and interest.

Listings with photos attract significantly more views and generate a much higher click-through rate (CTR) among potential buyers. A higher CTR means more people are clicking on the listing, increasing the chances of a sale.

Key insight: “According to a study, homes advertised with professional photos sell 32% faster, and owners tend to earn 10% to 20% more than expected.”

Here’s a quick summary of what you should and shouldn’t do when photographing your property to ensure you impress potential clients.

What you should do:

1. Highlight architectural details: Focus on unique features and finishes that give the property character.
2. Take night photos: Properly lit exterior photos taken at night can create an attractive visual effect, making your listing stand out.
3. Use a wide-angle lens: This allows you to capture more space in a single photo, providing a more complete view of the property.
4. Using a tripod ensures sharper images, even without advanced professional equipment.
5. Tidy the space: Make sure everything is neat and clean before photographing.
6. Include hallways in the photos: Spacious hallways provide a sense of space and make the photos more inviting.
7. Turn on the lights: Lights create a warmer and more welcoming atmosphere, even if there is already natural light.
8. Invest in quality technology: Equipment like drones, DSLRs, or mirrorless cameras make a noticeable difference in image quality.
9. Learn about editing: Simple corrections in lighting and the removal of unnecessary objects can turn a good photo into a great one.
10. Hire a specialist: A professional real estate photographer will know how to capture the best angles and highlight the property’s strengths.

What you should avoid:

1. Don’t use fisheye lenses: These lenses distort the photos, making them unsuitable for most real estate listings.
2. Avoid showing yourself in the photos: Be cautious with mirrors! Make sure neither you nor your equipment is visible in the images.
3. Don’t photograph clutter: A messy room leaves a bad impression. Tidy everything up before taking pictures.
4. Don’t include pets in the photos: As cute as they may be, they don’t belong in a professional real estate shoot and can be distracting.
5. Don’t shoot in bad weather: Photos taken on rainy, foggy, or snowy days can make the property look less appealing.
6. Avoid poorly lit interiors: Open the windows for natural light or use artificial lighting to ensure the space is bright and clear.
7. Don’t overcrowd the space with furniture: Small rooms may feel even smaller if they are over-furnished. Remove some items to create a sense of space.
8. Avoid using Google Maps screenshots: A photo taken on-site is always better than a generic image from Google.
9. Don’t over-edit the photos: Editing is important, but the photos should still accurately represent the property.
10. Don’t take all photos from the same angle: Change positions and capture the space from different perspectives.
11. Select the best photos: No one wants to sift through dozens of photos of the same room. Choose the most impactful ones.
12. Don’t hire a generalist photographer: If you choose to hire a professional, make sure they specialize in real estate photography. A photographer who primarily works with people is likely to miss crucial details that highlight the unique features of your property.

High-quality photos are an investment that can significantly increase your property’s value and speed up the sale or rental process. Follow these tips to ensure your listing stands out from the competition.

Thanks for reading!

LG