Lights…camera…Great property photographs
As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words and that’s certainly the case when it comes to marketing your property for sale.
Great photography can instantly help your property stand out from the crowd, piquing the interest of potential buyers and enticing them to come have a look in person.
So, what makes great property photography and how can you help ensure your home puts its best foot forward in the picture stakes?
Engage a professional
Technology has come on in leaps and bounds and these days we all have state of the art cameras right in the palm of the hand courtesy of smart phones.
But that doesn’t mean we’re the best person to take over the role of photographing a property that’s for sale.
Professional real estate photographers have the experience, insight and ability to showcase a property in the best light, knowing exactly what angle, light, and framing will help your property’s features stand out from the crowd.
Chances are your agent will have a professional photographer who they work with.
When discussing the marketing campaign for your property, ask to see the campaigns that the agent and photographer have put together for other properties and that will give you an idea of the photographer’s style.
Clean and tidy
Great property photography starts with a thorough clean and declutter of your home. Go through each of the rooms, giving them a general tidy while considering what should go and what should stay.
The aim is to create a warm, welcoming space that allows in natural light. As you tidy each area, consider adding a few decorator touches, such as well-chosen pillows and throws, to give each room a little styling.
And don’t forget to consider what might be happening in the background. For example, beyond the bedroom window, is there clutter in the yard that needs to be removed?
Remove personal items
The photographs that are taken for the sales campaign will appear on the internet, social media, and in property brochures, which is why it’s a good idea to put away any personal items.
This includes everything from photographs, to nicknacks, and also collectors’ items that might be of value.
Meanwhile, don’t forget to have a final look around before the photographer arrives just to make sure there aren’t any piles of paperwork, discarded shoes or children’s toys lying around.
Professional staging?
In some cases, you real estate agent might suggest you have your property staged for the photography and open homes. This strategy tends to apply to high-value homes and can help buyers envisage a prestige lifestyle in that property.
Good lighting
Good lighting is key to great photography. A professional photographer will try to harness this light, showcasing your property as a light infused, bright and welcoming home.
They may also return to take additional images at different times of day to highlight how the property looks at sunset, or in the evening.
Special features
If the property has features that are unique to it, such as a stunning pool or beautiful deck with view, these should be captured within the marketing photography.
In the lead up to the photographer arriving, talk with your agent about features that you believe are special and unique to the property.
The final touches
On the day that the photographer is due, consider some final touches, like the addition of flowers, a well-placed fruit bowl or some greenery.
These small extras can help paint a picture of the lifestyle that buyers would enjoy if they purchased the property.
Trust the experts
Your agent and their photographer do this day-in, day-out, so it’s important to trust them when it comes to what areas of the home are photographed and the time of day when the photos are taken.
They may also rearrange things slightly during the photography session.
