DIY Real Estate Photography: How to Take Professional Looking Photos of your home.
As a real estate agent or a homeowner, you know that high-quality, professional-looking listing photos are essential to attracting potential buyers. But what if you don't have the budget or don’t want to hire a professional photographer? Don't worry, with a few tips and tricks, you can take professional-looking listing photos yourself and all you need is your phone. Here's how:
Get the Right Angles
When taking photos of a property, make sure to get a variety of angles, including wide shots of the entire room, as well as close-ups of key features such as fireplaces, built-in bookcases, or unique architectural details. Make sure that your camera/ Phone is leveled, if it is tilted up or down it can distort the room as shown below.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Natural light is the key to great real estate photos. Try to take photos during the day when there is plenty of natural light coming into the room. If possible, open all the curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Make sure to avoid taking photos when the sun is directly facing the windows, as this will create harsh shadows and make the room look dark and uninviting.
Think Like a Buyer
When taking photos, think about what a potential buyer might want to see. For example, make sure to take photos of the kitchen, bathrooms, and any other important rooms in the house. Also, consider highlighting unique features such as a beautiful backyard or a stunning view. Don’t forget to take photos of any storage spaces and closets, as these can be just as important to some buyers.
Use a Tripod
Using a tripod will help you get steady, well-composed consistent shots, especially if you're taking photos in low light conditions. A tripod will also allow you to keep you camera level even on uneven ground.
Edit the Photos
Taking photos is just the first step in creating a professional-looking listing. The next step is to edit the photos to make sure that they look their best. Proper editing can make a big difference in the final outcome and can help to make a listing stand out. Editing can improve the lighting, color, and overall appearance of the photos. It can also help to remove any distracting elements or blemishes, making the photos look more polished and appealing. By taking the time to edit the photos, you can show the property in the best possible light and give potential buyers a better idea of what they can expect. It's important to keep in mind that editing doesn't have to be complicated. There are many simple editing tools and software programs available that can help to make your photos look more professional, even if you don't have extensive photo editing experience.
Conclusion
Overall, proper editing is an important step in creating professional-looking photos for a real estate listing. While it may take some extra time and effort, the results will be well worth it when it comes to selling a property and building a strong brand.
By following these tips, you can take professional-looking real estate photos without hiring a professional photographer. However, if you're still not getting the results you want, or if you don't have the time or the equipment to take photos yourself, consider hiring a professional real estate photographer. A professional photographer not only takes great photos but can also offer other services such as virtual tours, drone photography, etc.
At Do Takes Media, we specialize in providing high-quality real estate photography services to realtors and home owners in the Simcoe County/ GTA region. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take your real estate listings to the next level.