Property photography
If you have a keen eye for design and you know how to capture it on camera, property photography could be for you. However, property photography (real estate photography) consists of several subsections, and it can be difficult to know where to start.
If you’re stuck for property photography ideas, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will go over:
-
- Types of property photography
- Property photography guide
- Property photography techniques
- Property photo tips
Types of property photography
To give you an idea of what work might suit you, here are the types of property photography.
Residential property photography
Residential photography is the photography of residential properties. Examples of property photography you see on a property website are residential. Residential photography covers apartments, single-family homes, townhouses, multi-family buildings of two to eight units, and luxury properties. Residential photographers would be expected to shoot the exterior and interior of the property and may be asked for aerial shots.
The clients for this kind of work are typically estate agents, as well as the odd private seller. It is easiest to find residential photography work as properties are regularly going to market. Creating a good relationship with an estate agent is a good idea because they are likely to think of you when they need their next property photographed.
Commercial property photography
Commercial property photography is the photography of commercial properties such as offices, warehouses, and shopping centres. As with residential property photography, commercial property photography clients are typically estate agents.
Architectural photography
Architectural photography is similar to residential and commercial property photography, but architectural photography specifically focuses on the design and flow of a space, its structure, functionality, and construction quality. The clients of architectural photography are architects, civil engineering firms, contractors, and designers.
Interior photography
Property interior photographers primarily focus on the interior design of a property. Rather than focusing on the property’s structural design, this more editorial approach to property photography looks at the aesthetic makeup of the property. The photographer looks to capture the colours, textures, and furnishings of the property. The clients for interior photography could be architects, interior designers, magazines, estate agents specialising in luxury homes, staging companies, and property owners.
Property photography guide
Most likely you will start off getting work as a residential property photographer, as this is the most abundant kind of property photography. If you’re unsure of where to start, we have a standard guide for property shoots, which covers most properties. If any rooms are particularly large or attractive, they may warrant more shots, but you can always consult with your estate agent beforehand to get an idea of what they want. Your essential shot list should consist of the following:
-
- 2 wide-angle shots for each bedroom
- 2 wide-angle shots of the kitchen
- 2 wide-angle shots of the living room
- 1 photo of the bathroom
- 1 shot of any feature e.g. garage, utility room, cellar, pantry
- Up to 3 photos of the back garden
- 1-2 exterior shots of the house
Property photography techniques
Here are some essential photography techniques every property photographer should know.
Shooting straight
One of the most crucial elements of property photography is creating flattering images of the property. When you shoot at a slight angle for other kinds of property photography it might not matter, but when you do this for property photography it distorts the angles and lines of the property, making the images look off. Therefore, it’s very important to keep your camera straight when practising any form of real estate photography.
These kinds of pictures are great if you want to include them in your CRM for real estate, as clients will be able to view properties in detail.
Use wide-angle lenses
Wide-angle lenses are a must-have in your photography kit when it comes to property photography. Wide-angle lenses are beneficial as they are good at creating flattering images of tighter spaces, as they have the effect of making rooms look wider and more spacious.
Lighting techniques
Lighting is an essential component of property photography. You should always have flashes in your kit when shooting a property, as you never know what the lighting conditions are going to be like. A property may not have enough windows limiting the natural light, which calls for artificial lighting. You may need to turn on the house lights, which can have a pleasant homely effect, but sometimes even lightbulbs don’t produce a flattering light.
Therefore, you should always have a flash with you. However, flashes can look quite harsh in property photography, especially if you can’t bounce the light well enough. Having a light modifier with you can help to make the light softer.
When considering all the above, keep in mind that natural lighting is the best lighting, and artificial light should not be used unless necessary – except in bathrooms.
Property photo tips
-
- Make sure you know where the property is. To make sure you are on time for the shoot, plan ahead and look at your route to the property in advance.
- Take backup gear. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have extra memory cards and spare batteries or your charger.
-
- Format your memory card before the shoot.
-
- Take a wide-angle lens with you. Wide-angle photos are particularly beneficial for property photography as they portray rooms well.
- Take a flash and light modifiers with you. Flashes are very important
- You only need one photo of the bathroom. Bathrooms are usually the least interesting rooms for people looking to buy properties, so you don’t need to waste time taking too many photos of the bathroom unless it is especially large and decorative.
- Walk through the property when you arrive. Before you start taking photos, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the design and flow of the property, and then take the pictures accordingly.
- Declutter the property. When clients know that the property is going to be photographed, it is usually tidied, and maybe even staged. However, there is the possibility that the property is not tidy. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make sure that surfaces are generally cleared and there isn’t any clutter in your shots.
We hope you found our property photography advice useful.
If you require a professional property photographer, book with Splento. Splento photographers in London are experts in property photography, from interior shots to images of exterior structure, aerial and 360° photography, and virtual tours. Contact us today to enquire about your property shoot.
FAQ
- What is property photography? Property photography involves capturing high-quality images of properties, including residential and commercial spaces, to enhance their appeal for sales, rentals, or advertising purposes. It’s essential for creating a strong first impression in real estate listings.
- Why is property photography important? High-quality property photography can significantly impact the perceived value of a property. It highlights features, maximizes appeal, and helps potential buyers envision themselves in the space, thereby speeding up the sale process.
- What equipment is essential for property photography? Essential equipment includes a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle lens to capture full rooms, a tripod for stability, and adequate lighting equipment to ensure the property is well-lit and inviting.
- What are some tips for taking great property photos? Use natural light whenever possible, declutter spaces to make them look larger, employ a wide-angle lens to capture the entirety of rooms, and always shoot from the best angle to highlight the property’s best features.
- How do you prepare a property for a photoshoot? Preparing a property involves cleaning thoroughly, decluttering personal items, adjusting furniture for optimal space appearance, and adding minor décor touches to enhance the property’s charm.
- What common mistakes should be avoided in property photography? Common mistakes include poor lighting, shooting at the wrong time of day, neglecting to remove personal items, and failing to capture the essence of the property’s atmosphere.
- How can professional property photography impact real estate sales? Professional photography can dramatically improve the attractiveness of real estate listings, leading to quicker sales and potentially higher offers by making a property stand out in competitive markets.
Contact Splento if you are in need of:
Event Photography and Videography
eCommerce Photography and Videography
Transform your moments into art with a photographer near me.