Why is the front photograph so important?

99.9% of real estate listings begin with a photograph of the front/exterior of the property. The first photograph a prospective buyer sees is most often going to encourage them to either view or not view your property's listing. It is important that your opening photograph conveys the home/building in a way that makes it look as large as possible, shows off the unique dimensions of the home/building, captures the best features of the property's curb appeal, and of course is an eye-appealing great overall photograph.

Show the home's dimensions and shape -

Homes have many different shapes. However, there is a basic rule that will apply to photographing the majority of homes from the correct angle. This basic rule is shoot into the "corners" of a home from an angle. Unless the facade of a home is completely flat, there should always be some sort of "corner" to shoot into. By shooting into the "corners" of a home's facade, your photograph will give the home dimension that would otherwise not be seen from a straight on photograph or one taken from the opposite side of the home's front. This seems basic, but it is the first of many rules that apply to correctly photographing the exterior of a property.

Avoid the driveway -

If possible, keep the driveway, street, and curb out of the foreground of the front photograph. Blacktop and concrete in the foreground of your photograph will often give your picture a cold unappealing look. Make sure to change your point of view to prevent the cold foreground. Having a wide angle lens makes it easier to keep the street out of your photograph while capturing the entire exterior of a property.

Elevate -

In most cases, simply elevating your point of view will make an exterior photograph much better. This can be done by standing on a six or eight foot ladder...or standing on your car if you have to. Taking an elevated photograph will make the front yard look larger and will help to further enhance the dimensions of the home.

Show the right amount of sky -

An exterior photograph should show the "right" amount of sky. Too much sky can make a home look small. More importantly, showing too much sky can make a homes yard look very small. A simple rule to follow is do not let the sky occupy more than one-quarter or 25% of your exterior photograph. Remember, most listing photographs appear as thumbnail images when a prospective buyer is sifting through properties whether it be online or in a newspaper. Your front photo should focus on the property...and not the wonders of nature. (If you have a mountain view to sell...keep reading...I will address scenery).

The correct position of the sun -

The sun's position is extremely important when capturing the exterior photograph of a home. The worst position for the sun to be in is just over the peak of a roof. If you plan on taking the photograph at this time...come back later. If the sun is positioned behind the home, your photograph will result in a dark shaded front and an overexposed background. This can be overcome with some creative post production, but it is not a desirable position for the sun to be in. The best position for the sun to be in is behind you when you are taking the photograph. In this scenario the front of the home will be properly lit by the sun, there will be minimal shadows on the front of the home, and your background will be properly exposed resulting in a beautiful photograph. (If a home does not have an East/West exposure identify the time in which the sun creates the most highlights on the front of the home and the least amount of shadows).

You do not "have to" use the "front" -

If the front of a property is unattractive...do not use it as your marquis photograph! The photo that opens your listing should be an exterior photograph in most cases because it is what buyers are expecting, but it does not always have to be the front. This rule applies more for nontraditional properties but does include the single-family home as well. Survey the property and think of the best photograph that will be used to represent your listing. If you begin to think outside of the box you may find that the best angle of a home does not have to be the front. Instances where the traditional front photograph may not be best include but are not limited to: homes with garages making up the majority of the "traditional front," properties surrounded by concrete, properties blocked by trees/other obstructions...etc.

Keep the driveway clear -

This should be obvious...but make sure the driveway is clear of cars, dumpsters, PODS...etc. If one of these objects is present, try to minimize or avoid them as much as possible

Fill the frame and use the property's surroundings -

If the homes surroundings are scenic...use them! Take photographs that best flatter the property and use all of the property's curb appeal and attractive surroundings. If the home has a large front yard, elaborate flowerbeds, or beautiful natural surroundings, find a way to include them in the marquis/opening photograph.

Properly photograph large buildings and condos -

When photographing a high-rise or multi-story building make sure to photograph the whole building.

-Do not take just a partial photo of the building.

-Do not take the front entrance as the exterior photo of the building.

-Do not take a photo of the sign outside of the building for a front photo. 

None of these photographs will grab the prospective buyers attention. Additionally, these photographs will not give a prospective buyer a fair representation of the property. Also, attempt to capture a pleasing foreground in your exterior photograph of a large building just like a house. Try to prevent creating a cold foreground by avoiding parking lots, vehicles, streets, etc. Take the extra time to find a desirable location with a good perspective of the building from a distance.

Next time you are going to put photographs in your listing, remember the importance of grabbing your prospective buyer's attention with the perfect front photograph!

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