How to Photograph Raw Land

By
Real Estate Agent with Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael)

When I photograph raw land, I prefer to do it in spring, summer or autumn.  This photo was taken in late autumn and has the added advantage of having a water feature.  

The great greens and blues, combined with the tree line in the background and some trees in the foreground makes me think that those who love the great outdoors for camping, hiking, photography or just recreation in general will understand how pristine this area is.  

.You always need a perspective…..meaning you need something far away to see, something in the middle of interest and something in the foreground to give an idea of distance and height.

Taking a picture of a bare field is uninteresting, but put something in the field like a hay wagon, a horse or cow will give it some interest.  Lakeshore is much easier, but you can use your imagination with heavily wooded lots , too.

 

Think about what the buyer(s) is/are seeking and plan your shots around the best features just as you would a home!  

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The information contained in this blog is believed to be true and correct and while every effort is made to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible, the author of this blog, and its comments disclaim any implied warranty or representation about its accuracy for any particular purpose. All information is copy written and the property of Suzanne McLaughlin.. 

For more information about real estate values in your area, give me a call or email me at 763-497-1870 or mclaughlinhomes@gmail.com  

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc.    

When you need to buy or sell in St. Michael or Albertville Minnesota, or anywhere in Wright County, Sherburne County or Anoka County or Hennepin County, give me a call! 

Comments (18)

Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

you shoot it when you get the listing. Often buyers think a dated photo is from a property not sold earlier.

Jul 20, 2014 08:38 AM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

You did a great job on my land....and it sold quickly.  Thanks....I think you need to show it off to its best advantage.

Jul 20, 2014 09:39 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

That is great advice, Suzanne. I really like your picture, too. 

Jul 20, 2014 10:08 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Land can be very tricky.  sometimes I have left out the photo's...I don't like to but better than a bad photo.

I hate winter pics.

Jul 20, 2014 10:10 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Suzanne, great advice, I just go take pictures of the Cliffs I sell:)) keep in mind there is little vegetation on the rocks that I sell:))), Endre

Jul 20, 2014 12:07 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, Keller Williams Fox Cities - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I thought that I was unique in that I like the fall and spring photos too, makes it much easier to see the quality of the trees.

The typical photo that I dont like yet see all the time is those where they take a photo from their vehicle of a field with a forest in the background, leaves me wondering if it it a photo of a field or a forest or maybe both.

Jul 20, 2014 03:10 PM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Thanks for all the great comments.  Your pictures of rocks and cliffs are terrific, Endre!

Bob, your photos as we discussed the other day are always interesting, too.  

Jul 20, 2014 10:25 PM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker/Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, @HomesBirmingham & Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Hun... - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource

Suzanne, raw land is not always an easy subject to photograph, but you bring up good points about one time of the year being better than others.

Jul 21, 2014 09:44 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

We have photographed land in various stages, and while I appreciated the first commenter, he doesnt; live in Minnesota where land is white with no perspective for nearly seven months of the year!

Jul 22, 2014 08:48 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Suzanne, That is the way photos ought to look. It has depth and interest. 

Jul 22, 2014 11:53 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Thanks, Debbie.  We need to keep in mind the buyer's view point.  They are looking at views and perspectives!

Jul 23, 2014 08:14 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hi Suzanne - this is an interesting post and one I don't believe has been addressed previously on AR.   I think buyers are looking at the possibilities that may be available to them so if it's possible to show  photos from a different perspective as well as a change from one season to another that's a great asset.  

Jul 23, 2014 03:38 PM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Suzanne, good tips, it's always good to find something to add some interest to any landscape or seascape to catch the viewer's eye.

Jul 25, 2014 09:46 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired Real Estate Professional

Hi Suzanne, Great advise. Sometimes it just takes understanding that raw land can still have features that would attract attention and as you say, create a perspective. If not, it would be useful to add them.

Jul 25, 2014 03:15 PM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Thanks for all the great comments!  Some realtors never understand how to photograph something without a home....and some can't even manage that very well!

Jul 26, 2014 08:47 AM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Suzanne, those are great suggetions for amateur photographers which would include me.

Jul 30, 2014 02:37 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Suzanne, Thanks for the photo tips for raw land. I thknk your picture is excellent. 

Aug 11, 2014 05:27 AM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

Ignore that first guy, he doesn't understand Minnesota real estate like you do!  Nice job!

Aug 13, 2014 09:29 AM

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