Even if you are a novice photographer, using simple tips you can improve your listing advertising and increase your showings. Just taking pictures is Good and apparently more than some agents (your competition) are doing now. But, taking enticing pictures is Great and will pay off immediately in increased showings.
If you do not have a digital camera, research ones that have various lenses that you can switch out for wide angle shots of house interiors and telephoto shots if the house has a great view. The camera is an Important Business Expense for you.
Learning to use the camera is just as important. I know that Ritz Camera offers several free digital photo classes if you buy from them (no, I don't have stock in Ritz). Community colleges and Town Parks and Rec classes for beginning photographers are popular. Look for them. Remember, you are cultivating your marketing skills by doing this.
OK that said, here are some simple tips to get better photos of your listings.
•1. Think about the exposure of the property - north-south, east-west etc... Now when you take the exterior photo, you will want the sun behind YOU and shining on the front of the house. So if that means going there early morning or later afternoon, that's when you will take the photo. This is the MOST important photo you will take. Take the house from the left, the right, head on, squat down and shoot up, move closer, move back... get the idea? You are only going to pick the best shot but you want to have a lot of choices.
Above the Sun is behind house instead of Photographer.
Sun is in front of house, See the difference?
•2. If it is not there, don't try to take a picture of it. You want to highlight what IS there, not point out what is missing.
Yes, I see above that the stove and microwave are not there. How sad for this kitchen.
Oh, I see that there is a nice, new stove and microwave. I like it.
•3. Unless the bathroom is a veritable SPA, don't try to take a picture of a powder room. All you will get is the toilet. Very unattractive, even IF the toilet seat is down. Toilets are not pretty, people do not generally want to see them (very bad Feng Shui). You want to show PRETTY!
Looks like someone left in a hurry. No thanks!
How pretty! I want to see more of this house.
Ok, simple tips, Keep the sun behind You, take photos of what you want to show off or highlight not the missing or less than perfect features and unless it's a wonderful bathroom, skip it.
Good Luck!
Good post and good advice. I am always amazed at the bad photography on high end homes.
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