Photography: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Because the internet is your first impression, Photography is the most important element of your marketing existence: The MLS, Craig's List, the Windermere site or anywhere you look for homes.
We've all seen bad pictures of good houses. The old adage was location, location, location. Today it's photography, photography, photography. If your main photograph doesn't get a Viewuser's interest, you've lost them. Now an aggressive relocation agent may go beyond a bad photograph but when they pass it along to their buyers, it is rejected. You just lost a potential sale.
I hate it when someone goes over the basics... so hate me for a moment. The main photo should get a Viewuser interested and want to see more. The kitchen, master bedroom and bath must be marvelous. These are the photos that make the buyer say "I want to see the inside of that house!"
For the kitchen, the counter top, sink, stove and maybe oven are important. If it's not high end who cares. Make it look great. Stage it. Make it real. This image will be stronger than the actual reality of the kitchen.
The master bed room is not a picture of the bed. It's the space, the view, the floor, the access to the master bath. Stage to look romantic. Shot it and night to give it mode lighting (more about lighting later) and get rid of all personal items. This is not about your client's decorating.
Master bath shots are tough. You'll need a wide angle lens. If you don't have a wide angle lens go and get one before you read further. I'm waiting. You got it? OK. If it's a grand master bath make it so. Show the sink(s) and on to the shower. A great shot of the spa tub and you are done... Right.... Stop. DO NOT SHOT THE TOLIET! Alright, it may be in the corner but put the lid down.
Now go on to the other rooms. Use a tripod and turn off your flash. Set the exposure so that the light from the window doesn't overcome the inside light. If you don't understand what I just said, shot the interior on a tripod with the flash off at dusk or night.
The exterior shot is used as the main shot most of the time. When you frame this shot, think about street appeal. Frame it so you can see the best detail of the house. Views make great main shots but include a master shot of the exterior later. Make it real so when the Viewuser becomes a previewer, they are not mislead. Conceptual disappointment turns buyers away.
If it's not a great photograph leave it out. In fact if you are reading this and are taking notes, spend the money and have a professional shot your photos. It's the best investment you'll ever make for your client, your reputation and eventually your bottom line.
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