Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Photography

Quality Photos are Essential - Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Photography
By Paige Tepping

RISMEDIA, October 19, 2010--They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in today’s real estate market, a thousand words has never been more important. Taking good photos for your listings is crucial as they make or break the first impression prospective buyers create about a home.

BroomeByOwner.com offers the following tips for real estate agents who are looking to take their photo skills to the next level.

Wait for a sunny day
When taking exterior photos of the home you are listing, wait for a sunny day when the sky is blue. Be sure to position yourself so that you avoid any shadows and make sure the sun is shining on the front of the house.

Shoot during daylight
Interior photos should be taken during daylight hours to provide the best lighting conditions. Turn the lights on in every room and use the camera’s automatic flash. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time, as you don’t want to be taking interior photos after the sun has set.

Avoid glare
In order to avoid capturing any glare in your photos, don’t shoot directly into a window or mirror.

Be still
To avoid blurry or poor quality photos, hold your camera still when taking any and all photos. If a photo comes out too dark or blurry, don’t post it online.

Photogenic rooms
When planning what photos you will take of the house, concentrate on photographing the most attractive rooms. In most cases, one bedroom photo is all you need.

Go with the flow
Be sure to photograph the home in the order you want the photos to be posted online. A good transitional sequence starts with the front exterior, moves to the living, dining room, kitchen, family room, master bedroom, master bathroom, exterior, pool, backyard and gardens. Don’t worry about taking too many photos as you can choose the best ones once you are done.

Clean up
In order to get the best photos possible, it may be necessary to get your clients to rearrange some of their furniture, in addition to clearing off countertops, folding towels, closing toilet lids and removing papers from the refrigerator.

Not too personal
Make sure your clients understand that the photos included with their listing are used to showcase the home, and not their valuables and lifestyle.