How to take real estate listing photos

Selling your home is a complicated endeavor, and real estate listing photography has become a crucial aspect of the process. With potential buyers scouring the internet for their dream homes, your real estate listing photos can make a powerful first impression. 

Whether you're a homeowner looking to sell your house on your own, or want to take your own listing pictures, this guide will walk you through the essentials of taking compelling photos — and when hiring a professional photography might be a worthwhile investment.

Why is real estate listing photography important?

In the modern landscape of real estate, where online platforms have become the primary way potential buyers search for homes, the significance of real estate listing photography cannot be overstated. 

The age-old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words" holds even more weight in the context of property sales. Here's why real estate listing photography is crucial and how it influences the buying process:

First impressions matter

‍Imagine a potential buyer scrolling through a list of properties online. Among the sea of listings, your property's photos are the first thing that catches their eye. These initial visual impressions can determine whether they click on your listing to learn more or swiftly move on. High-quality photos are your opportunity to make a lasting first impression that piques their interest.

Creating an emotional connection

‍Real estate isn't just buying property; it's about finding a place to call home. Quality listing pictures have the power to evoke emotions, triggering a connection between the viewer and the property. A well-photographed living room flooded with warm sunlight, a serene backyard oasis, or a cozy fireplace can spark feelings of comfort, joy, and aspiration in potential buyers. This emotional resonance can be a driving force that compels them to explore the property further.

Showcasing your property's best features

‍Every home has unique features that make it stand out from the rest. Whether it's an intricately designed kitchen, a spacious master suite, or stunning architectural details, these aspects deserve the spotlight. High-quality listing photos allow you to showcase these features in their full glory, ensuring they don't go unnoticed by prospective buyers.

Conveying ambiance and lifestyle

‍Photography isn't just about showcasing physical attributes; it's about capturing the lifestyle that comes with owning the property. A well-composed photograph of a welcoming front porch can convey a sense of community and neighborliness. A backyard with a barbecue setup can hint at fun-filled gatherings and outdoor entertaining. These subtle cues help potential buyers envision themselves not just in a house but in a home that suits their lifestyle.

The power of visualization

‍Buying a home is a significant decision, and potential buyers often need to visualize themselves living in the space before they commit. High-quality listing photos provide them with a virtual tour of your property. They allow buyers to mentally arrange furniture, decorate rooms and imagine their daily routines within the space. This power of visualization can be a turning point in their decision-making process.

Reducing uncertainty

‍Clear, well-lit photos leave no room for ambiguity. They provide potential buyers with an accurate representation of the property's layout, design, and condition. This transparency can build trust and confidence in your listing, leading to more serious inquiries from buyers who are genuinely interested in your property.

What do you need to take great real estate photos?

These tools will help you take clear, accurate and compelling real estate listing pictures:

• Camera: While a professional DSLR camera is optimal, many modern smartphones boast impressive camera capabilities. Ensure your chosen device captures high-resolution images and has adjustable settings for exposure and focus.
• Tripod.:A tripod provides stability, reducing the risk of shaky photos. It's especially helpful for achieving well-lit and sharp interior shots.
• Wide-angle lens: If using a DSLR camera, consider investing in a wide-angle lens. This lens can capture more of the room in a single frame, making interiors appear more spacious.
• Lighting equipment: Natural light is your best friend when it comes to real estate photography. However, having additional lighting equipment like softboxes or reflectors can help eliminate harsh shadows and create an inviting atmosphere.
• Editing software: Basic photo editing software, like Adobe Lightroom or even smartphone apps, can enhance your images by adjusting lighting, colors, and sharpness.

Related: How to write creative real estate listing descriptions

How do you prepare for the shoot?

Every photo shoot takes some preparation—you don’t want to show the home after a long week after the kids have tossed their dirty clothes and sports equipment on the floor. Here are some key steps:

• Declutter and clean: Prior to the photoshoot, declutter and clean each room. A tidy space not only looks better but also makes it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living there.
• Stage the property: Arrange furniture and decor in a way that showcases each room's functionality and potential. You want to create a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with buyers.
• Highlight key features: Identify your home's standout features, whether it's a cozy fireplace, a spacious kitchen island, or a luxurious bathtub. These are the elements you'll want to focus on.

Should you hire a professional real estate photographer?

While taking your own listing photos is feasible, there are instances when hiring a professional real estate photographer is worth considering.

Benefits of hiring a pro

• Expertise: Professional photographers are skilled in capturing a property's essence, utilizing angles, lighting, and composition to its advantage.
• Equipment: Pros have access to advanced cameras, lenses and lighting equipment that can create stunning images.
• Time-saving: Hiring a professional frees up your time to focus on other aspects of the selling process.

Drawbacks to hiring a pro

• Cost: Professional photography services come at a cost, which might eat into your budget.
• Scheduling: Coordinating with a photographer's schedule might introduce delays in getting your listing online.
• Limited control: While photographers aim to capture your property's best features, you might have specific preferences that they might not fully capture.

Good listing photos sell homes faster

Taking captivating real estate listing photos is an essential part of selling your home. While DIY photography is possible and can save you money, there are scenarios where professional photography can elevate your listing's appeal. 

Ultimately, the choice between DIY and professional photography depends on your budget, available time, and the overall impact you wish to make in the competitive real estate market. Either way, taking great real estate listing photos is critical — and it’ll help you sell your home faster. When you work with Orchard, not only will we take listing photos for you, but we’ll also prep your home to get it show-ready.

FAQs

Here are more answers to everything you wanted to know about real estate listing photos.

Can you take your own listing photos?

Yes, you can take your own listing photos. However, it's important to ensure that you have the right equipment, lighting, and composition skills to capture appealing images that effectively showcase the property's features.

How do I take good pictures for a listing?

To take listing photos pictures, start by decluttering and staging the space to enhance its visual appeal. Utilize natural light whenever possible and consider using a wide-angle lens to capture more of the room. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to highlight the property's unique selling points.

Why get professional listing photos?

Professional listing photos offer several advantages, since they're taken by experienced experts who understand how to showcase a property's best features, resulting in visually stunning images that attract potential buyers. Professional photos can help create a positive first impression, generate more interest in the listing, and potentially lead to quicker sales and higher offers.

How many photos should a real estate listing have?

The number of photos in a real estate listing can vary, but it's generally recommended to include a sufficient amount to provide a comprehensive view of the property. Aim for a minimum of (15  high-quality photos that capture the key rooms, exterior, and any notable features. You might have more or less photos depending on the size of the house.) It's important to strike a balance between showcasing the property and avoiding overwhelming the viewer with an excessive number of photos.