Do you ever wonder who took the real estate photos on your local listings and how a real estate photographer did it? Real estate photography is a fast-paced architectural photography genre. You could earn a consistent income as a residential real estate photographer once you’ve contacted local realtors (and obviously if you are good at it). However, it would be best if you first mastered the techniques.
This essential beginner’s guide will help you decide how to charge, find the right equipment for this architectural photography niche, and perfect your lighting and much more. So let’s get into this blog to know more!
Real Estate Photography Equipment Commercial Real Estate Photographer Require
A commercial real estate photographer needs specific equipment in addition to your interchangeable lens camera to get the real estate photos that sell (and keep realtors coming back to you for more). Begin with the items listed below:
1. A Strong Tripod
Long exposures may be required to avoid mixing light temperatures, which requires your camera to be perfectly still. A tripod (and remote shutter release) will not only help commercial real estate photographers to avoid camera shake in a single shot but also keep the camera positioning consistent across multiple shots, allowing you to stack exposures or different composite elements into one image.
2. Numerous External Flashes
Even if architectural photographers are skilled at bouncing the flash, they won’t be able to illuminate a sizable room with just one flash. Without some specialized lighting, even smaller rooms frequently have nooks and crannies that will cast shadows over them. Ensure that they have at least one additional flash (or just as an emergency backup) to assist you in specific scenarios.
3. Lighting Mounts
It would be best if architectural photographers didn’t rely on tables and other pieces of furniture to hold your flash. Bring portable light stands so you may shift them from one location to another.
Since your location for the flash placement will no longer be a factor, you will have more freedom regarding your positioning and height.
4. An Efficient Wide-Angle Lens
Real estate photography frequently involves confined shooting spaces. A wide-angle lens in small spaces will give architectural photographers a more comprehensive perspective. Aim for a 24mm or shorter focal length. Be mindful of wide-angle distortion though, and be prepared to correct it in post-processing if it happens.
Photographing A Real Estate Listing
Make sure that your architectural photographers are familiar with the specific priorities of real estate photography before you start. Consider particular lighting and angle issues, such as stated below:
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Lighting for an exterior shot
The sun’s position is more crucial than ever for outdoor real estate photos. To prevent casting harsh shadows that might detract from the architecture’s appeal, shooting from behind the building might be advisable. Many interior design photographersmay shoot at dusk with the interior lights on to create a cozier, warmer atmosphere.
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Lighting for an interior shot
The combination of light temperatures presents a hurdle when photographing interior real estate. The warm light produced by the client’s lamps and overhead lights will probably contrast negatively with the cool, natural light that enters via the windows. One alternative is to switch off all inside lights and use several flashes and long exposures to fill in the dark areas since your flash will likely blend better with the natural light.
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Proper camera height and angle
Interior design photographers should keep their camera level at or near chest height: a hot shoe bubble level will surely tell you when it’s perfectly straight. The height keeps the ratio of ceiling/floor to the actual room at an acceptable level. A perfectly level shot will minimize distortion of the vertical lines in the photo.
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Getting good exposures
The secret to producing great real estate photographs is balanced lighting. Sadly, it’s not always possible to do that in-camera. Interior design photographerscan avoid clipping either the highlights or the shadows in an image by using HDR photography.
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Diffuse artificial lighting
Diffuse flash to lessen the harsh shadows produced since flash is overly harsh when it is pointed directly at your subject at full strength. Commercial architectural photographers may dilute light by reflecting your flash off a light-colored wall or ceiling. They can shoot through a white umbrella or a soft box-style diffuser if you can’t do that.
Getting The Property Ready For Its Close-Up
Although it’s ideal for visiting the property right away and taking as-is photos, many clients dealing with a real estate photographer for the first time will need to be more familiar with the procedure. To obtain the most outstanding results, feel free to serve as both their consultant and photographer.
1.Warn Them To Declutter Ahead Of Time
A clean shot is crucial for making a home attractive in images, but sellers frequently have no idea how important this is. Before commercial architectural photographers come, request that they clear outside decorations, personal things, and general clutter. Have someone available to move any remaining clutter out of the shot and replace it as needed.
2.Do A Quick Walkthrough Before You Begin
The client may not plan to remain for the entire shoot, so ask them to walk the property beforehand. If commercial architectural photographers see any red flags, talk that over with them before they leave. There may be some things the photographers have to work around and not touch, and it’s good to know that ahead of time.
To Conclude Things
Real estate photography is a rewarding and challenging genre. You’ll need the ability to think on your feet and problem-solve to meet the demanding deadlines of your clients. Once mastered, real estate photography is a potentially lucrative and enjoyable career.
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