Real Estate Photography Mistakes to Avoid

Tips from professional real estate photographer

Real estate photography is a necessary part of selling a home. On the other hand, it’s also easy to make mistakes that can turn off potential buyers. As I’ve been working as a real estate photographer in Chicago since 2018, I have some tips for beginners. Here are some common real estate photography mistakes to avoid.

Don’t use a flash

One of the most common mistakes is using a flash. Why? Because it can create harsh shadows and make rooms look small and cramped. Moreover, the harsh light from a flash can create unflattering highlights, making the space look less inviting. Instead, use natural light whenever possible.

Don’t use too much light

Real estate photography is all about capturing the best possible light in a room. This means that you’ll want to be sure that you don’t use too much light in the room. As the result, it can make some overexposed areas in your photos. Instead, try to use natural light whenever possible. And if you need to use artificial light, be sure to diffuse it as much as possible. This will help you to avoid any harsh shadows or hot spots in your photos.

Be careful of glare

Glare can cause pictures to be underexposed, have parts of the picture that are too bright, or have parts of the picture that are not visible. Windows and mirrors can reflect light in a way that makes the photo appear washed out or overexposed. Also, glare can be caused by the sun, by reflections off of buildings or objects, or by artificial light. To avoid this, try to position yourself so that the light is coming from behind you, or use a diffuser to soften the light.

Avoid wide angles

What is more, you should avoid wide angles. This is one of the most important real estate photography mistakes to avoid. A wide-angle lens can make a room look larger than it actually is, which can be misleading to potential buyers. Moreover, this gives buyers false expectations. Instead, use a regular or telephoto lens to give a more accurate representation of the space.

Pay attention to composition

In real estate photography, composition is key. Make sure to frame your shots well and include any important features in the photo. It’s also important to avoid taking photos that show too much clutter or personal items. Keep in mind that potential buyers want to see the property, not your stuff. In addition, poorly composed or executed photos can turn off potential buyers, while good photos can help to sell a property more quickly.

Don’t crop too tightly

When editing your photos, resist the urge to crop them too tightly. Leave some breathing room around the edges of the photo so that potential buyers can get a sense of the entire space. Informative photos are more immersive, so don’t be afraid to show off all the room!

In conclusion, real estate photography is an essential part of marketing a property, but it can also be one of the most challenging types of photography. To get the best results, it’s important to avoid common mistakes such as underexposing the image, using a wide-angle lens, or taking photos with too much glare. When taking real estate photos, be sure to take advantage of natural light and use a tripod to keep the camera steady. In addition, be sure to edit the photos carefully to ensure that they accurately represent the property. By following these simple tips, you can avoid common mistakes and take great real estate photos that will help sell the property.