As a real estate agent or property owner, the first impression potential buyers or renters have of a property comes from photographs. High-quality photos that capture the property’s best aspects can make a huge difference in how quickly it sells or rents.
While professional photography is always an option, it can be expensive. Fortunately, taking great real estate photos is possible using just your smartphone. This blog post will explore tips and tricks for taking beautiful real estate photos with your phone.
Pre-Shooting Preparation
Before you start taking photos, there are a few things you should do to prepare the property and ensure that you capture the best possible shots.
Understanding the Client’s Needs
The first step is to understand your client’s needs. What are they looking for in a property, and what aspects of the property are most important to them? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you identify the property’s key features and ensure that you capture them in your photos.
Cleaning and Staging the Property
The property should be clean and free of clutter. If necessary, you may want to stage the property to highlight its best features. Remove any personal items, and rearrange furniture if needed.
Lighting Considerations
Good lighting is crucial for taking high-quality real estate photos. Make sure all the lights in the property are working, and consider opening curtains or blinds to let in natural light. Avoid using your phone’s flash, as this can create harsh shadows and reflections.
Tips for Capturing High-Quality Real Estate Photos
Source: Pexels
Now that you’ve prepared the property, it’s time to take photos. Here are some tips for capturing high-quality real estate photos with your phone.
1. Choosing the Right Time of Day
The right time of day can make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times for capturing natural light. Avoid taking pictures in the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky, as this can create harsh shadows.
2. Using the Right Camera App
The camera app with your phone may not be the best option for real estate photography. Consider downloading a third-party camera app with more advanced features, such as manual focus and exposure control.
3. Framing and Composition
Framing and composition are essential for creating visually appealing real estate photos. Consider using the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition. This involves dividing the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically and placing key elements at the intersections.
4. Taking Multiple Shots
Take multiple shots of each room or area from different angles. This can help you find the best shot and ensure that you have a variety of photos to choose from.
5. Utilizing HDR Mode
HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode can help you capture more detail in the photo’s bright and dark areas. This can be particularly helpful in rooms with large windows or areas with bright lighting.
6. Adjusting Exposure and Focus
Experiment with the exposure and focus settings on finding the best balance for each shot. Adjusting the exposure can help you avoid overexposed or underexposed areas, while a manual guide can help you ensure that the key elements of the shot are in focus.
Post-Shooting Editing
Source: Unsplash
Once you’ve taken your photos, it’s time to edit them to create a polished and professional look.
Choosing The Right Editing App
Many editing apps are available, but not all are created equal. Look for an app that offers advanced editing features, such as background remover, color adjustments, and straightening tools, to help you create a polished and professional look.
Consider your skill level and how user-friendly the app is. Be sure to choose an app that you are comfortable using and offers the features you need to create the look you want.
Adjusting Brightness, Contrast, and Saturation
The first step in editing your photos is adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation. These settings help you create a balanced and visually appealing image. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much editing can make the photo look unnatural.
Straightening And Cropping
Straightening and cropping can help you create a more visually appealing composition. Use the crop tool to remove any unwanted elements from the frame, and adjust the angle to ensure that the photo is level.
Removing Unwanted Objects And Blemishes
Finally, remove any unwanted objects or blemishes from the photo. Use the healing tool to remove scratches, stains, or other imperfections. If there are objects in the photo that you want to remove, consider using the clone tool to replace them with a similar background.
Key Takeaways
Taking high-quality real estate photos with your phone is easier than you may think. By following these tips and tricks, you can create professional-looking images highlighting the property’s best features. Remember to prepare the property, choose the right time of day, and use the right camera app. With a bit of practice, you’ll be taking beautiful real estate photos in no time!
