Professional Home Photographers

Next in our series is some information that many people never consider...hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of your home.

Depending on your property and the market, consider hiring a professional real-estate photographer. Capturing the details of a home or property is only one facet of what a professional achieves. In addition to a “professional eye” a real-estate photographer will often bring specific camera equipment, lighting and digital photographic software. Professional portrait or landscape photographers also can do the job, but may have varied experience in getting the shots that compare with the real-estate photography that you will be up against, so check the results carefully before paying money to a photographer who might not be as experienced in the areas that you require.

The goal is to enable your home to show in photographs with a realism that draws people in and makes them want to view it in person. Getting the details of the front of the home, the darks and lights in the landscaping and eaves as well as the brights of the lawn and siding can be a tricky thing, and depicting the light and feel of the inside of the home is often beyond the scope of photographers who lack training.

There are ethics involved in real-estate photography. Representing your home in photographs is a balance of revealing the beauty and details, along with a realism that shows the property in a true light. Photographs that misrepresent the home lead to disappointment in the viewing stage, and ultimately can undermine the trust needed to work through the sales transaction. Be sure that the photographs truly show your home, and not some fantasy version with lighting or sense of scope that is vastly different than what will be seen in a walk-through.

There are some photos that you should leave out, as well. For example, is a half-bath worth bumping the picture of the delightful, custom garden shed or the view from the amazing deck? Leave the lesser bathrooms for the walkthrough and spend the valuable shot on something that is unique to your property. Not every bedroom requires a photograph, and basements, garages and storage areas are good bonus features for a walk-through. If appliances, art, or other elements are not being sold with the home, avoid putting them in photographs, or minimize their focus.

Ask your real-estate agent about professional real-estate photographers in your area and about their experience with using professional photography in listings. Many report higher sales prices and quicker sales, offsetting the cost of the investment. And, for those who want, you will have these professional photographs as memories you can keep for future generations.