There are different aspects of photography. Real estate photographers take pictures of people’s real estate properties. Often, these pictures are usually used for advertising a property.
Have you been hired to take a picture of a home? We spoke to David Koonar, a respected Canadian photographer who has a lot of experience taking photos of homes for listings.
He revealed some of the things he has learned as a real estate photographer.
Hello, David Koonar. It is nice having you here. Is real estate photography harder than other types of photography?
Real estate photography is not more difficult than other photography; however, it has its perks. In the past years, I have learned some of the most important factors to be considered when shooting a real estate property, and I will be pleased to share them with you.
1. Light
The importance of lighting in real estate photography cannot be overstated. While you will be required to take pictures of the exterior, you will undoubtedly be asked to take photos of the rooms, kitchen, and sitting room.
You should have at least two portable flashes in your kit. The Canon 530 EXII should be able to give the essential light exposure.
You need to take perfect pictures. Remember that the house may have rooms that do not have sufficient sunlight or natural light. When it happens, your flash kits will come in handy.
2. Tripod Stand
Whether or not you are taking pictures of a real estate home, a tripod stand will always come in handy. Tripod will give you the right balance and exposure while taking the photos.
3. Use a lens with a wide-angle.
A camera with a lens that has a wide-angle gives you a lot of options when shooting. If you are shooting many professional pictures, then a wide-angle lens should be a part of your kit.
First, these types of lenses are quite versatile, and they will give you a sharp and always spot-on picture. There are many lenses out there; for example, the Canon 24 – 70mmm f/2.8 is perfect for taking shots.
4. Contract and Insurance
Before taking on a job, request a contract from your potential client. The deal will be binding both on you and your client, and it will state the terms upon which you will work.
Typically, a contract will have information regarding the period you will be hired for and the job you will be doing. Why is this important? Real estate photography can quickly become a lot of work.
Some house-owners will not tidy up the house, and since photography is about capturing beauty, you will have no choice but to waste precious hours tidying up and doing a bunch of other jobs that you really should not be doing.
5. Advanced Editing Techniques
Editing helps you clean your picture, giving it a clear and crisp look. Advanced editors like Adobe Photoshop are excellent, and if you know how to use them well, you will be able to enhance the beauty of the pictures you took.
If you cannot work with a photo editor, you can pay to get the images edited. Some businesses offer real estate editing services.
How can an up and coming photographer get real estate photography jobs?
If you are starting, you have a lot to prove. First, do not be too bothered about making money. You should build your portfolio. Take pictures for free.
If your friends or family members have luxurious homes, offer to take photos of their home for free and give them some soft copies when you’re done editing. Your portfolio is significant to your chances of getting a job.
Second, optimize social media, specially Instagram. Strong social media accounts that portray you as a photographer will help expose your brand, and in no time, potential clients will start knocking.
Lastly, do not be afraid to charge in line with the value you are offering. I have seen many new photographers stuck in the rat race because they do not know how to assess a client.
Photography is an expensive craft. Your camera, light, lenses, and batteries cost a ton of money; therefore, if you give the best, demand reasonable payment from clients.
