In a buyer’s market, high-quality visuals can make all the difference in attracting buyers quickly and maximising the value of a property.
A skilled property photographer has the ability to capture the essence and unique features of a property, helping foster an immediate emotional connection with potential buyers. From angles and lighting to equipment and editing, a good property photographer knows how to present a property in a way that helps it stand out in a saturated market.
In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of hiring a property photographer, particularly for selling real estate. If you’re an estate agent, homeowner, or a developer with a property to sell, you’ll want to read on.
Why high quality property photography matters
Over 1 million people visit Rightmove every day, browsing hundreds of potential properties in a single session. With so much choice, first impressions matter. Unsurprisingly, images are one of the main factors that influence a buyer’s decision to view a home. This is why hiring a professional property photographer is crucial.
High quality property photography can immediately capture a potential buyer’s attention and allow them to visualise themselves within the space. A good property photographer will not only know how to optimise the visual appeal of each room, but also capture the unique details of the property and the lifestyle associated with it. Whether it’s the warm glow of natural light streaming through the windows or the inviting ambiance of a well-staged room, high-quality images can make a property feel like a home.
Investing in professional property photography not only increases the chances of a property attracting more interest, but also allows for higher selling prices. In fact, studies have shown that listings with professional photos sell for more money and 32% faster compared to those with amateur or low-quality images.
Benefits of hiring a professional property photographer
While anyone can pick up a camera and take pictures, there’s a distinct advantage to hiring a professional property photographer:
- Variety of experience. A good property photographer will have a wealth of experience across all kinds of property photography, including architectural and interior. These photographers can effectively spot and showcase a property’s unique architectural features, interiors, and outdoor spaces, creating a comprehensive visual representation of the property.
- Knowledge of composition and lighting. A professional property photographer understands how to frame a shot to highlight unique selling points and create a better sense of depth and dimension. They’ll also be able to capture a property’s finer features in exquisite detail. Lighting plays a huge role in portraying a sense of homeliness too. A professional property photographer can work the light to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, even on gloomy days.
- Access to equipment and other services. A professional property photographer will have access to premium equipment and tools that can produce the best quality images. They’ll also probably be able to offer additional services, such as drone photography and property videography, should you wish to supplement your images with other kinds of content.
- Editing techniques. Property photography isn’t just a case of point and shoot. Capturing the images is only half the job – editing them is where the magic happens. From colour-grading to removing imperfections, the editing process transforms ordinary images into stunning, high-quality visuals.
What makes a good property photographer?
Successful property photography is a result of careful planning and attention to detail. There are several factors that separates the good property photography from the bad:
- Composition. A well-composed image can make a property appear more spacious, inviting, and visually appealing. Professional property photographers understand the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other composition techniques to create visually balanced images.
- Lighting. Lighting can make or break a photograph, especially when it comes to interior photography. Professional photographers know how to utilise both natural light and artificial lighting to highlight a property’s best features and create a homely atmosphere. They’ll also have the knowledge and equipment to balance exposure and eliminate harsh shadows or blown-out highlights.
- Staging. A well-staged property not only looks more appealing, but also helps potential buyers envision themselves in the space. Professional photographers often work closely with stylists or home stagers to ensure that every room is presented in its best light. They understand how to arrange furniture, add decorative elements, and create a sense of lifestyle that resonates with potential buyers.
- Attention to detail. Professional property photographers pay close attention to a property’s unique features and will ensure that everything is presented in the best possible light. They aren’t afraid to get hands-on and move clutter or rearrange furniture to optimise the visual appeal of a space.
The magic of property photography is in the editing process
While lighting, composition, angles and staging are integral components of good property photography, the real magic happens during the editing process. The editing process takes images to the next level, creating maximum impact with an ultra-professional finish. Here are some of the typical editing techniques a good property photographer will use:
- Color correction. A good property photographer will adjust the colours of their images to ensure they’re warm, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing. They will tweak the white balance, saturation, and contrast to create a vibrant image that matches the true beauty of a property.
- Image retouching. To correct any imperfections or remove distractions, a property photographer may use image retouching techniques. This could be a stain on a surface, or a bin in an exterior shot. Image retouching also allows for the digital enhancement of certain features of a property to ensure they stand out.
- HDR imaging. High Dynamic Range (HDR) imaging is a technique used by property photographers to create a well-balanced, high definition image. This technique involves taking multiple shots of the same scene at different exposure levels, combining the image to bring out the details in both the shadows and highlights.
How property photography can increase sales and viewings
With the majority of buyers searching online for properties, professional property photography is a must for estate agents. The latest statistics show that 70% of buyers consider professional photography an important factor when searching for a new home. Here are some of the reasons why hiring a property photographer can help increase sales and viewings:
- Attracting potential buyers. Professional property photos are the first point of contact for professional cameras. Low quality imagery is potentially worse for a property than no images at all (remember – first impressions count!). Stunning visuals can immediately capture the attention of a potential buyer, making them more likely to click on the listing and book a viewing. A good property photographer understands how to showcase a property’s unique features to establish an immediate emotional connection and attract more attention.
- Creating a great first impression. Professional property photography not only helps create a great first impression of a home, but of the agency marketing it. It shows a commitment to high quality, and will impact not only potential buyers, but homeowners who are considering marketing their property with you.
- Generating more enquiries and viewings. High quality property photography increases the chances of making a great first impression, encouraging a higher number of viewings and enquiries.
- Increasing the value of a home. Property listings with professional images tend to garner more interest, boosting their perceived value among buyers.
How to choose the right property photographer
When it comes to choosing the right property photographer for your estate agency, there are a few things to consider:
- Locality. When choosing a property photographer for your estate agency, you should consider their location, and how far they are willing to travel for a job. Choosing a property photographer near you is a great way to ensure they understand the area and the unique benefits of a property’s location.
- Scalability. If you tend to market a lot of properties, it’s worth choosing a property photographer, or property photography studio that will be able to handle a higher capacity of projects each week.
- Lead times. The property market is fast moving. You’ll want to choose a property photographer with a quick turnaround, preferably 3 days or fewer between briefing and delivery of the images.
- Quality and equipment. Consider the equipment your property photographer uses. You may want to get drone shots of a property, get a cinematic video, or film a guided house tour. These added extras will require more equipment, like microphones, gimbals, drones, and good quality image stabilisation gear.
Why GuestHouse Media is the perfect match for estate agents
At GuestHouse Media, we work closely with local estate agents to deliver high quality property photography in 3 days or less. We work with clients across Cheshire and Manchester, filming luxury properties in exquisite detail. We use the highest quality equipment and offer additional content services like cinematic videography, branded videos, drone footage, and social media content.
To learn more about our property photography services, visit our website, or get in touch with our team to enquire about our prices.
