5 Tips for Better Real Estate Photos

A picture is worth a thousand words. We all have heard that saying haven't we? It's very true. Whether it's on a menu, a book cover or on a billboard, pictures convey information far more quickly and easily than words. When a potential buyer is scrolling through your listings, do they check out the best looking photos first?

An ideal way to showcase your listing is to hire a professional photographer. A professional knows how to use light to their advantage. They understand depth of field, perspective and how to frame a photo properly among many other things that are involved with making a great photo (as always, be sure to look at a photographer's portfolio to ensure their style will best represent what you want to achieve).

But sometimes you don't have the time or the budget to hire a professional. You might already be at the property, you have an in-phone camera and you might only have one opportunity to get the photos you need for your listing. Here are a few simple steps you can take to turn a so-so photo into something that will help market your listing.

1. Less is more

If you can, ensure the property is de-cluttered. Clean counters, properly made-up beds and toys put away will do wonders for how a place will show for prospective buyers.

2. Show the space in the best light

Literally. Open all the blinds and shades and turn on all the lights, people want to see what's there.

3. Use angles and perspective

Make sure your photos are straight and level. Take the extra few seconds to frame your photo properly. Also show the space in the most flattering way for your customer. Highlight those special features like closets or huge windows or custom woodworking. Use the widest angle you can to show the most of the space. It makes the space look bigger too.

4. Try not to have blurry photos

A simple trick for decreasing blur with a phone is to lean against a wall to stabilize the camera. Or rest the camera on a counter. The solid base will help prevent blur, especially in low light conditions.

5. It's a digital world

Take a hundred photos instead of ten, it costs you nothing except some extra time. Having more than you need lets you choose the best photo for a listing instead of needing to use the only picture you have. You can also use those extra photos for updating a listing or to show extra detail if you get asked for it.

There are many more tips and tricks to make your photos better. For example; you can cram yourself into a corner so you can show the most of any space. If you have an ugly feature, focus on something in the foreground so that feature is blurred out and less noticeable. Use a step stool for high angle photos to contrast with counter-top shots, just to name a few.

By using any or all of these suggestions your photos will help sell your listing.

To view the original article, visit the Lone Wolf blog.