Author: Claire Wright

The Benefits of Partnering with a Real Estate Photography Company for Real Estate Marketing

Real estate is a tough industry to compete in. Everyone is competitive and racing against time to sell more properties. If you’re in that business, you need to invest in marketing to ensure that your properties sell faster and you book more clients. This is one of your best bets in order to stand out from the competition.

One of the best marketing strategies that you can implement for your business is to partner with a professional real estate photography company. This could mean a little investment on your part, but this will be worth it in the long run.

Here are the benefits of hiring a professional company:

1. Faster turnaround time. In real estate, time is money. Getting the listings out quicker is always important. This could mean selling the property right away when you can. When you’re hiring a real estate photography company to take the pictures, you can get the final output in as early as 24 hours or earlier. They have a whole team who will work on your photos so you can get them faster. This ensures that you can post the photos for listings right away. For some photographers, turnaround time might be more than two days, especially when they are working on their own.

2. Staged photography. The great thing about working with a real estate photography company is that they have professional photographers who will go on location with you. These photographers are experienced in the industry and know how to create the best atmosphere and setup when it comes to achieving the best real estate photos. Having a photographer who knows how to stage the interior and even do minor arrangement works wonders. Doing so ensures that the resulting photos will be of quality and that the property is seen in the best light.

3. Proper post-production. Aside from just staging the interiors, doing post-production is important to real estate photography. Often the best photos come from doing the right edits. When executed properly, this can make or break the photos. With a good photographer, the edits are fewer. However, there will be little post-production necessary like straightening the lines and ensuring that the colors are accurate. Professional retouchers will know this, especially those who have been working in real estate.

4. Get the best quality photos. With the proper staging and post-production, you can get the best quality photos for your listings. Hiring a real estate photography company means that you will be provided with the highest quality of photos for listings and other marketing collaterals. These companies are professionals with years of experience in the real estate industry. They know the requirements needed by those in the business in order to sell, which is amazing photos.

5. Generate more leads. When you’re real estate photography company provides you with amazing photos, you are able to generate more leads. Most of the potential home buyers look at the photos first before calling the agent for a meeting. This is what potential buyers will look at especially when checking out different properties online. When you have the best photos, most often than not, you’ll get the most calls and inquiries.

Author:
Claire Wright, a savvy tech nerd and self-taught photographer who lives in Seattle and working at one of the best real estate photography companies called HD Estates.

March 8, 2019
How to Spot an Amateur Real Estate Photographer in 6 Easy Ways

Real estate photography can be a lucrative business especially if you get booked by a lot of real estate brokers. Because of this, there can be a ton of photographers who are also offering the same services in one area. The challenge for many homeowners and real estate brokers is finding a professional photographer who can deliver quality images.

To set apart amateur photographers from real ones, here are some of the quick giveaways that you need to keep an eye on.

Once you spot one or two of these errors in the final output, then you’ve hired an amateur photographer.

1. Weak perspectives.

Composition is key in photography, no matter what the industry is. An amateur photographer will have weak perspectives and composing strategies. When shooting real estate, this often results in incorrect horizontals or converging verticals. Inexperienced photographers will not see this issue in the final photo. The goal of real estate photography is to have pleasing photos of the property in order to sell it fast. When horizontals are misaligned, the space looks crooked. In addition to that, a photo should have one or two strong points where the lines converge on a disappearing point.

2. Over-processed HDR.

HDR photography is a mainstay in real estate photography. Often, this is used as a creative take in a space. But when done inappropriately, this can look over-the-top and overprocessed. An HDR photo with a bad tone map can be caused by invalid settings during post-production. This can happen when the photographer only took ambient photos of the space without taking photos with flash or photos that are well-lit. Before combining photos for HDR, each of the photos must also be edited properly for color balance.

3. Flash hotspots.

This can be an issue when using flashes for interior photos. Flash spots can occur when the flash is directed to one area and is not diffused properly. This can also happen when you’re using on-camera flash. This is not aesthetically pleasing especially when posted on listings. Amateur real estate photographers sometimes point their flashes straightforward without diffusion. This can create harsh hotspots on surfaces. Just using an umbrella or bouncing light off the ceiling can create a more diffused light that’s great for photos.

4. Harsh shadows.

In real estate, a photographer must work well with light. This is important in order to achieve the most amazing and well-lit photos. When shooting the interior, shadows can be a problem. If you see final photos with harsh shadows, then you’ve found an amateur photographer. You can find these shadows on walls and at the back of fixtures or furniture pieces. This is a no-no when it comes to real estate, especially when home buyers prefer homes that are well-lit. Harsh shadows can often make the property look dirty or stained.

5. Incorrect white balance.

No matter what you’re shooting, the right white balance can make or break your image. White balancing ensures that there is no cast of unrealistic color on the image so white objects does appear white. This is something that needs to be done especially when shooting interiors since there will be different light sources with different temperatures. This could mess up the output if not corrected during post-process. Amateur photographers often present photos that do not show the accurate colors of the space. Final output should have the right colors as this is an accurate representation of the property.

6. Lens distortion.

Wide-angle lenses are often the most used gear in real estate photography. This makes it easy to capture the entire home, especially when shooting large rooms. However, you can get lens distortion when using ultra-wide lenses. This is because they have a wide field of view that lines tend to bow outward or away from the center. A professional and experienced photographer will easily spot the distortion and have it corrected during post-processing.

References:
http://blog.phixer.net/amateur-real-estate-photographer/
https://expertphotography.com/5-levels-amateur-photographer-which-group-are-you-in/
https://digital-photography-school.com/find-fulfillment-amateur-photographer/
http://www.milliondollarphotographer.com/19-signs-you-are-treating.html
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-most-obvious-signs-of-an-amateur-photograph

Author:
Claire Wright, a savvy tech nerd and self-taught photographer who lives in Seattle and working at one of the best real estate photography companies called HD Estates.

March 8, 2019
Things to Consider in Hiring a Pro Real Estate Photographer

Being in the real estate industry can be challenging. The industry can be tough and competitive. There are quotas to reach and sales to make. Time is always of the essence and first impressions are essential.

If you’re a broker or running a real estate business, you know for a fact that pictures are your best allies. These can help you create a good impression or just help you in selling properties fast. To achieve this, you need to invest in the services of a professional real estate photographer.

Here are factors that you need to consider when looking for a photographer to help you in your real estate business:

• Experience. Look for someone who is familiar with real estate. Although different photography works are similar on most levels, there are certain things that an experienced real estate photographer knows. This includes shooting interiors and capturing the best photographs of a commercial or residential space. There are also certain editing and photography techniques that only experienced real estate photographers are familiar. With this knowledge in the industry, they are also able to deliver the kind of images that clients and buyers actually want. You’ll save more time when you hire an experienced photographer.

• Portfolio. You don’t want to miss asking for a solid portfolio from any photographer. Ask for portfolios from potential candidates to make sure that they can walk their talk. This allows you to check their work and ensure that they can produce the kind of images that you are looking for. Look for a photographer whose style matches with your business and the kind of clients that you take. A portfolio can tell you a lot about a photographer’s skills and what to expect from them. It can also help filter choices according to you project’s needs.

• Film-making skills. Make sure that you hire someone who can be flexible in doing stills and videos, especially if both are things that you need in the business. Both are usually needed in order to make listings stand out from the rest. A real estate photographer who can bounce between the two will help you in drawing in more viewers and more clients. This should be something that you need to ask upfront. This skill can cost you more but it’ll be worth it down the road.

• Pricing. This is a consideration that you wouldn’t want to miss. You wouldn’t want to spend money on work that’s subpar. Most often, than not, the cheapest photographer cannot provide you with the type of quality that you need. Do not always go for the lowest price that you get. Make sure that you invest and pay for what the image is worth. It is often the service and the output that you’re paying for when hiring a photographer. Ensure that the price is fair for both your business and the photographer.

• Turnaround time. A fast turnaround time will help you achieve your goals. Since the real estate industry is fast-paced, you need to look for a photographer who can deliver the finished photos in a timely manner. This makes sure that you can quickly post your listings and make a sale right away. A 24- to 48-hour turnaround time is usually the standard when it comes to real estate photos. Make sure that your photographer can provide you with quality photos at this set time or even earlier.

• Professionalism. Of course, you’d want to work with a professional photographer who delivers. You have to remember that the output is an extension of your name and brand. Hire a photographer who shows up on time during photo shoots and conducts themselves professionally in front of clients. Your photographer also needs to understand your business and make sure that he/she communicates this through photography. A professional photographer can be a dream to work with and this prevents any issues that you may encounter in the future.

March 8, 2019
Real Estate Tips and Tricks: How to Capture a Beautiful Shot Using Your Android Phone

Smartphone photography is becoming predominant no matter what field you are in. These pocket devices are now packed with great features that allow anyone to become photographers even without spending on expensive gears. Smartphones are now powerful enough to take amazing photos. These can even be used in real estate photography.

The real estate industry is big on photography. Photos and videos are used for sales and marketing. If you’re in real estate and you want to sell properties effectively, you need to have great photos on your listings. Instead of investing in expensive photography gear or paying someone else for photos, you can use your own smartphone to take photos. You just need to know the tips and tricks to hack your Android phone for real estate photography.

Basics of photography

Make sure that you are familiar with the basic photography first. This will be your guide to taking strong images for real estate. No matter what kind of gear you’re using, the rules of photography are pretty much the same.

Here are some basics that you need to be familiar with when shooting with a mobile phone:

Lighting. No matter what your subject is when you’re shooting, it’s best to shoot with a good lighting situation. This can be especially beneficial when you’re shooting an interior in a project. Make sure that you shoot when there is light so you wouldn’t have to go through the pains of editing the photo. Shoot in the early morning or late afternoon when the natural light is diffused and soft. If you’re taking a photo of a room, ensure that the blinds and curtains are open and all the lights are turned on.

Strong subject. You need to make sure that your subject or main focus stands out in the photo. It needs to be the most pronounced in your image. Viewers should be able to tell what your subject is. In case of real estate images, capture as much as you can of the room.

Composition. How you compose your image will make or break you. Knowing the basic composition techniques will help you up your game and improve your overall photography. No matter what gear you’re using, if you don’t know how to compose your photo, then you wouldn’t get the results that you want. The most common technique is the rule of thirds. This is where you will divide the frame into nine rectangles and place the most important element along where the lines intersect. Putting your subject off center will create a more interesting composition. Other composition strategies are symmetry, leading lines, frame within a frame, and diagonals and triangles among many others. With composition, you have to train your eye to look at the scene from a different perspective and find out what makes it interesting.

Apps for real estate photography

If you’re shooting with an Android phone, there are a few apps that can help you up your game and improve your photos. Just having a few reliable apps under your sleeves can help you in taking better images and help you in editing your photos afterward.

1. Snapseed. This software is made by Google’s subsidiary. Snapseed can be a great starter editing app for those who are new to photography and post-processing. Its user interface is simple. It has the basic editing features, such as rotate, crop, brush, white balance, rotate, text, select, transform, and curve. You can easily make adjustments and edit your photo to make it look even better.

2. Diptic. When you need to create collages for a listing, you can use Diptic. This app has an easy-to-use design so you can quickly create a collage of the photos you’ve taken. It has 179 different layouts and filters that you can use in editing your work. Just select the layout that you prefer and add the photographs that you want to use. You can use Diptic collages in creating before and after images of a property or make a collage for a presentation.

3. 360 Panorama. This app is a favorite among many smartphone photographers. It provides you with creative features to create more interesting photos. You can use the app in photographing panoramic sceneries. Apply this in real estate by capturing the exterior of the property to show the curb appeal. You can also use this app to capture the entire room.

4. LightTrac. Because lighting is essential in real estate photography, you need to know where the sun is when you’re out for a shoot. This app is helpful when you need to take outdoor photos. To use the app, just put your location information and the app will calculate the position of the sun based on your location. LightTrac will also give you information regarding the moonrise, sunrise, and sunset.

Tips for using a smartphone

Once you know the basics of photography and have downloaded the needed apps in improving your images, make sure that you keep practicing to improve your photos.

Here are other tips that you could use when photographing with your Android phone:

a) Take multiple images. Even professional photographers don’t get the best image with their first shot. Take multiple photos of your intended subject and never settle for the first photo. You might get the best photo on your fourth try.

b) Try various angles. Whatever you’re photographing, experiment with different angles to find one that’s most appealing. If you’re shooting a room, try shooting from all four corners with a high angle.

c) Edit your work. The above-mentioned apps will help you in editing your work. Apply filters and editing features effectively to create better images. However, it’s best to not over-edit. Make sure that everything still looks realistic instead of over-processed.

March 8, 2019
How to Buy and Save Money on Your First Home Plus Top 12 Good Read Articles
Buying a home is one of your biggest financial decisions as an adult. This is probably among the major decisions that anyone can make no matter what your status is. If this will be your first home, you need to be smart about it and make sure that doing so won’t burn a hole in your pocket. There will be quite a lot of considerations that you have to take, as well

Find a suitable location.

Your location is an important factor that you need to choose before you finally purchase a home. Your location will affect the price of the home. Properties in big cities like Los Angeles and New York are pretty pricey. But when you go a few minutes out of the city, you can find more affordable homes. Just keep in mind that each location has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In addition to that, you need to find one where you can see yourself living for a long time. Do you want to live near your workplace? Are you looking for a house that’s close to a good school district? You need to think hard about this as you’d want to live and keep the home for not less than seven years at least. You’ll be spending thousands of dollars on a home and getting out of it will be just as costly.

Set a budget.

Find out how much you are able to afford. Make sure that you know the price range of the homes in your location of choice. This will vary depending on the size of the house and the type of property. Check with different property listings online so you are able to have a glimpse of the cost of different homes. Setting a budget for your home will also guide you on what you can and cannot afford. You have to be realistic about your budget and your income. You wouldn’t want to put all your money in your home. Make sure that you set a reasonable amount for a house that you’ll live in a good number of years.

Save for a downpayment and boost your credit score.

Once you’ve identified how much you’re able to afford, work your way into saving for down payment and improving your credit score. Many younger buyers are often plagued with credit score problems. Make sure that you boost your credit ratings while you are saving for a big down payment on your dream home. Your score will affect your mortgage. A bigger credit score will ensure that you get the best interest rates, as well. Set aside enough money for your home’s down payment. Ensuring that you can provide at least 20% of the home price as down payment will also give you better mortgage terms.

Shop for a loan.

Take the time to look around for a good home loan. You need to check the different financing options that are available to you as a first-time buyer. Check rates from different lenders so you can get the best rates. Look for the best loan type with the best payment options. Most home buyers go for the typical 30-year loan. But, there are different mortgages that you can check if you want to pay off the house faster and save on interest.

Negotiate.

Negotiation can make a difference when you’re buying a home for the first time. Being comfortable and good at negotiations will help you save big on this major purchase. Your goal is to agree with a seller on a good price. Make sure that you don’t offer a really low price as this can offend the seller. Another option is to ask your lender to cover the closing fees of your purchase so you can save a couple of hundred dollars.

Top 12 Good Read Articles to Read Before Buying Your First Home:

In random order:
1. 5 Steps to Buying a Home That Won’t Bust Your Budget by Dave Ramsey | Post Link
2. 8 Financial Tips for Buying Your First Home by Kumiko | Post Link
3. How Much Should I Save For a Down Payment? by Brian O’Connell | Post Link
4. How to Buy a House with Bad Credit in 6 Steps by thelendersnetwork.com | Post Link
5. Home Loan Tips for First-Time Home Buyers by creditrepair.com | Post Link
6. Negotiations You Might Have to Make When Buying a House by Courtney Price Davis | Post Link
7. 10 Negotiation tips for buyers by Glenn and Ben Gohlke | Post Link
8. Tips for First-Time Home Buyers Nerdwallet| Post Link
9. First-time Homebuyer Trend for 2018: Advice for Savvy Families by hometrek.org | Post Link
10. Top 10 Things First-Time Home Buyers Should Know in 2018 by Brandon Cornett | Post Link
11. 25 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers by Emily Starbuck Crone | Post Link
12. How To Buy Your First Home: A No Nonsense Step-by-Step Guide by Jon Gorey | Post Link
March 8, 2019
What is the Best Lens to Use for Real Estate Photography?

When it comes to real estate photography, having the right gears make a huge difference in the quality of output that you deliver. The right camera and the right lenses, along with other accessories, are necessary tools to help you get started in the industry. Altogether, they create the perfect image with the quality that your clients would want.

Of course, post-processing is a different story. But, having the right tools will allow you to venture into this industry.

Cover the bases

Make sure that you got the bases covered. You can start off with real estate photography even at the lowest possible cost. Get an affordable DSLR or mirrorless camera that allows you to change lenses and manually control settings. Don’t ever toy around with the idea of using a point-and-shoot camera. This is your primary gear and you need to invest a little bit on a good performing camera body.

Aside from the camera, you would need at least one flash. Lighting is of utmost importance in real estate photography. Dark interiors are usually the main concerns for real estate photo shoots. You cannot afford not having a flash when doing interior shots. Eventually, you might need more flashes and even continuous light sources especially when you’re dealing with bigger spaces.

A sturdy tripod will be your best friend during your photo shoots. Make sure that it is able to carry the weight of your camera body, lens, and flash. Those with bubble levels will even be more useful to you as you try to level and adjust every shot that you take.

Best lenses for real estate photography

Another gear that you need to invest in is your lens. The best optics often deliver the best images. This is what you need in order to get satisfied clients. Although you can work with just one camera lens, it would be best to have different lenses depending on the location of your shoot.

Here are some of the lenses that you will need when starting out in real estate photography:

• Kit lens. Most DSLRs come with a kit lens when purchased. Although this is not wide enough for interiors, you can use this in shooting exteriors. This can be a handy extra lens whenever you need to shoot some details on a property or in an interior.

• Wide-angle lens. The wide-angle lens that you’ll need will depend on the kind of camera body that you have. Make sure that you know your camera well enough. If you have a cropped camera body, then Nikon’s 12-24mm or Canon’s 10-22mm will do the trick. Tamron’s 10-24mm and Tokina’s 12-28mm are also great options if you are on a budget. For those with full-frame bodies, the Nikon 16-35mm and the Canon 16-35mm lenses are great options. Other alternatives are the Tokina 17-35mm and Tamron’s 15-30mm lenses.If you have a mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm lens and the Olympus 7-14mm work. An inexpensive option is the Rokinon 12mm lens. It’s best to keep in mind though that you don’t have to go super wide. This can also affect the image and you might end up with distorted photos. Your foreground will unrealistically dominate your image and your background might disappear in a distance. It still boils down to taste and how realistic the image looks like.

• Tilt-shift lens. This special lens can be an exciting gear to play around with. It creates a different miniature look to your subjects. The tilt-shift lens can be used in different types of photography. You can use it for portraits, wedding, and cityscapes. For real estate photography, you can use a tilt-shift lens for creating creative compositions. This also keeps verticals straight, which is very important in real estate photography. This can be done in properties with tall ceilings or when you’re photographing the exterior of a home. Canon and Nikon have their respective tilt-shift lenses. Canon has the 17mm and the 24mm tilt-shift lenses while Nikon has the 19mm and 24mm lenses. An inexpensive alternative is Rokinon’s 24mm tilt-shift lens.

Once you have all the necessary tools in starting real estate photography, the next challenge would be mastering all of your equipment. It will definitely take a lot of practice and experiment in order to get used to this industry. But, it’s going to be worth it once you achieve the results that you want.

March 8, 2019