Here, I’m sharing tips straight from my 7+ years of experience in real estate photography and videography. Whether you’re a realtor or a budding photographer, I hope these insights help you improve your skills. Good luck on your journey! :)
Real Estate Photography Tips: Two Key Areas
1. Pre-planning
2. Equipment
Pre-planning!
Pre-planning is crucial. If your photoshoot isn’t well-prepared, fixing issues later can be a real headache. Here’s why and how to plan effectively.
Always start by asking your client the right questions to gather all the essential details. Even if it’s a rush order, take a few minutes to ask these key questions:
How big is the property (house, backyard, front yard)?
Are there additional structures to photograph (barns, garages, guest houses)?
Will you need to shoot video or aerial (drone) footage?
What’s the property’s location?
These questions will give you a clear idea of what to expect, how much time you’ll need, and which equipment to bring. For drone work, check airspace restrictions using apps and ensure your batteries are fully charged (always carry spares!).
Another crucial detail is the house’s orientation and its surroundings. Why? Because sunlight makes a big difference. Whenever possible, capture the house’s “face” (main entrance) with natural sunlight. A well-lit main exterior shot can make a huge impact on potential buyers.
If sunlight on the front isn’t an option (e.g., north-facing houses or cloudy Portland days), use what’s available. For instance, if the back of the house gets better light in the evening, plan to shoot interiors and front exteriors earlier, saving the well-lit back for last.
Equipment!
Let’s talk gear! I won’t recommend specific brands since there’s a wide range of great options, but I’ll share what I use and general requirements for high-quality real estate photography.
1. High-Quality Camera
A full-frame camera is ideal. It should support multi-exposure shooting (5 to 7 exposures) for blending images later in Lightroom or Photoshop. This is especially important for interiors with mixed lighting.
I personally use:
Canon 5D Mark IV (primary)
Canon 5D Mark II (backup)
2. Wide-Angle Lens
Wide-angle lenses are essential but avoid extreme wide angles (like fisheye or 12mm) that distort lines. Stick to around 15-16mm for straight, clean lines.
My go-to:
Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM (and planning to upgrade to the III version).
3. Tripod
A sturdy tripod with a fluid head is a must for stable shots and straight lines. Look for one with leveling features.
I use:
4. Gimbal (Stabilizer) for Videography
For smooth walk-through videos, a stabilizer is essential.
My pick:
DJI RS2 (worth the investment!).
5. Drone
A drone is great for aerial shots.
I use:
It works well with my phone, but a smart controller is a handy upgrade if your budget allows.
For more hands-on guidance, check out our photography classes, where you’ll learn the practical skills needed to succeed in real estate photography and videography.
You can see the full list of my photography and videography gear, including lighting tools and accessories, in a separate post.
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