Photography comes from Greek, with ‘photos’ meaning light and ‘grapho’ meaning to write or paint with light. Since photography is all about capturing images using light through a camera, it’s really important in real estate, especially when you’re trying to sell a home.
With high-quality photos, the best features of a house for sale will look appealing to potential buyers. Unfortunately, there are still many real estate agents and homeowners who aren’t great at using cameras to take high-quality property photos. To solve this problem, affordable product photography services are now widely available, making it easier and more budget-friendly to get professional-looking images.
Remember, if you take bad photos of the house you’re trying to sell, don’t expect buyers to be interested—and the house probably won’t sell quickly.
That’s why many real estate agents bring in professional photographers to make property photos look more appealing and high-quality.
But what are the biggest mistakes people make when taking pictures of homes, even with pricey lenses?
Here are some common mistakes that pro real estate photographers often notice in property photos on real estate websites.
1. Poor Lighting Conditions
Lighting can make or break a photo. Too much light can wash out a room, while too little light can make it look dark and blurry. A lot of beginners don’t use lighting properly when taking pictures.
Most landscape photographers shoot during the day, especially in the morning or evening, when the natural light looks best. Good lighting helps draw attention to the features you want to highlight, making the space look more appealing.
2. Ignoring Clutter
Professional photographers can’t stand a messy home. If a room is cluttered, the photos will look cramped and unappealing, even if the space is actually big and nice. Cables, accessories, and other small items can get in the way and make it hard to get a good angle, so they should be moved out of sight to keep the photos looking clean.
Usually, before a photo shoot, the photographer will ask the homeowner to tidy up both the inside and outside of the house. This helps the photos turn out better and draws buyers’ attention to important features like the room design, hardwood floors, or big windows with great views.
3. Using Low-Resolution Images
Image quality matters a lot in real estate photography. If you upload low-resolution photos, they’ll look blurry and won’t accurately show what the house really looks like. In fact, the home might even seem less appealing than it does in person. High-quality photos let potential buyers see all the details clearly, from the kitchen countertops to the type of flooring.
4. Bad Angles and Composition
The angle and composition of a photo have a big impact on how a room looks. A common mistake is taking pictures from a spot that’s too cramped or from the wrong angle, which can make the room look awkward or leave out important details.
It’s better to take photos from an angle that shows as much of the room as possible, like from behind a doorway. Avoid shooting straight-on at objects, since that can make the image look off-balance. If you have one, use a tripod to keep your shots steady and professional. Good composition makes your photos look more appealing.
5. Ignoring Editing and Retouching
Most people think photos will look perfect straight out of the camera, but editing and retouching are essential. If skipped, photos might end up looking dull or unremarkable. Simple adjustments like increasing brightness, contrast, and sharpness can make a big difference and give photos a polished, professional feel.
Retouching also helps straighten crooked lines, eliminate distracting shadows, and adjust colors in real estate photography. The end result is a clear, accurate image that presents the property in the best possible light.
Conclusion
Professional real estate photography helps properties sell faster and for a better price. Many affordable services can handle everything from staging to editing. High-quality photos quickly attract buyers and make a strong first impression. Investing in great photography is one of the best ways to get a listing noticed.