Editor’s note: This is the final of a two-part best practices series. Read part one here.
Photos and videos are grabbing everyone’s attention whether it’s on Facebook, printed marketing materials or your blog/website. There are more than enough bad MLS photos out there to last a lifetime. I asked a couple of our Inman ambassadors to offer up a few quick tips to use next time you’re out taking photos.
Nate Ellis (@in8ls), director of education and training at the Contra Costa Association of Realtors, suggests framing the shot correctly before you snap the photo.
- The iPhone has done wonders to help people frame better photos. Remember the rule of thirds. If you break the image into nine sections, how do your subjects fit in those spaces? You don’t always want them in the middle.
Example of the rule of thirds – photo credit: Lloyd Fox, owner/broker, Long Realty The FOX Group
- You want to create depth with your photos. Subjects should not be in a single-file line all the way across the frame. Putting objects between you and your subject make for more interesting pics.
Linda Aaron (@skynnard), training director/operations coordinator at Coldwell Banker Bain, offers a few more pointers.
- Use a tripod — this will allow you to take a longer exposure and give you crisp, clear photographs with available light.
- Use all of the available lighting in the home, being careful not to shoot directly at bright light coming from windows unless you are using multiple exposures or exposure adjustments. When the camera sees the bright light coming from the window, it thinks there is enough light for a proper exposure; what will actually happen is the room will be underexposed and detail will be lost.
- Wide-angle lenses are best for photographing rooms, as they will show more of the room, which will enhance the space.
What photography tips and tricks do you use? Is it cohesive with your real estate brand? Leave me a comment below!
