Are you ready to learn how we take your property photos to the next level? Today, we’re sharing our process on how we photograph your Montana real estate listings. Whether you're selling a cozy cabin in the woods or a sleek downtown condo, we're going to cover exactly what goes through our heads when we photograph your next listing
Preparing the Space:
This first step does not directly involve us, as we are not a cleaning/staging company; but it is important that the space is properly prepared. We call this “decluttering” and it is often looked at as the first step of the moving process. It helps sellers take inventory of what is important and what can be lived without. Most will hide clutter in inconspicuous places before anything else happens. It is also important to tidy and clean all surfaces to create a more inviting environment. If any staging happens, now is the time to fill the space with tasteful decor and furnishings that say “I’m home” when buyers see it. Always remember that the goal is to showcase the room in its best light; helping potential buyers envision themselves living there
Choosing the Proper Angles:
The first task we take directly is to always line up our photos in ways that will appeal to viewers the most. At the end of the day, we are here to make your property easy to market. It all starts with the photos, and angles can make all the difference when it comes to showing off a room. We start by finding the best vantage point for the angle we are shooting - a few inches in any direction really can make all the difference. We will take a variety of photos in each room, usually standing closer to a corner or a flat wall for some wide angles, then zooming in for some detailed aesthetic shots. We always experiment with different perspectives to find the best composition for your photos
Paying Attention to Lighting:
Good lighting is essential for capturing great photos. We will always take advantage of any natural light by opening curtains or blinds and allowing sunlight to flood the room, but we'll also turn on every light in the house to make sure there is plenty to work with when it comes to bringing out more details. While some may frown upon this practice because light has different "temperatures", it may be because they haven’t learned to blend the white-balance while they edit. We are all for doing as much as we can to brighten the space and create a welcoming ambiance and light in any form does just that. We also actively avoid using any flash. It wastes your time, your client’s time, and creates harsh shadows. Instead, we opt for HDR photography (which we'll discuss in depth later) that enhances the room's features and views, alike.
Focusing on Composition:
Composition is key to creating visually appealing photos that turn your listings into sales. We pay close attention to the placement of furniture and their accessories like pillows and throws, making sure beds are properly made with no wrinkles, and generally ensuring clutter is removed from countertops. We aim to highlight balanced and harmonious arrangements that draw the viewer's eye into the room. By using leading lines such as hallways or countertops to guide the viewer's gaze through the space and create a sense of flow, the entire viewing experience feels as easygoing as it is engaging. Additionally, we accentuate architectural elements such as windows or doorways to add interest and depth to the room. There is so much more that goes into it, some of which coincides with the proper angles discussed previously, also incorporating the right focal length for the shot - but we’ll keep it simple for now.
Edit with Care:
We shoot everything in a format called HDR Photography. This means we take a properly exposed photo for most of the room, an underexposed shot from which we can pull windows, and an overexposed shot so nothing is drowned in shadows. Once we are finished shooting these listing photos, it’s time to hand-blend them in photoshop. We stack them on top of each other and bring out the best of each image, ensuring properly exposed and bright images make it back to you by the next day. What we will never do is over-edit to the point of looking fake. Your buyers will be able to tell and at the end of the day, we’re here to help sell this home too. We would rather accurately represent the property than mislead someone who may have interest.
If professional real estate listing photography is something that has been on your radar to elevate your listings, we’re always happy to discuss more. Reach out for some more details about what goes into photographing a property! Hopefully we’ll be able to show you in person sometime soon.