“What a dream home!” – this is the reaction every realtor wishes for from potential buyers upon seeing a listing. Achieving this is possible with the right presentation of the property. Perhaps the most important criterion is professional real estate photographs, as they immediately signal to prospects that a professional is at work. This can significantly influence the purchasing decision and thereby boost your sales success.
“Is it worth it for realtors to hire a professional real estate photographer?” For real estate agents, hiring a professional real estate photographer is worthwhile because it can boost sales success. High-quality photos of properties lead to quicker and higher-priced sales compared to amateur photos.
A professional doesn’t simply take high-quality photos of your property – they know how to showcase it skillfully. To achieve the best results, you should rely on a photographer who truly understands their craft. To help you make your decision easier, this guide provides helpful insights and tips for selecting the perfect real estate photographer.
- Why is a real estate photographer so important for the success of realtors?
- What qualities make a good real estate photographer?
- What qualities make a good real estate photographer?
- How do I find real estate photographers near me?
- Which criteria should I prioritize when choosing a real estate photographer?
- How do I recognize a good real estate photography portfolio?
- What mistakes should I avoid when choosing a real estate photographer?
- What is the cost of a professional real estate photographer – and is the investment worthwhile?
- Can I take real estate photos myself – and when is it not worthwhile?
- What trends are there in real estate photography?
Why is a real estate photographer so important for the success of real estate agents?
The success of real estate agents is heavily influenced by the quality of their listings and exposés. Only with a compelling presentation can you capture the interest of potential buyers – and a significant portion of that presentation consists of the property photos.
The translation is: “When prospective buyers search online for a property to purchase, visual representations are often the first point of contact with the real estate agent. After all, a photo is far more impactful than a headline – and those two elements are the first things seen when scrolling through online exposés.
A good presentation with top-notch images can encourage potential buyers to take a closer look at a listing. The final purchasing decision is also positively influenced by quality images: Studies have shown that professional real estate photos, compared to amateur photos, lead to quicker and higher-priced sales.
What qualities make a good real estate photographer?
A professional real estate photographer should have the right combination of industry expertise and customer orientation. Here are some of the most important competencies the ideal candidate should possess:
- Perspective: Only when real estate photos are taken from the right perspective can good results be achieved. A professional real estate photographer knows exactly what to pay attention to so that, for instance, rooms appear as spacious as possible.
- Lighting: The lighting influences the mood that a photo creates in its viewer. A good photographer should know how to correctly use the so-called exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) to achieve optimal images.
- Post-processing: Retouching can help improve minor details. Especially in poor weather conditions, professional post-processing is very valuable.
- Preparation and Service: The right real estate photographer supports you even before the photo shoot and, among other things, provides you with tips regarding the preparation of the property.
When searching for the right real estate photographer, you should definitely ensure that they have industry experience. The portfolio should mostly consist of real estate and architectural photos. While a professional portrait photographer may also have expertise, industry-specific experience is essential to present properties optimally and convincingly. Only a professional in real estate photography knows how to avoid common mistakes in property presentation.
Furthermore, general traits such as reliability, punctuality, and a service-oriented approach are important to ensure efficient and pleasant collaboration. Additionally, the photographer should be willing to accommodate your wishes. Trust your gut feeling and make sure that the chemistry is right.
What questions should I ask a real estate photographer?
To select the ideal real estate photographer, you should think of some questions in advance. This allows you to learn more about the candidates’ professionalism and also get to know the photographers a bit better in the process. Here is a small selection of possible questions and topics:
- How long have you been working in real estate photography?
- Do you have experience with similar properties?
- Which equipment do you use?
- What are your favorite images from your portfolio and why?
- How long does it take until I have my photos in my hands
- What happens in case of incidents – for example, if you become ill or it rains on the day of the photo shoot?
Not only are the answers themselves important – they also help to spark a conversation and give you a sense of whether you can envision working together. For example, it’s a positive sign if the photographer supplements his answers with examples, such as showing you exposés from previous projects. The responses can be immensely helpful in your decision when choosing a real estate photographer.
How do I find real estate photographers in my area?
You have various ways to find a real estate photographer. These are the most popular:
- Recommendations from acquaintances or other real estate agents are valuable – especially if you trust those individuals. This way, you receive first-hand information and learn from a reliable source more about collaborating with a particular photographer.
- Local business directories, whether printed or digital, provide a good overview of available photographers in your area. Simply enter a location and a search radius to view the results. Often, ratings and a link to the photographer’s website are included.
Because there is a large pool of real estate photographers, online reviews and social media ratings are important for an initial assessment. This way, you can immediately eliminate candidates with poor reviews.
Even better than anonymous online reviews are, of course, personal recommendations. Before choosing a real estate photographer, you should ask around within your network, both privately and professionally. This way, you use your connections to find the best possible option.
Which criteria should I prioritize when choosing a real estate photographer?
Which selection criteria are most important to you personally when choosing a real estate photographer is ultimately your decision. Consider the following points:
- Quality and scope of the portfolio.
- Price-performance ratio.
- Communication and response speed.
- Offered services (e.g., reels, drone shots, virtual staging, virtual tours)
The website of a real estate photographer is often the first indication of their work style and expertise. There, you can find, among other things, their portfolio or customer testimonials – both of which offer insight into the photographer’s abilities. Additionally, an FAQ section can be helpful as it answers initial questions immediately.
Overall, transparent communication is an indication of professionalism. The contractual terms should be clear and definitely documented in writing. A written offer is also part of proper procedure. If this is naturally part of the chosen photographer’s process, then you are generally dealing with a professional you can trust.
How do I recognize a good real estate photography portfolio?
From the photos in the portfolio, you can immediately tell whether the work is professional and the resulting images are of high quality. A variety of good real estate photos from different projects is an indication of considerable experience in the field. After all, this means that the photographer has already completed many projects and has been able to expand their expertise. Also, take a look at the types of properties predominantly featured in the portfolio: ideally, the photographer is experienced with your type of property, whether it is a single-family home, commercial property, or apartment.
Let the images in the portfolio speak to you. Put yourself in the shoes of potential buyers: Do the photos spark excitement and make you feel like you want to take a closer look at the property? That’s exactly how it should be!
A good real estate photographer should be able to capture the character of your property. The right balance between creativity and professional presentation is key: by cleverly playing with light and shadow, impressive shots and unique details that catch the eye are created. The focus is always on the property’s advantages. It doesn’t matter if these lie in the interiors or exteriors – whether it’s an imposing facade, a beautiful garden, or a spacious and light-filled kitchen.
What mistakes should I avoid when choosing a real estate photographer?
Avoid typical mistakes and take the choice of the right real estate photographer seriously! This will reduce the risk of disappointments and subpar outcomes. You can avoid common mistakes as follows:
- Take your time with the research.
- Examine the portfolios closely and, if in doubt, ask for more work samples. An unprofessional portfolio is a clear warning sign.
- Arrange a personal meeting – even if it’s just over the phone.
- Consider in advance which questions you would like to ask the photographer.
- Be skeptical if there is no transparent communication. The photographer should be willing to establish a clear agreement regarding the rights and obligations of both parties.
Compare various photographers and approach the process objectively. Under no circumstances should you disregard references; instead, verify them. Additionally, do not be tempted to let price be the deciding factor by choosing the cheapest offer—instead, focus on achieving good value for money. Investing in professional real estate photos usually pays off, as high-quality images help sell properties faster.
What is the cost of a professional real estate photographer – and is the investment worthwhile?
The costs for a professional real estate photographer depend on various factors – among others, these:
- Services provided (e.g., real estate photos, drone footage, videos, or virtual tours)
- Size of the property.
- Additional services, such as virtual staging.
- Post-production.
Check which services are already included in the price – only in this way can you meaningfully compare the prices of various photographers. In particular, post-production is an important factor. Also, be sure to agree in advance on any additional costs that may arise, such as for travel expenses.
Ideally, the price should reflect the services provided—you’d be better off avoiding photographers who charge by the hour or day. This way, you can be sure that you’ll receive the appropriate number of shots for your money. For example, at Visualista.ch you can get a package of 20–40 real estate photos starting at CHF 299 (including both interior and exterior shots). A reel for social media is available starting at CHF 249.
The investment in a good real estate photographer pays off for agents in the long run. Studies have shown that listings with high-quality photos sell for a higher price and much faster than those with a subpar presentation.
Can I take real estate photos myself – and when is that not worthwhile?
If you’re faced with the question “smartphone photos or professional real estate photography?”, you should opt for the professional option in almost all cases. Only in situations such as renting out particularly small apartments or shared rooms can self-made smartphone photos serve as a viable alternative. With these real estate photography tips, you can capture excellent shots:
- Don’t neglect preparation: Tidy up both interior and exterior areas and ensure the property is presentable. Remove personal items and create an inviting overall impression.
- Lighting affects the mood: natural light looks best in real estate photos. Ideally, it is sunny – especially for exterior shots. In interior spaces, switched-on lights provide the necessary illumination.
- Choose the right perspective: photograph from hip or chest height and ensure you capture at least two walls. Keep the camera or smartphone level to avoid converging lines.
Even though you can save money with self-made real estate photos, high-quality properties deserve an equally high-quality presentation. Only in this way can you be sure to sell the property at a good price. A professional is indispensable in this context and will support you significantly in marketing the property.
What trends are there in real estate photography?
To give your property presentation a unique touch, you have various innovative technologies at your disposal. Drone footage is an excellent addition to your real estate photos and videos. It provides potential buyers with an overview of the property as well as its location, while also looking spectacular.
Furthermore, a virtual tour for real estate is a revolutionary way to showcase a property to potential buyers. With the 360° Virtual Reality Tour from Visualista.ch, potential buyers can take a closer look at your property—in some cases, making physical viewings unnecessary or, at the very least, more efficient.
With a high-quality property presentation and by incorporating exceptional trends, you, as an agent, set yourself apart from the competition. In order to effectively utilize the respective technologies and derive the greatest benefit from them, it is essential that you choose the right real estate photographer. This way, you ensure that impressive and high-quality images of your property are produced that convince potential buyers.
Gain a competitive edge over your rivals by presenting your properties perfectly with Visualista! Browse through our portfolio, schedule an appointment, and make your property presentation the star of the real estate market!
