Preparing your listing for Photos with IMAGEination.tv
Professional photography is a great marketing investment. Getting your listing “photo-ready” for the big day is similar to preparing it for a showing. Of course, you want everything to be perfect because after all, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Except this time, your first impression may potentially reach hundreds or thousands or viewers. The best thing is to walk in with an open mind, just make sure everything is neat and tidy, and leave the photography to the photographer. Remember that homes are set up for living not professional photography, so here are some helpful hints:
Interior
- Neat and tidy is best. Rooms should be clean and simple, open and airy. Remember, the new owners will re-decorate. Your focus here is the room itself and not the items it contains.
- Put away or hide any valuables or personal items including artwork, furnishings, jewellery, photos etc. While most of these items may seem to appeal to your audience or have visual value, it should not be included in the image unless it cannot be moved. The point is to de-clutter the room and you certainly do not want to give your prospective buyer’s the wrong impression. If possible, your images should only include what is for sale.
- Make a point of letting your photographer concentrate on what s/he is doing. Most importantly, do not schedule a photo-shoot during an open house. Nothing ruins the perfect shot easier than someone walking through the frame. The photographer will be asking for you input on different shots, and if you cannot give him your undivided attention, the final product may not be what you had in mind.
- Light opens up the room. Make sure you open all the blinds/curtains, turn on all the lights, and try to let in as much light as possible. Each final image is composed of numerous exposures, and this allows for removal of shadows and color correction. If the photographer needs less light, they will make the necessary adjustments. Lastly, photographers usually have a finite amount of time on site, so try to arrive early and let your photographer focus on the shot of the room, not styling it. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask the photographer’s advice.
- All blankets, cushions, sheets, pillows etc should be aligned, smooth and wrinkle free. Potential buyers will notice these little details, and you don’t want wrinkled cushions to be a distraction.
- Decorative features / props can distract attention from the property. Avoid setting the dining table, remove ornamental bits and pieces and de-clutter the coffee table of magazines, books or remote controls.
Exterior
- The lawn should be well manicured and free of leaves.
- Move any cars, or trash cans. Remember to ask yourself, “Would this fit in a magazine?”
On-site Approval of Images
Please ensure you are happy with the photography at the time of shoot. If you require a specific angle or shot, please communicate to the agent or photographer at the shoot or ideally at the time of booking.
Final Suggestions
The best thing to do is keep things simple as possible. No one wants to see lots of clutter, so clean and neat is key. All rooms should be bright and airy, and keep distractions to a minimum. After that, just let the photographer do what they do best, and your property will show itself!