Are you considering taking photos yourself to save money or because you think you can do the job just as well? That may be the case and if you know your way around cameras, cinematography, composition and story-telling then by all means go for it. Often this isn’t the case and getting a professional on board can be worth more than you think. This option may seem pricey at first, but more than likely good quality photographs will help you sell your property a lot faster. This is because a professional photographer will know how to make key features of the property stand out, how to make it appeal to your target audience and how to bring out the building’s character.

Whether it’s interior, exterior or building/construction photography, a professional will take the best photographs of the shoot and run them through photo editing software to enhance them and ensure they look as good as possible. Remember, it’s tempting to upload as many photos as possible to your website when showcasing your property, but less really is more. A handful of top-quality, professional photographs will always triumph over a never-ending selection of dull, flat images.

If you do hire a photographer, it’s always a great idea to discuss some points with them. Although they’re expertise lie with the camera, they can’t read your mind and give you exactly what you want if you don’t tell them. There are many points you and your photographer could talk about, below are a few that will hopefully get the conversation going in the right direction.

1. Who are you targeting; couples, families, first time buyers?
2. Does the property have an interesting history or story attached to it?
3. What sort of mood are you trying to convey?
4. What are the key features/selling points of the property?
5. Which rooms do you want photographed?
6. If exterior photos are to be taken, what sort of weather do you want in the shots?
7. Do you have any examples of property photography you really like?

We always try to find out as much as we can about a property before we go out to shoot it so we can be sure
we’ll give the client what they really want.

For Interior Photography

• Make sure all toys, baby items or pet bowls etc. are out of sight.
• Ensure all the bulbs in the property are working; this gives your photographer more lighting options.
• Open blinds and curtains to let natural light in.
• Put away any clutter, including utensils, shampoo bottles, clothes hangers etc.
• Add fresh flowers or candles where appropriate, such as bedrooms.
• Make all surfaces as empty and clean as possible.
• Remove anything on the refrigerator and freezer doors, such as magnets etc.
• Remove remote controls and other small gadgets.
• Remove all personal photography.
• Keep the bedding colours neutral, ensure they’re fresh.
• Hide bins and laundry hampers etc.
• Ensure toilet seats are down.
• Give the property a good overall clean.

For Exterior Photography

• Make sure the garden is trim and tidy.
• Sweep the driveway and path to the front door.
• Move cars and bins out of sight.
• Make sure there’s nothing like toys or broken plant pots lying about.
• Arrange the outdoor furniture if you have any.

The idea is to remove anything that could be distracting to the viewer. For example, why have a car in front of the property when that isn’t what you are trying to sell? Keep it simple; make it easy for the viewers to know where they should be looking in each photograph. This will dramatically increase the impact of your photographs.