What Are Your Recommendations for Preparing A Property for Listing Photos?

Alexandra Sanderhoff with Red Cabin Real Estate Photography: A few key things to remember to prepare your property before the photographer arrives are:

• Curb Appeal: Freshen up your flower beds with mulch. Add a pop of color with fresh flowers. Make sure the grass is cut and ready to go for the front photos.
• De-Personalize: It is hard for a family to visualize themselves in the home if the property is covered with a seller’s personal items. Take down pictures of you and your family. Remove decorations that are seasonal or personal to your family like awards. This will help the buyers visualize themselves in the space when they see photos and tour.
• Cars: When the photographer shoots the front yard or a drone shot from above, the cars can detract from the property and slow down the photography process. Park the cars a few houses down before the photographer arrives.
• De-clutter: To help the photographer focus on the architectural features of the home, be sure to clean the property and de-clutter before she arrives. Remove items off kitchen and bathroom counters to provide a neat space. Fluff linens and prepare the property as if a guest is arriving.

Which Photographs Better: A Vacant or Furnished Property?

I think a house that is lightly furnished or has been professionally staged is the best to photograph. A house that is cluttered and personalized, like I mentioned earlier, definitely changes how I shoot the property and the amount of time it takes to edit the pictures. A house that has been de-cluttered and cleaned, or has been professionally staged photographs nicely. I, as the photographer, am able to focus the pictures on the bones of the house. I can photograph a room’s beautiful arches, the bay window, or other architectural features, rather than get caught up with the clutter, such as too many couches.

How Long Does a Photo Shoot Take?

Depending on the size of the house, two hours would be average. I shoot the still photos for the home first, and afterwards, I shoot the videography. Typically 60-90 minutes for the photos and about 45 minutes for the video.

What is the Ideal Time of Day for a Photoshoot?

The orientation of the home definitely makes a difference. A beachfront property on the East Coast will have a different ideal time than a northern facing property. The weather and season also make a difference. Personally, I prefer evening time for photo shoots. The light tends to be softer giving the property a nice warm glow on the outside. On the inside, the light coming in from the windows is less harsh and there is less contrast between light and dark. A professional photographer uses High Dynamic Range (HDR) Photography. This means we are able to capture the depth of the shadow and the brightness of highlights in a picture. When the light is softer and more even, it helps those pictures pop.

What Tools do You Use to Help Your Photos Stand Out?

I shoot with a Sony camera but I have some Nikon, Cannon, and Native lens as well. Using a professional camera is important. I also fly with a DJI drone which is fun. The drone shoots videos and captures the property from the air. I do all of my editing using Adobe Suite, including Light Room. Then I use Photoshop and Premier Pro for the editing afterwards.

How is Hiring a Professional Photographer an Advantage for a Homeowner?

When an agent can specialize in selling the house, and the homeowner can focus on preparing the property, then you can hire a professional that specializes in photography and videography. I think it can make the whole process go smoother. Everyone is going to be good at their jobs at that point. You will get a listing, and photography, that really stands out and highlights the most important pieces of the house.

Laura: I agree. We need to have everyone stay in their zones. And I am not good at photography, that is why I hire Alexandra!

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