10 Real Estate Architectural Photography Tips from a Pro

10 Real Estate Architectural Photography Tips from a Pro

Architectural real estate photography is a sub-discipline of real estate professional photography. There might be stark differences but all the same, to execute them there should be the right guidelines and tips from people who are masters in the profession. Check out these tips for better architectural real estate photography.

Architectural and Real Estate Photography

Before jumping in, let’s take a look at how this branch of real estate photography differentiates itself from the usual real estate photography we all know and love. Take note, while some differences may appear trivial in the eyes of many, their unique characteristics are what separates them apart.

  1. Objectives

Real estate photography (or the profession that focuses on shooting images to boost selling homes to buyers and potential inhabitants) aims to sell a property and becomes a one-off in the listing as it is removed after being sold. The photos can come up again if the house is flipped or sold back into the market after the owners decide it is time to let it go.

On the other hand, architectural real estate professional photography aims to use the photos for advertising purposes, both for selling the property or for simple advertising visuals that may not be intended for selling, emphasizing the structural design and uniqueness.

  1. Lens usage

Architectural real estate professional photography is also more deliberate in its intent, helping people focus on certain aspects of the photo rather than making them marvel at the space available. To do this, real estate photography professionals in this field tend to use lenses with focal lengths that are longer or counter-intuitively narrower. We know for a fact that in real estate photography where the goal is to sell, sell, and sell, the perception of space is important in making that sale. Therefore, what architectural real estate professional photography needs to do is to keep it focused and targeted.

  1. Degree of enhancement

Looking at real estate professional photography for selling properties off the market at a fast pace, post-processing is highly relevant. For architectural real estate photography, the game is much different. For this, there needs to be a level of purity that resembles a state closer to its natural image. Hence, the usual post-processing techniques may not always apply here and the number of enhancements have to be kept at bay.

Who are their Markets?

As mentioned previously, properties enhanced to look stunning are for the general public. These are home seekers, perhaps flippers, or prospective investors. On the other hand, the architectural side looks to use the photos to aid different media items such as publications, advertisements, and it generally seeks to provide a visual rather than to showcase and sell thereby making their markets companies and businesses from various industries.

10 Tips from Pros

Now, knowing that architectural real estate professional photography requires a set of different toys and plays in a different segment, here are some professional tips to make sure you really are doing it right.

  1. The right lens or crop sensor

Choosing a lens that can help narrow down the focus of the image will be of great help to the cause of architectural real estate photography as much as some crop sensors can as well. Just note that crop sensors won’t bring out the best qualities a full frame DSLR can, but in situations where you need a photo that is far reaching, then it can come in handy.

  1. Bring along a light meter

As post-processing cannot go to lengths it usually does for photos taken to sell houses, a light meter is a good companion for architectural real estate professional photography. A light meter will measure the right amount of exposure so you can adjust your camera parameters accordingly.

  1. Shoot during the crisp hours of the morning

Some say that the hours right after sunrise gives the most compelling and warm feelings for any architectural real estate professional photography shots. And why not? The dramatic flair of golden colors that bounce off of the property together with a combination of shadows can add to the overall effects in the image.

  1. HDR photos are spot on

Again, with the limited amount of enhancements that should be done, HDR images will be a great way to make sure all things in the photo are well lit and exposure is properly distributed. The post-processing of HDR will produce crisp and deep images, perfect for a stunning architectural real estate photography image.

  1. Use a RAW file format

We all know that to be able to maximize the potential of the image, the RAW file format is preferred. This ensures that the image is not compressed and retains its quality captured from the shoot.

  1. A tripod for stability and reach

Since architectural real estate images are unique in their perspectives, it would be difficult to capture these shots without contorting your body in different ways. A tripod then will be able to steadily bend and rotate so you can get the views you want with no sweat.

  1. Unique angles are welcome

The creativity behind architectural real estate professional photography relies on the ability to see perspectives or discover them. Perhaps you want to shoot a building from the ground up making it look like the sky is the limit. Maybe a drone shot will help showcase the crafty details in the roof.

  1. The busier, the better

People and animals such as those of the avian family in photos for architectural real estate photography adds touch to the photo. The busier the image, the more realistic feels there are to the structure being focused on.

  1. Focus on lines that lead

Architectural real estate photography is concerned with how the design is done to showcase what the theme is for the property. Look for lines that lead somewhere or those that create a larger picture when brought together.

  1. Intricacy in the details

People are attracted to details, no doubt about that. What architectural real estate professional photography must do is bring these out to the reader and viewer. There is a license to be creative, use drones and tripods and such necessary means to draw these details out and create an impression of intricacy.

Conclusion

Even with the differences of architectural real estate photography with that of the usual real estate professional photography we know, the distinction is clear. Architectural real estate photography aims to focus the viewer or reader on the design rather than make them feel they want to buy it, helping that form of media gain attention and traction.

 

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