Photography for Real Estate - Judging the Portfolio

In the last post I talked about how the quality of a photographer's work can reflect on you as a Realtor or homeowner.  As an extension of that post and to help you with the decision making process I thought I should take it a step further.

When choosing a Real Estate Photographer I highly recommend taking a few minutes to view his/her  portfolio.  The portfolio of work is usually a good indication of the photographer's style, ability and talent to show a property's best assets from the best angles and in the best light.  Here are a few basic guidelines to help you with the process.

• Images should be in focus and easy to look at.
• Good composition of an interior photo will rarely, if ever, include a pillar or vertical wall running straight down the centre of the image.
• Photos should convey a true and accurate sense of the space; not under or over exaggerated.
• Horizontal lines (ie. where the ceiling meets the wall) should actually be horizontal; parallel to the top edge of the photo. If the photo makes you feel as if you are on the deck of a sailing ship in a storm, you should ask why.
• Vertical lines (ie walls and window frames) should be vertical; parallel to the left or right edge of the photo. If the photos look as if the walls will fall away like a house of cards at any moment, you should question it.  
• Photos should be well lit; if the window in the room looks great but the rest of it looks dark, it's not well lit. 
• The images should also show signs of having good light balance - The room will appear natural and not exhibit a colour cast. A colour cast will appear as if you are looking through glasses with blue, green, yellow or orange lenses.
• Lamps and ceiling fixtures will not have an overly exaggerated glow or look as if they are about to light the walls on fire. 
• If there are two views of the same room, the walls should be the same colour in both shots.
• The generally accepted rule of thumb when it comes to windows; it should appear as if we are standing in the room looking out at the scene beyond - not so bright as to be mistaken for a nuclear explosion on the front lawn.
• Some photographers may try to get a little artsy. Leaning to the side of artsy, if done correctly and hits just the right note, can be a good marketing tool.  It is up to you to decide if this type of presentation will be to the benefit of you and your client.

Farm Gate Imaging is a local photography company specializing in photography for real estate and serves the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Annapolis Valley regions of Nova Scotia.  You can reach Farm Gate Imaging at info(at)farmgateimaging.ca or at 902.757.2808.