Photo Fundamentals For Your Real Estate Business

When you got your real estate license you probably didn't think you needed top-notch photography skills in order to become a success in real estate industry. And you don't. But taking photos is an aspect of the business that can't be ignored and unless you hire that photo job out, it's up to you to provide prospective buyers with enticing photographs that will tantalize the eye, pique the interest and encourage showings of properties.

If you already have a photographer's eye and a love of taking pictures, you're ahead of the game. But even those real estate agents who don't pick up a camera until they are forced to can learn a few tips and tricks that will enable them to take pictures that place the property in its best possible light.

1 - You don't have to invest in high-priced equipment. Don't think you have to go overboard and buy professional quality cameras, lights and so on. These days, a decent quality digital camera with a memory card can be bought for around $100-200. You don't want to buy the camera on sale with the lowest pixel resolution, but again, you don't have to break the bank and spend oodles of money on a camera either.

2 - Practice makes perfect. When you first get your camera, take some time to get to know it. If you've had your camera for awhile, have you given it the time you should in order to learn about the various features? A single push of a button may give you a different camera speed, a different type of lighting...a little something that can make a seemingly slight change that ends up making the difference between a mediocre picture and one that "wows" the looker. Flip through the camera manual and familiarize yourself with your camera. You don't want to be fumbling with it when you're in front of clients or on a tight time schedule.

3 - Understand the flash feature. When you familiarize yourself with your camera, all its functions and buttons, you will also be taking some test shots. When you do that make sure you take the same shot several times and in several different ways. Take three shots inside with the flash on, the flash off and the automatic flash. Then take some exterior shots using the flash, the automatic flash feature and with the flash turned off. Take a look at the difference. Many people like to rely on the automatic flash feature. It sort of takes the burden off the picture-taker. But that doesn't mean you should rely on it 100% of the time. Get a feel for when you should use the flash, and when you should turn it off. It can make the difference between an overexposed picture and a well-lit photo.

4 - Hold your breath. Well, not for too long. But the idea is that you need to hold the camera steady. Give yourself some time to steady the camera and take a level shot. You don't want shaky hands to create blurry pictures. So try taking some pictures while holding your breath. Or, try the opposite. Blow all your air out and take the shot with your last exhale. Push that button before you inhale, as inhaling typically makes the whole body (including your camera hands) move. You may even look into investing in an inexpensive tripod. It can easily fit in the backseat or trunk of your car. Once you get to a property you can throw it under your arm and then take it everywhere you want to set up for a picture. A tripod on a level surface may be able to get your shots a steady look that you may not be able to achieve with your bare hands.

5 - Make sure you've got the memory necessary to get all the shots you need! You'll want to make sure you have a memory card that can hold a large number of pictures. This is especially important when you take pictures with high resolution settings and when you take a large number of pictures without uploading them to a disk or hard drive. You don't want to be at a property taking pictures and then get the dreaded "low memory" message.

Taking pictures shouldn't be a burden or a dreaded part of your real estate business! In fact, it can be fun! By buying a camera and learning a few of the fundamentals you will find yourself taking property pictures like a pro!

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