Costly mistakes Realtors make with Listing Photos (And how to avoid them)

As most people are aware, the number selling point in real estate is selling your property through visuals first. As I visit Property 24 and other real estate marketing platforms I have picked up the 3 Mistakes most make when photographing their listings.

1. Asymmetrical and Random Objects

It's undeniable that many photos I’ve seen fail to capture my interest. Often, images display uneven homes, skewed walls, or counters and tables that look off-balance. Photos taken from above can exacerbate this issue. There’s a noticeable lack of symmetry and pride in the visuals showcased on these platforms.

As a photographer, I frequently ask myself why people take random photos of items that hold no appeal for potential buyers. For instance, photographing a bathroom and toilet separately, or capturing a random garden statue without proper framing, fails to convey the true essence of the space.

2. Depth of Field

Many homes featured on these platforms lack a sense of depth. Often, agents take photos from above without aiming to showcase the room’s beauty. To truly highlight a space, it’s important to capture its full depth and dimension.

3. Flash

Cellphone flash can often result in dark, uneven lighting conditions that fail to showcase all the elements of a room. Poor lighting can diminish the overall appeal of your photos.

Tips to Avoid These Mistakes

1.Activate Your Photo Grid

Most cellphones offer a photo grid feature, which consists of two horizontal and two vertical lines. Use these lines to keep your camera steady, ensure walls are aligned, and objects are level with the eye. This will help you maintain balance and symmetry in your shots.

2. Use Wide Angles

Instead of photographing a home from above, which can be ineffective, stand in the doorway and set your camera to a 16:9 ratio with a wide-angle lens. Position your cellphone at chest or eye level and use the grid to guide you. This approach will create a sense of depth, showing the floors and ceilings in context and providing a more realistic view of the home.

3. Proper Lighting

Ensure all lights in the room are turned on. If the room is still too dark, take a separate dark and light photo. However, both photos must be taken under the same conditions to successfully merge them later. Avoid over-contrasting images, as this can distort the room's true appearance.