Introduction

When browsing through property listings online, it's common to notice a discrepancy between the images and the actual property in real life. This article explores why properties rarely match the high-quality photographs on sales listings, revealing the techniques and strategies used by professionals to enhance the appeal of the property.

The Art of Photographic Enhancement

Professional photographers employed in the real estate industry use various techniques to make properties look more appealing than they do in real life. These methods involve manipulating the way the space is portrayed in photographs to create a more inviting and visually pleasing experience for potential buyers.

Photographing for a Larger Space

Photographers often use wide-angle lenses to capture more of the room's space. Tilt the camera up slightly from chest level to create an airy feeling. Additionally, taking pictures from the corner of the room or even from the doorway provides a wider view of the space. This contrasts sharply with the usual views a buyer gets when visiting the property personally, as they rarely venture to the edges or corners of the room.

Example: A difference between a narrow-angle and wide-angle shot can easily demonstrate how much more space a wide-angle lens can capture. When comparing the two, it becomes apparent why wide-angle lenses are so beneficial in real estate photography.

The Deceptive Nature of Virtual Staging

One of the most common tools used to enhance property listings is virtual staging. In recent years, the cost of traditional staging (which involves filling the property with furniture) has become prohibitive for many sellers. As a result, many opt for virtual staging using computer software to add furniture into the images.

Placing a virtual piece of furniture that may be smaller than its real-life counterpart can create a misleading impression of the space. For instance, a dining table that is virtually placed in a room may appear to take up a smaller space in the image than it would in real life. This can notably make the room look more spacious and inviting than it actually is.

Professional Techniques and Equipment

Professional real estate photographers use wide-angle lenses, ranging from 12 to 18mm, which also has ultra-wide capabilities to capture a larger area. Additionally, they often use various post-processing techniques such as adjusting saturation, exposure, and other elements to make the images more appealing.

They may also use extensive editing and lighting to enhance the appearance of the property, making use of props and additional lighting to create a more attractive and inviting environment in the photographs.

Why You Should Always Visit the Property

While the photographs are invaluable tools to understand the basic layout and features of the property, they do not provide a complete picture of what the property looks like in real life. It is always recommended to visit the property before making a decision to purchase. This allows for a comprehensive assessment of the space and ensures that the property meets your expectations.

Real estate buyers should be mindful that the images are meant to give an idea of the property, but not to determine its size or suitability. Always conduct a thorough inspection to get a clear picture of the property you are considering.

Conclusion

Understanding the techniques and equipment used in real estate photography can help buyers make more informed decisions when browsing property listings online. While the images are meant to be enticing, it's important to visit the property in person to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations.