How can I make sure my property photos stand out?

Let’s face it, the most important thing that needs to be ‘spot on’ when selling a home are the photos.  After all, they do say a picture can speak a thousand words and this certainly true when launching a property onto the market!

If the photos are sub-standard and don’t sing the praises of your home, no brochure words will ever make up for that.  For this reason, it’s absolutely vital (we can’t emphasise this enough) that you have photos that are nothing short of brilliant.

There really is no excuse for uninspiring photos these days.

Here are our tips to ensure your photos shine and stand out from the crowd…

• Choose your estate agent wisely. 

Do your homework and ask to see previous brochures and online property adverts.  Ask whether they use a professional photographer for their shots, and if the answer is no, ask why.  Photography really can help sell a home, but it must be right. 

Here’s why a professional is best: -

1. Professional photographers are trained to see things that an amateur simply won’t.  They have an eye for a great shot and know how to achieve the best compositions and how to decide on the best angles.

 2. They use creativity to enhance photos, for example, they may have a vase of flowers in the foreground, or a fresh cup of coffee…cleverly suggesting a certain lifestyle rather than just a photo.

3. They don’t rush.  A professional photographer will probably mark off a full morning, or even a full day if the property is large, to make sure they get the right pictures.  They may decide that an afternoon shoot is better because the sunlight is shining on the front of the building, for example, or they may choose to take a few extra shots at dusk, when the lights are on and houses can look seriously inviting and cosy.  The point we are making is that ‘you get what you pay for’ with photography.

4. They understand how light affects photos and are able to create ambiance and depth in their photos, rather than pictures that are a bit flat and two dimensional.

• Speak out if you’re unhappy

It’s so important that you and your estate agent have an honest and open working relationship so that you feel you can be truthful about things that don’t seem right.  If you’re not happy with your photos, insist they are re-taken.  Preferably arrange a meeting with your agent and go through each photo individually, giving reasons for what you don’t like; this way you can both come up with a plan of action moving forward.  If the photos were taken by an amateur, this is the time to ask for professional photography.  If they refuse, it may be time to consider asking another agent how they would improve the property marketing.

• Is your property already being marketed? 

If your property is already on the market with sub-standard photos which have already been seen then don’t panic!  There is still a lot which can be done. Firstly, you should decide whether you want to stay with your current estate agent or move on.  You may have signed a contract that ties you in for a certain time, so that will need to be checked before you make any decisions.  If you wish to stay with your current agent, speak out as we’ve said above.  If you want to change agents and your contract allows you to do so, then start exploring alternatives to find the right agency for you.  You can always have a break of a few weeks where your property is off the market, and then relaunch with a new agent and those all-important professional photos.

Hopefully this guide will give you the confidence to get what you want from your property photography, which in turn will lead to a higher chance of a sale at the right price.

Do you have a photography story of your own?  If you’re already marketing your home, or are planning to soon, then do send us your photos and we’ll help and advise where we can.

We could even help you to refresh your photos ready for the January market.

To contact us send an e-mail to hello@quartersresidential.co.uk or give us a call on 0118 466 0292.  We'd also be pleased to welcome you to our private offices in central Wokingham.

We here to help and are always happy to talk property!