Real Estate Photos: The Good, Bad, and the Ugly (with examples)

Pictures say a thousand words, and taking a photo of a listing that is just “good enough” is a recipe for fewer showings and lower offers. Here are some great examples of what to do and what not to do with real estate photography. Note: all of these are reasonably expensive properties – between $350k and $738k.

Lighting

Here are photos taken of two similar listings in the same building, listed at roughly the same price:

Lighting: Left=Bad, Right=Good

Wow – it’s a dark dungeon on the left and a beautiful home on the right. The only difference is the camera angle – light streaming into the living room in one, and into the lens in the other. So – as a buyer on a limited schedule, which one would you see?

Here’s another example of lighting, this time for outside shots:

Outside Lighting: Left=Bad, Right=Good

These photos are taken from comparable condos in the the same building overlooking the same park. Both units are on the sixth floor, and both have an Eastern exposure. The photo on the left makes the outside look like a winter-wasteland, and the one on the right a winter-wonderland… well, as much as possible at least. The only difference: sunny day.

Focal Points

Focusing on the right things in a photo is pivotal. Take a look at these:

Focal Points: Left=Bad, Right=Good

Whoa… Comparing a messy bed, partially ajar cabinet and underwear box to a beautiful, clean view of downtown Vancouver? Now that’s what I call a photographic botch-job! At least move the Ikea lamp out of the shot…

“You’re being unfair – the unit on the left is probably half the price…”

I thought so too, so I checked… and re-checked. Turns out the property on the left is listed at $519k and the one on the right at $429k. This one example clearly shows why some listings sell more quickly than others.

Clutter

Here’s one of my favorites (makes me laugh every time I look at it):

Clutter

I know – REALTORS® aren’t professional cleaners, but let’s keep our eyes on the prize!! Last time I checked dirty laundry and garbage boxes don’t sell $738k homes!

Two options here: spend 10 minutes moving those boxes, or spend zero time NOT TAKING THE PHOTO!

Pièce de Résistance

And here’s the photo that takes the cake:

Worst Property Photo

Awesome! No focus, lots of clutter, bad lighting, blurry, and… a time stamp to say exactly when it all went down! The good news is that buyers looking for a washed out green wall won’t be disappointed.

End on a Bright Note

Here’s the best image I’ve found tonight:

Great Real Estate Photo

Beautiful downtown; clean, tidy living-room ; fantastic lighting… Just an awesome shot of the suite and the view.

“Wow… This is how it’s done.”

I completely agree.