Lights, Camera, Action: A Guide to Video in Real Estate Photography
Lights, Camera, Action!
Video is rapidly becoming an important element of real estate photography. From virtual tours to marketing videos, there are countless ways to incorporate video into your real estate business. But before you hit the lights and start rolling, it’s important to understand the best practices and tips for creating effective and engaging real estate videos.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to produce high-quality real estate videos that will help you attract buyers.
So let’s get ready to set the stage and start shooting – Lights, Camera, Action!
Why Use Video?

In today’s digital age, using video in real estate photography has become increasingly popular among both buyers and sellers.
It’s no secret that videos have the ability to evoke emotions and create a sense of immersion that traditional photography simply can’t match. When it comes to showcasing a property, videos are able to offer potential buyers a complete picture of the property’s features, layout, and overall vibe.
According to a recent study, properties with video receive about 400% more inquiries than those without. This is likely because videos have the ability to capture attention in a way that static images simply cannot. In addition, videos can be used to showcase the surrounding neighborhood, which is particularly important to buyers who are relocating or unfamiliar with the area.
Using video also allows for the property to be presented in a more dynamic way, helping to bring the space to life and make it feel more tangible. In addition, videos allow potential buyers to take a virtual tour of the property, helping them to better visualize themselves living in the space. This can lead to a higher level of engagement, increased trust, and a stronger connection with the property.
Overall, using video in real estate photography offers a number of benefits, including increased engagement, higher lead generation, and a more complete representation of the property. As technology continues to evolve, video will likely become an even more integral part of the real estate industry, helping sellers to showcase their properties and buyers better to find their dream homes.
What Makes a Good Real Estate Video?

A good real estate video can help potential buyers get a better sense of a property, and can ultimately lead to faster sales. But what exactly makes a good real estate video?
First and foremost, a good real estate video should be visually stunning. This means that the video should showcase the property in the best possible light, using proper lighting, composition, and camera angles. The video should be shot in high definition and should be crystal clear, with vibrant colors and a sharp image.
In addition to visual appeal, a good real estate video should be engaging. It should tell a story about the property, highlighting its unique features and selling points. The video should be shot from a variety of angles, showing off different rooms and spaces, as well as the surrounding neighborhood and any amenities that the property may offer.
Attention to detail is another important factor in creating a good real estate video. The video should be carefully planned and executed, with attention paid to every detail, from the staging of the property to the script used in the narration.
Finally, a good real estate video should be professional. This means that it should be well-edited, with smooth transitions and a professional voiceover. The video should also be appropriately branded, with the agent’s or agency’s logo and contact information prominently displayed.
Overall, a good real estate video should be visually stunning, engaging, attention-grabbing, and professional. By following these guidelines, agents and agencies can create real estate videos that effectively showcase their properties and lead to faster sales.
Tips for Shooting Great Real Estate Video

As a real estate photographer, incorporating video into your repertoire is a smart move. Videos can help sell properties in a way that photos simply can’t. But shooting great real estate videos requires a bit of know-how.
Here are some tips to help you capture the best footage possible:
- Use a tripod. Keeping your camera steady is essential to getting smooth, professional-looking footage. Invest in a sturdy tripod to eliminate camera shake and ensure your shots are steady and level.
- Use a wide-angle lens. Wide-angle lenses allow you to capture more of a room in one shot, giving viewers a better sense of the space. Look for a lens with a focal length of 16mm or lower to get the best results.
- Plan your shots in advance. Before you start shooting, take a moment to plan out your shots. Think about the key selling points of the property and how you can showcase them in your footage. This will help you get the most out of your time on-site.
- Shoot in natural light. Good lighting is crucial for real estate photography, and it’s equally important for video. Whenever possible, shoot during the day when natural light is abundant. If you must shoot at night, make sure to use plenty of artificial lighting to illuminate the space.
- Vary your shots. To keep viewers engaged, it’s important to vary your shots. Mix up your angles and perspectives, moving from wide shots to close-ups as needed. This will help give viewers a sense of the space and highlight key features of the property.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to capture beautiful, compelling real estate video that showcases properties in the best possible light.
Best Practices for Editing Real Estate Video

Once you have captured your footage, it’s time to edit it to create a polished and professional real estate video.
Here are some best practices for editing your real estate video:
- Keep it short and sweet. Attention spans are short, so try to keep your real estate video under two minutes. Showcase the best features of the property in the first 15 seconds to capture the viewer’s attention.
- Use B-roll footage. To keep the video interesting, use B-roll footage to show the surrounding area, neighborhood, and nearby amenities. This will help potential buyers get a sense of the community and location.
- Add a call to action. End the video with a call-to-action, encouraging viewers to schedule a showing or visit the property website for more information.
- Include a soundtrack. Use a music track that fits the mood and tone of the video. Avoid using music with lyrics that could distract from the visuals or message.
- Consider hiring a professional. If you’re not comfortable editing videos or don’t have the time, consider hiring a professional. They can bring your real estate video to the next level with advanced editing techniques and tools.
Remember, the goal of a real estate video is to showcase the property and generate interest from potential buyers. By following these best practices for editing your real estate video, you can create a visually appealing and informative video that sets your property apart.
How to Promote Your Real Estate Videos

Once you’ve created your stunning real estate video, it’s important to get it seen by the right audience.
Here are some tips on how to promote your videos:
- Share on Social Media. Share your video on your business page and personal accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Consider boosting your post to reach a wider audience.
- Add to your Website. Add your video to your website’s homepage, property listing pages, and blog posts to attract potential clients.
- Email Marketing. Use your video in email marketing campaigns to showcase your properties and stand out from the competition.
- Use YouTube. Create a YouTube channel for your real estate business and upload your videos for potential clients to view.
- Use Google Ads. Consider running Google Ads with your real estate video as the ad. This can increase visibility and drive traffic to your website.
- Collaborate with Other Professionals. Consider collaborating with local businesses and professionals such as interior designers, landscapers, or home staging companies. Share each other’s content and help promote one another.
By promoting your real estate videos effectively, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and stand out from the competition. Remember to consistently produce high-quality videos and continue to promote them to build your brand and attract potential clients.
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