Real Estate Photography Fails: Don’t Let This Be You, New Photographers!

So you’ve decided to dive into the world of real estate photography, huh? Well, buckle up because it’s a wild ride. Today, we’re going to talk about some common mistakes that new photographers often make when shooting real estate properties.

Trust me, we’ve all been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt. But fear not, my friends, because I’m here to share some tips on how to avoid these pitfalls and capture stunning shots that will make your clients swoon. Read on!

Forgetting to Play Peekaboo with Mother Nature (Lighting Fails)

Oh boy, let’s chat about one of the epic fails that new photographers often stumble into – not cozying up to Mother Nature when it comes to lighting.

Picture this: you’re in a gorgeous room, camera in hand, ready to capture its essence. But hold up, did you forget to flirt with the sunlight streaming through the windows? Yep, we’ve all been guilty of treating natural light like that friend we keep forgetting to text back.

Let’s get real – lighting isn’t just a part of the shot; it’s the Beyoncé of the photography world, and everything else is just backup dancers. Ignoring natural light is like going to a concert and not seeing the main act. It’s a sin in the church of photography! Natural light doesn’t just illuminate; it transforms spaces, making them warm, inviting, and oh-so-Instagrammable.

Now, if the sun decides to play hard to get and you’re left in the dark, don’t panic. It’s time to bring out those artificial lights – not to create a makeshift disco, but to subtly fill in the shadows without washing out the room’s character. Think of it as setting up a blind date between the room and your camera; you want to make sure they both look their best.

So, new photographers, remember to keep those curtains wide open and embrace the glow. Let Mother Nature be your guide, and watch as your photos go from ‘meh’ to ‘wow’ with just the right touch of sunlight. And hey, who knows? Maybe you’ll start getting texts back from that long-lost friend, too.

Going on a Tilt-a-Whirl (Wonky Angles and Perspectives)

All right, let’s dive into a little heart-to-heart about something I like to call the Tilt-a-Whirl syndrome.

Picture this: You’re all jazzed up, camera in hand, ready to capture the essence of a sleek, modern kitchen. But in your enthusiasm, you forget one tiny (read: colossal) thing – keeping your camera as level as a perfectly mixed cocktail. Suddenly, that chic island counter looks like it’s trying to slide right out of the photo. Yikes!

Now, I get it, sometimes you wanna add a dash of drama with a funky angle, thinking it’ll give your photo that avant-garde edge. But let’s be real, unless you’re shooting a funhouse, those wonky angles just scream “Help, I’m sliding off the earth!” Your camera’s not on a carnival ride, and those lines need to be straighter than the queue at the DMV.

Here’s a pro tip: Embrace the magic of the grid feature on your camera. It’s like having a level-headed friend who whispers, “Hey buddy, let’s keep things straight,” when you’re about to go on a tilt. And seriously, consider a tripod; it’s like that reliable friend who holds your coat while you’re showing off your dance moves – it’s got your back.

So, let’s save the Tilt-a-Whirl adventures for the amusement park, not your real estate photography. Keeping it level will not only save your photos from looking like a DIY rollercoaster project but will also keep your clients from getting motion sickness. Now, who wants to be the hero photographer who mastered the art of straight shooting? You do!

The Devil’s in the Details (Ignoring Small Stuff)

Oh, the devilish details, amigos! Here’s where a lot of us new photographers drop the ball.

It’s like focusing so much on the wedding cake that we forget about the bride’s beautiful dress. You might nail the grand vista of a living room but overlook that pile of magazines dating back to the Stone Age, or the Godzilla-sized dust bunny hiding under the couch. The thing is, those tiny details? They’re the secret ingredients that turn a good photo into a Pinterest-worthy masterpiece.

Imagine you’re setting up a killer shot, but there’s a rogue sock photobombing your perfect living room scene. Or perhaps, there’s a family portrait so large it could be its own character in the photo. These are the sneaky little gremlins that can distract from the beauty of a space.

So, before you click that shutter button, play detective. Scan the room for those little intruders like clutter, personal knick-knacks, or that random collection of fridge magnets. A quick tidy up can transform a space from “lived-in” to “look at me now”. And trust me, it’s way easier than trying to Photoshop out that rogue sock later. Who knew playing ‘I Spy’ before taking photos could make such a difference?

Ditching the tripod (Unsteady Shots and Blurriness)

Oh, the infamous tripod, or as some of you might call it, “that three-legged nuisance.”

Look, I totally get the temptation to leave the tripod in the car because, honestly, who wants to carry around an extra set of legs all day? But here’s the tea – skipping the tripod is like trying to text your crush after three cups of coffee; everything gets shaky, and the results are, well, blurry at best.

Imagine you’ve found the perfect shot, and just as you’re about to snap, your hand decides it’s the perfect moment to unleash its inner Shakira – hips don’t lie, but unfortunately, neither do shaky hands. And just like that, your potentially award-winning photo turns into a “guess the room” puzzle.

Bringing along a tripod is kinda like inviting a dependable friend to a party. Sure, they might take up a bit of space in the car, but they’re going to make sure your photos come out looking sharp, not like you were trying to capture the spirit of a ghost. So, embrace the tripod, friends. It’s the secret handshake to crisp, clear, and professional shots. Let’s keep those shots steady and leave the blurriness for action movies, shall we?

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