Find out what real estate photographers need to be doing to stay relevant in these changing times.
All across America, industries are being forced to adapt as the rampant spread of COVID-19 has forced dramatic changes in the ways we work and live. Realtors are relying more and more on the digital tools for their marketing, and they are realizing how valuable great photographs are in showcasing their properties.
Real estate photographers is one of the fortunate industries that can take advantage of this historic worldwide shift. It is more important than ever to not only deliver great photos, but expand your services to make marketing even easier for your real estate clients.
Let’s take a look at the hottest trends in real estate photography in 2020:
It’s a Mobile-First World
Statistics show that the first point of contact for most consumers is via a mobile device. That’s their primary device for accessing the internet and so their first impression of your property will most likely be on a mobile screen. Photographers need to shoot, edit, and deliver content with that fact in mind.
It’s vital that any images you deliver are optimized for mobile devices. That means making sure your images load quickly on mobile devices, and they are able to adjust to fit all different screen sizes and operating systems.
You need to strike the perfect balance where images are able to load and display quickly without sacrificing any quality at the same time. The biggest danger with mobile is that it’s so easy for consumers to move onto the next listing, photo, or app quickly. If your images aren’t eye catching, chances are you’re losing the interest of a potential buyer without even knowing it.
Embrace an Aerial View
Photographers no longer need the kind of budget that would allow you to rent a helicopter to get aerial shots of a property. Nowadays, sophisticated drones can be equipped with hi-def cameras and sent over a property to gather both beautiful video and stills of the property from above.
It’s not hit-and-miss either, the drone operator is able to view what the drone is seeing in real-time and position it precisely in order to get the perfect shot.
Considering how easy it is to do, it’s surprising that not more photographers are offering aerial r drone photography as part of their package. In order to really stand out, you should either invest in a drone or strike up a deal with a drone operator that will be beneficial to both of you, as well as the realtor.
Offer 3D Virtual Tours
Chances are that buying a home is probably the biggest purchase most people will make in their lives. They don’t just want to look at photos online, they want to really get a feel of the space. Virtual tours are growing increasingly popular as the world of online real estate grows.
Using a laptop or a mobile device, interested buyers can take a 3D tour of the property that lets them navigate from room to room in a realistic simulation that helps them”walk through” each room to better understand the flow and layout of the house.
Photographers that can capture 3D images and video are going to be in demand as buyers get used to this new reality.
Transform an Empty Room with Virtual Staging
Staging a room with just the right furniture and lighting for a viewing is one of the most time-consuming and expensive parts of a realtor’s job. Virtual staging is one of the hottest trends in real estate right now, as it offers realtors the chance to furnish and showcase a room online, without all the real hassle and cost.
Smart photographers are using virtual staging companies where real interior designers transform shots of empty rooms into glamorous, stylish living spaces that pique the interest of buyers. The service is quick and affordable, and it’s a no-brainer for realtors operating in a digital-first environment who need to make their properties stand out from the crowd.
Real estate photography is changing fast. Realtors are looking for new and unusual ways to highlight their properties online. It’s a great opportunity for you to learn new skills, find new revenue streams, and generate more income than ever before.
Get in touch with PhotoUp today to find out how we can help evolve your business and make you even more valuable to your clients.
