Let’s start with the obvious and back it up with some data: Professional photos taken by real estate photographer with bright colors captured in right angle will definitely attract more than a few blurry photos taken with a mobile phone. According to a study by NAR, listings with professional photos receive 118% more reviews and sell 32% faster. In this article, we’ll look at what advantages professional real estate photographer brings into the table and how to find one.
Even though it might be tempting to take the photos by yourself, it will give you a better competitive position and decrease your listing’s time-on-market if you decide to hire a professional photographer. So, how to find that perfect real estate photographer with a correct set of services to get all those advantages?
Use the Internet
There are tons of photographers for hire on the Internet. You can search through LinkedIn or websites which collect the best photographers. It is always better if they have a website with a portfolio so you can check their work immediately. Look for clear indicators from the photos: Does space look attractive? Are the photos bright and clean? Do you feel an urge to move in? If the answer is “yes”, you can continue the process.
Find out more about this photographer e.g. pricing, availability, service area. Look for reviews from Yelp, Google and Facebook. If you are thinking about longer cooperation, it is crucial to meet that person face-to-face and find out something about the personality of the photographer.
TIP! Don’t hesitate to ask coworkers or people around you, they might know a great photographer. It is always better to get a direct recommendation.
Work of the real estate photographer is more than taking pictures
Work of real estate photographer includes much more than is visible in the photos you receive. A successful photographer needs to always try new apps and services, learn new software, take, edit and upload the photos to some cloud service. All of these tasks take a lot of time. Because of the characteristics of the photographer’s work, it’s realtor’s task to make sure that all deadlines are set in advance, that you will get photos on time. It is also good to discuss the aesthetics of photo editing, so you will let him know what you are looking for.
Aligning your editing goals is one of the most important aspects
Don’t get offended by the price, it is better to meet and discuss how your collaboration could work out and negotiate. Most photographers are willing to lower the price if you are able to make a long term contract. Price should also depend on years of experience, equipment and listing specific requirements. However, it is good to compare your investment into professional photography and the difference it makes on your sales metrics. If you have not used professional photos before, the difference will most likely be huge in the beginning.
Moreover, you can look for a wide variety of services that Real Estates Photographers provide. If your marketing budget varies a lot per listing, it might be useful to connect with photographers who offer special services. Use drone photography, twilight photography, floor plans or 3D tours. In fact, most of our CubiCasa Certified Photographers offer these services. You can find one from your area through CubiCasa Certified Photographer page.
If you are a photographer or want to take some of the work into your own hands, learn how easy it is to make a floor plan.
