Like every other dimension of eCommerce, the online real estate market also relies on appealing visuals to inspire engagement among the audience. Potential buyers are more likely to pause at a property listing if they like the property’s photos. But, while a well-done photo can make all the difference, shooting such a photo is not always a feasible choice for realtors.
With or without a professional photographer, photos of a property’s exteriors can lose their quality because of many factors. For instance, the photo quality (and expected appeal) will be different in varying lights, at different times of the day, or because of people moving around, shrubbery, the camera angle, etc. Therefore, post-processing is a necessity for such real estate images. However, editing real estate photos requires time, patience, tools, and skills. That leads real estate businesses to choose professional photo retouching services.
Here are some tips on how to make sure that your photos come out the way you want them to. We’ll also discuss how professional real estate photo editing services can help you in this case.
Tips You Should Follow while Editing Real Estate Pictures for Property Exteriors
When it comes to real estate photography, exteriors are a big part of the equation. And, as with any other aspect of your photography business, good exterior photos lead to better overall results. That’s why it’s important to have a good understanding of how to enhance your shots.
1. Straighten the Vertical Lines
Distorted vertical lines are a common issue that dampens the visual impact of a photo. Photographers try to avoid the same by using tilt-shift lenses or trying to align the camera’s lens with the surface and similar techniques. However, if that doesn’t work, such an error can be fixed through editing. You can use lens correction tools in Photoshop or Lightroom. You can also use the Adaptive Wide Angle tool if your photo is shot at a wide angle. But, this particular filter requires care when using. Another way to fix the vertical lines in a photo is through Photoshop’s Warp tool.
However, if you want your shots to look natural and have less of a synthetic or posed feel, it is important not to overdo it with straightening vertical lines.
2. Use Contrast for a Dramatic Impact
When adding dramatic effects to your outdoor real estate photographs, make sure to use contrast to create an impactful statement. This can be done by using bright colors against dark backgrounds or vice versa, as well as using strong shadows and highlights. It’s also a good idea to play around with focal points and composition to create interesting shots that will draw people in.
3. A Well-executed Sky Replacement
One of the most crucial elements to give your real estate photos is a cheerful and bright sky. A cloudy or overcast sky can significantly diminish the impact of your photographs, especially when it comes to exterior shots. Such photos (with a dull sky) carry a particular gloominess within them which may deter potential buyers.
If you’re looking to add some brightness and life back into your exterior shots, sky replacement is the best way to go about it. Not only will it help draw attention to your photos, but it can also add a touch of warmth and realism that can make your home stand out. You can also use dusk or dawn sky, depending on the type of impact you want the photo to create.
4. Giving your Exterior Photos a Twilight Effect
Adding a twilight effect to your exterior photos can be a great way to make them stand out from the crowd. You can draw attention to the exterior structure and make it appear more appealing by darkening the sky in contrast to the brightly lit interior of the building. This method calls for a lot of work, but if you can master it, it will enhance your photographs.
What Should You Avoid while Editing Outdoor Real Estate Photos?
When editing outdoor real estate photos, there are a few things you should avoid to keep your images looking their best.
1. Don’t Use High Color Saturation
When it comes to color in real estate photography, people often think that more is better. It’s not! The colors you choose can certainly make a huge difference. But you need to find that balance in every photo.
For example, if you are selling a home with lots of natural light coming in through windows, then using bright colors like oranges or yellows may be too jarring for potential buyers. A better choice might be earth tones like browns and grays. Neutral colors like whites and grays also work well in light homes since they won’t draw attention away from all the natural beauty. Finally, avoid using neon colors unless they are used sparingly, as they can quickly become an eyesore.
2. Don’t Leave Behind Unclean Marks
As a real estate agent, it is vitally important to have high-quality exterior photos ready to go for your listings. However, the property may not have perfect exteriors. Its surroundings may be dirty, in need of cleaning, a paint job, or something similar. Or, in cases where the property is alright, the photo may get one or other kind of irregularities, like a blemish. It is important to scan for every anomaly in the photo and clean them up during editing.
This gives you the best chance of producing stunning edits that inspire engagement and generate high value.
3. Don’t Make Your Photos Look Unrealistic
When it comes to creating photos for real estate purposes, it is important to be as realistic as possible. This means avoiding scenes that cannot be achieved in reality, such as trees that have been edited out of a photo. This sends the message to potential buyers that the photo has been tampered with and can make real estate photo enhancement work less favorably for the business. Additionally, overdoing editing can look artificial and cause buyers to question the authenticity of the photo. It is best to stick with edits that are minimal but still represent the photo accurately.
How Can Outsourcing Help You to Make Your Property Look More Realistic and Honest?
If you’re like most businesses, you probably don’t have the time to retouch your photos properly. That’s where outsourcing photo retouching services come in handy. These companies can help you correct any problems with your photos, from blemishes and wrinkles to incorrect colors and lighting.
Plus, they can create realistic HDR versions of your images that can make your property look more appealing to potential buyers. Not only that, but real estate HDR photo editing can also help improve the overall quality of your photos.
Some common benefits of using photo retouching services include:
- Improving the appearance of your home to attract buyers
- Boosting its market value
- Increasing your sales chances
- Reducing workload for you and your team
- Helping you avoid costly mistakes
Take Away
A property’s exterior can greatly affect its desirability.
When potential homebuyers view a property, the first impression is often the most important. That’s why real estate image enhancement services are so important-they help give properties that extra boost in appearance while remaining a cost-effective endeavor for realtors. Correcting any minor flaws and improving overall lighting and color, make buyers feel more confident about making an offer on your property. And since there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to photo editing, they can even tailor their services specifically for each business’s needs. So whether you’re looking for a quick fix or something more extensive, these services will have you feeling your best on the market in no time.
