Here is a quick guide on how to get great pictures to rent your house.
1. Preparation of Spaces
Cleanliness and Order
First impressions count, and a clean and tidy space is essential. Start with a thorough cleaning: dust, vacuum and wash the floors. Remove excessive personal items such as family photographs and bulky objects. This will help create a neutral atmosphere, allowing potential tenants to imagine their life inside the house.
Photo by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay
Furniture and Decoration
Evaluate the positioning of furniture. A good layout can make spaces seem larger. Consider the use of fabrics and decorations that add colour and life: cushions, carpets and plants can make rooms more inviting. A touch of elegance, such as a set table or a tray with fresh fruit, can make images even more inviting.
2. Lighting
Natural Light
Natural light is one of the most important aspects in real estate photography. Take photos during the day, preferably in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softest. Open all curtains and blinds to maximise natural lighting. If possible, avoid shooting during peak hours, such as midday, when the light can be too harsh.
Photo by Pexels from Pixabay
Use of Sources of Light
If natural light is not enough, supplement it with lamps and spotlights. Choose warm light bulbs for a cosier atmosphere. Remember to turn on all available lights before shooting to eliminate unwanted shadows and make spaces brighter.
3. The moment to shoot
Choosing the Right Angles
Experiment with different angles. Shooting from a diagonal angle is often most effective for showing the size of a room. Consider also taking pictures from different heights: at eye level for details and higher up for an overall view.
Composition
Use the rule of thirds to create balanced images. Imagine dividing the image into three equal parts, both horizontally and vertically. Place the main elements along these lines or at the points of intersection for a visually pleasing effect.
Setting the Camera
When preparing to take pictures of your home, it is essential to set up your camera correctly for optimal results. Start by selecting a suitable shooting mode: Auto' mode is ideal for those without much experiencewhile manual mode offers more control over settings.
In manual mode: Set the ISO to a low value, between 100 and 400, to reduce noise in images and ensure higher quality. For the aperture, choose a value between f/8 and f/11; this will allow you to have a wide depth of field, keeping both the main subject and the background in focus.
A useful tip is to set the camera for 16:9 aspect ratio, ideal for photographs of large rooms or for video tours. This aspect ratio allows a more panoramic view of spaces to be captured, emphasising their size and layout.
Be sure to use a tripod to stabilise the camera and reduce the risk of blurring, especially in low light conditions. Finally, always check the exposure to avoid overexposed or underexposed areas, thus ensuring a well-balanced image. With these settings, you will be able to capture the beauty of your home in a professional manner.
4. Post-Production
Image Editing
After taking photos, quality editing is essential. Use software such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust brightness, contrast and saturation. Don't overdo it, though: the aim is to maintain the real look of the house and avoid altering its original appearance.
Removal of Defects
If you notice defects, such as unwanted objects in the background or unexpected reflections, use retouching tools to remove them. Even small corrections can greatly improve the final appearance of images.
5. Consider a Professional
If you feel overwhelmed by photography or want maximum results, it might be worth hiring a professional photographer. An expert not only knows the right techniques, but will also have the right equipment to ensure optimal results. Moreover, a professional photographer knows how to highlight the unique features of your home, making a difference in your advertising.
6. Add Video and Virtual Tours
Video Presentation
Consider making a short video presentation of your home. A video can provide a more dynamic and realistic view of the space. Show each room in motion, highlighting strengths and creating a sense of immersion.
Virtual Tours
A virtual tour allows potential tenants to explore the house from the comfort of their own home. Online tools such as Matterport or Tourwizard can help you create immersive experiences that increase interest.
7. Share on Platforms
After obtaining high quality photos and videos, make sure to share your images on appropriate platforms. Use rental websites such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Sardinia4Rent.com (specifically for renting in Sardinia) or even social media such as Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to accompany the images with detailed and appealing descriptions, highlighting the unique features of your home.
Conclusion
In a crowded market, outstanding photos can make the difference between an ad that gets attention and one that is ignored. Investing time and effort in space preparation, photography and editing can yield significant results. Remember that a well-kept presentation not only attracts potential tenants, but also communicates the value of your home. With these strategies, you will be well positioned to rent your property quickly and profitably. Good luck!