Real estate photography and video shoots have become an essential part of the real estate business. They not only help to showcase properties but also entice potential buyers. However, taking good quality images and videos of the property requires more than just a good camera. Timing plays a crucial role in real estate photography and videography. It’s important to schedule a shoot at the correct time of day to optimize lighting and capture the best possible images and videos. In this blog, we’ll explain why timing is so crucial and what aspects of lighting to consider for optimal results.
1. The Best Time of Day
There is no single answer for the best time of day to take real estate photos as it depends on various factors like climate, property size, and type of property. However, as a general rule, the best times for residential property photography are during the “golden hours,” which are the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. During this time, the sun is low in the sky, creating a soft, warm light that enhances the natural beauty of the property and its surroundings. For commercial properties, mid-morning or mid-afternoon works best as they receive the most natural light at those times. It’s best to avoid taking photos during harsh midday sun, as it can cast unflattering shadows and be too harsh on the eyes.
2. The Importance of Natural Light
In addition to the time of day, natural light also plays a critical role in real estate photography and videography. When shooting interiors, it’s essential to capture as much natural light as possible, which often means waiting for the right time of day when the sun is shining into the home. Photographers and videographers will need to take into consideration the placement of windows, the direction the home faces, and any surrounding obstructions that could hinder the natural light from entering the space.
3. The Effect of Artificial Light
When natural light isn’t sufficient, photographers and videographers can supplement with artificial lighting. However, care should be taken to avoid using too much artificial light as it can distort colors and create dark shadows. The goal is to create a pleasant atmosphere that emphasizes the space’s best features and neutralizes any undesirable features, creating a balance between natural and artificial light.
4. Overcoming Challenging Lighting Situations
Sometimes, photographers may find themselves in tricky lighting conditions like cloudy or overcast weather, or when shooting properties with a strong glare or reflection like a pool. In such cases, professionals need to creatively use techniques like bracketing, HDR, or shooting multiple frames to stitch together into one image to reveal as much detail as possible.
5. Understanding Your Audience
It’s essential to recognize who the target audience for the property is before scheduling a shoot. A retired couple looking to buy a home in a peaceful suburb will favor warm, welcoming light and a traditional feel, while a young professional looking for a downtown loft will care more about bright natural light and a modern style. With this in mind, photographers and videographers can tweak their lighting techniques and approach accordingly.
Conclusion:
Putting into consideration the timing of day is critical for capturing those stunning shots that can make a difference in the sale of a property. Photographers and videographers must consider natural and artificial light, the weather conditions, and the audience for the property to highlight the unique features of every property. It is important to discuss the timing of a shoot with real estate agents to schedule a photo or video shoot that will highlight the property in the best possible light. It’s amazing how well-lit photographs can turn up increased inquiries and can significantly decrease the amount of time properties are on the market. Therefore, intentional timing of a photo or video shoot is a critical aspect in real estate marketing strategy.
