It’s true…
In commercial real estate, a property’s first photographs create the required impact and can make a drastic impression on any potential tenant, broker, or investor.
These days property sales are in full swing, and commercial real estate photography, too, is in great demand. Without the best photos of properties, no agent can be successful with deals, as mediocre photos are dead shot turn-offs to dealers or homebuyers.
Need for Commercial Real Estate Photography:
Outstanding and perfect commercial real estate photography attracts more activity for your property listing, like page views online increases, more demands for property listing brochures, more in-person showings, etc. Even simple and unappealing properties can engage more people and pique interest with the proper use of photography best practices. Let us learn things and tips for commercial real estate photography (CRE).
- Hire a Professional
You’ve generally heard the phrase, “A first impression is the last impression” This statement perfectly suits visual marketing.
If you want to make a positive impression on clients, it is crucial to have a high-quality professional photographer. If your property pictures fail to create a strong image, you could lose a good deal.
A photo shot by a photographer will create a more significant impact than one shot by a hobbyist. The professional photographer has the right gear, expertise, and experience to shoot with the perfect angle, light, and exposure.
A talented photographer knows how to produce a photo shoot and create images that show your personality.
- Understand your objective
Discuss with your photographer what you want to achieve with your CRE photography. For example, are you marketing a property for sale or lease?
Your photos should firstly communicate the purpose of the showcase on your listing. For example, are you marketing some excellent amenities of co-working office space? Is your CRE listing near a central transit hub, or are you promoting a property for sale that’s fully leased?
- Declutter the space
Decluttering is key to perfect compositions as you want to eliminate unwanted elements from the property spaces. So, ensure you inform the agent before the shoot to have the property surfaces neat without build-up clutter. Few decorative items are acceptable to compliment the space being shot. Many things in the photo can make your commercial real estate property look smaller.
- Advance Planning
A pre-photography checklist will prevent unexpected obstacles and can save your time, so your commercial real estate photo shoot goes smoothly, and you will get the outstanding images you need. You can prepare checklists, i.e., before the shoot, on the day, and during the shoot, etc. Your list should include:
- Checking lights inside and out.
- Cleaning windows and swimming pools the day before.
- Disable all security systems for any unexpected issues.
- Park your car or vehicle away from the property and any aerial shots.
- Be aware of all covenants, restrictions, and association rules related to CRE that could affect the commercial use of the pictures.
- Choose the best time of the day.
You can get the best shot of the buildings at other times of the day. If your property has excellent building structure and landscape lighting, then dawn, just before sunrise, or right after sunset are good times to shoot exterior photos. And, if you are photographing interior space, then late morning or early afternoon are often the best times to capture the natural sunlight in your listed area.
While shooting, check the sun’s direction because property photographs give the perfect shot when the sun is low and shining on the building. If the property is north-facing, there will be a problem with direct sunlight; plan your shoot when the sun is on the top of the building. So, figure out the best time to shoot the property.
- Avoid depicting seasonality in your CRE photography.
If commercial real estate photographs depict a specific season or time of the year with dating, then CRE photos limit their longevity.
So, avoid taking photos that reflect the date of your property by showing a particular season or time of year. For example, if potential buyers see your property images in summer, but the photographs they see depict a winter month; they can instantly get detached and lose interest in the property.
- Avoid overdoing and keep balance.
You’re not shooting a movie; you are taking photos of your commercial property listing. Keep prospects focused on your building by going easy with the special effects and keeping photos straight and balanced. Avoid special effects like tilt-shifting or color enhancements; Get a white balance. Vertical lines such as walls should always be up and down (vertical). Horizontal lines should be horizontal like floor covering or desktops; They shouldn’t slope left or right.
Summary
Tempting to whip out your camera and start shooting your commercial estate property. But perfect and eye-catching photos take planning, consideration, and a little know-how.
As a business owner, marketing and promoting your business with commercial real estate photography is one of the best ways to promote your property. Of course, you need a company with years of experience that you can trust.
At 615 Media, we have professionals that will help you in your commercial real estate business. Whether you’re looking to sell your business or promote it, investing in professional commercial real estate, you can contact us for any information.