Shooting real estate for the MLS
Dec 19, 2016 08:23:14 #
A friend just got her first listing as an agent and asked for my help in photographing a garden home. Is there anything in particular to know about shooting for the MLS such as cropping and post production work? Many thanks.
Sincerely,
Lee
Sincerely,
Lee
Dec 19, 2016 08:39:17 #
Dec 19, 2016 08:45:38 #
I don't know much, but I would find out what format their publishing in. I'd bet that is standard. Then I'd use that aspect ratio to crop. My second piece of advice is to show up with a large rubbermaid tote (2?). This way you have somewhere to put clutter and can easily move it around to get the best shots. Make sure the homeowner is there to assist and supervise, you don't want to be accused of removing anything from the premises. Prior to bringing the totes in, I would also discuss it with the homeowner, as some people can be squirrelly about moving their stuff around. Make sure you put it back exact... If you don't think you can remember, take a quick shot before you move stuff for future reference... Good luck!
Dec 19, 2016 08:51:26 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
Not really. Be sure to shoot level from a tripod. I usually send 2-3MB JPG images in landscape and export SRGB. I had one MLS service scold me for having a watermark on my images. If the MLS doesn't like them they'll let the listing agent know. You can either bracket 5 images and blend or bounce a strobe. I do both. If you want to make your friend a hero shoot at twilight. Good luck.
Lee Thomas wrote:
A friend just got her first listing as an agent and asked for my help in photographing a garden home. Is there anything in particular to know about shooting for the MLS such as cropping and post production work? Many thanks.
Sincerely,
Lee
Sincerely,
Lee
Dec 19, 2016 09:08:22 #
Lee Thomas wrote:
A friend just got her first listing as an agent and asked for my help in photographing a garden home. Is there anything in particular to know about shooting for the MLS such as cropping and post production work? Many thanks.
Sincerely,
Lee
Sincerely,
Lee
Find out what the budget is. You'll be able to gauge what you can do for them after that. If it's $200 for the home, then either pass on it or do a quick 5 shots and call it a day. Don't spend a day shooting a home to come home with only $200, though. It hurts you and it hurts the industry.
If there is a budget for it, get a home photo stylist - they will make the place look amazing, and all you have to do is press the shutter.
If you will be doing this more often, contracts, insurance (you don't want to have to pay for something that you broke while shooting - it happens), a fair use license, etc etc etc. You'll appear more professional and be less likely to be chiseled down on pricing.
And everything everyone else has said.
Dec 19, 2016 11:44:39 #
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I'll post some "lessons learned" after the shoot.
Sincerely,
Lee
Sincerely,
Lee
Dec 20, 2016 06:34:10 #
Dec 20, 2016 07:24:27 #
Szalajj
Loc: Salem, NH
Something to consider for future Real Estate shots is the Nikon 360.
This may become a necessary tool for Real Estate shoots!
I don't work for Nikon, nor do I shoot with a Nikon at this time!
I attended a workshop at a photography expo a few weeks ago where this camera was demonstrated.
My fist thought during the demo was that it was extremely well suited for the Real Estate industry, especially for virtual reality videos!
This may become a necessary tool for Real Estate shoots!
I don't work for Nikon, nor do I shoot with a Nikon at this time!
I attended a workshop at a photography expo a few weeks ago where this camera was demonstrated.
My fist thought during the demo was that it was extremely well suited for the Real Estate industry, especially for virtual reality videos!
Dec 20, 2016 09:12:16 #
Around here drones are used. One clever thing I saw was someone stuck his DSLR on a painters pole and took shots from a raised position.
Dec 20, 2016 11:28:52 #
Dec 20, 2016 11:29:53 #
Dec 20, 2016 12:59:11 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
MLS photos are generally relatively small, low resolution JPEGs.... Still photos only. Some MLS have means of posting video tour. Depending upon the particular MLS, they might allow a certain number of images and then charge for additional after that.
Check with your agent friend for info about your local MLS and wish her good luck with her first listing!
Check with your agent friend for info about your local MLS and wish her good luck with her first listing!
Dec 20, 2016 18:25:30 #
Dec 20, 2016 18:27:43 #
Thanks again to everyone who replied. The link will take you to the album I just put together. Comments and criticism always appreciated. Hope I can post the link here as part of the continuity.
Sincerely,
Lee
http://www.flickr.com/gp/8359753@N07/x0m090
Sincerely,
Lee
http://www.flickr.com/gp/8359753@N07/x0m090
Dec 20, 2016 20:25:34 #
I was a Real Estate Broker in California and mainly a listing agent. I used to shoot my own pictures for my brochures that were available for the general public and potential buyers. I did this for 37 years. You did a very good job and I would let you do the photographing of my listings and I'm very particular. Good job. The photos for the MLS were shot by a photographer for the Association of Realtors when I was in business.
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