Virtual twilight photography has become an increasingly popular tool for real estate agents looking to add a touch of magic to their listings. With virtual twilight, a property’s exterior photos are digitally transformed to appear as if taken at dusk, creating a warm, inviting glow. This technique enhances the aesthetic appeal and helps properties stand out in a competitive market.
Why Choose Virtual Twilight for Your Listings?
The primary benefit of virtual twilight photography is the dramatic effect it adds. A property with illuminated windows and subtle exterior lighting against a sunset sky is instantly eye-catching. The soft hues of dusk bring out textures, landscaping, and architectural details that might be less noticeable in standard daylight photos. This is particularly advantageous for properties with unique exterior features, like custom lighting, beautiful landscaping, or pools.
Using virtual twilight is also a practical choice. Unlike traditional twilight photography, which relies on timing and specific conditions, virtual twilight can be applied to existing daytime photos, saving time, money, and the unpredictability of weather.
Which Properties Benefit Most from Virtual Twilight?
While almost any property can benefit from twilight photos, they’re especially useful for listings emphasizing outdoor amenities. Luxury homes with pools, spacious patios, and fire pits are excellent candidates, as twilight enhances the allure of these features. Likewise, homes with extensive landscaping, outdoor lighting, or scenic views can benefit greatly. Smaller homes gain charm with a twilight transformation, which appears cozy and welcoming.
Virtual twilight photography is particularly compelling for listings where agents want to appeal to a buyer’s emotional connection to the home. Dusk photos convey warmth and comfort, making it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves relaxing after a day’s work, surrounded by the ambiance of their new home.
How Agents Use Virtual Twilight to Maximize Appeal
To make the most of virtual twilight photography, agents often use it as the primary photo in online listings, attracting attention from buyers scrolling through property sites. Additionally, twilight photos work well for social media posts, postcards, and other marketing materials. A few strategically placed twilight images among standard photos can enhance the storytelling of a listing, giving buyers a fuller view of the home’s charm.
Virtual twilight is a valuable addition to any listing that seeks to make a strong first impression. It draws in potential buyers with its promise of warmth and elegance.
Real estate photography is more than just taking pictures; it’s a meticulous process that transforms a space into an inviting visual story. Here’s a deeper dive into the typical workflow of a real estate photographer, including an increasingly important step: the use of AI in photo editing.
1. Staging and Composing the Scene
Before the camera is even turned on, the photographer takes time to stage the property. This might involve rearranging furniture or decor to capture the essence and potential of each space, ensuring the photographs will appeal to prospective buyers.
2. Tripod Use for Consistent Quality
A tripod is a real estate photographer’s best friend. It ensures stability, resulting in sharper images. It also helps maintain consistency in framing and perspective across different shots, an essential factor for a cohesive visual portfolio of the property.
3. Bracketing Shots for Dynamic Range
Photographers often use bracketing, taking several shots of the same scene at different exposure levels (usually three to five). This approach captures details in the brightest highlights and darkest shadows, which is crucial for areas with varying light conditions.
4. HDR Processing for Balanced Images
These bracketed shots are blended through HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing. This method merges the best parts of each exposure, creating a single image that offers a balanced view similar to what the human eye perceives.
5. Lighting and Color Adjustments
Post-HDR processing, the photographer fine-tunes lighting, color balance, and contrast to make the images vibrant and welcoming. This step can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your listing.
6. Executing Window Pulls
Window pulls are a technique to balance the bright exterior seen through windows with the room’s interior. This ensures that both the indoor space and the external view are accurately and attractively represented.
7. Utilizing AI in Post-Processing
A growing trend in real estate photography is using AI tools in editing software like Photoshop. These AI features can remove unwanted objects (like trash cans, cars, and garden hoses), replace bland skies with more dynamic ones, or even extend the sides of images if necessary. This step ensures the final image is visually appealing and portrays the property in the best possible light.
8. Final Edits and Touch-Ups
The finishing touches involve removing minor imperfections, straightening lines, and ensuring the photos are a true representation of the property. The photographer aims to create a realistic yet aesthetically pleasing image that captures the viewer’s attention.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricate process behind real estate photography, including the advanced use of AI in editing, can deepen your appreciation for this art form. Each step, from setting up with a tripod to sophisticated AI enhancements, is geared towards creating images that do more than just showcase a property—they tell its story. As a real estate agent, recognizing the value and skill involved in this process can help you collaborate more effectively with photographers, ensuring your listings are visually compelling and stand out in the market.
In the dynamic world of real estate, captivating aerial imagery has become a cornerstone for showcasing properties. Integrating drone photography into your marketing strategy as a real estate agent can significantly elevate your listings, offering potential buyers a unique perspective and a comprehensive view of the property. However, the key to reaping the benefits of drone imagery lies in choosing the right drone pilot.
Here’s a guide to help you vet potential drone pilots effectively.
1. Certification and Compliance
Start by ensuring the drone pilot is FAA-certified. In the U.S., commercial drone pilots must have a Remote Pilot Certificate under the FAA’s Part 107 regulation. This certification is not just a formality; it demonstrates the pilot’s understanding of airspace regulations, safety practices, and operational requirements. Verify their certification and inquire about their understanding of local airspace restrictions, especially in areas with complex regulations like the Willamette Valley, Oregon, known for its proximity to multiple airports.
2. Portfolio and Experience
Experience matters. Review the pilot’s portfolio to assess their expertise in real estate photography. Look for variety in their work – different property types, landscapes, and architectural styles. Please pay attention to how well they capture the essence of each property and the surrounding area. An experienced drone pilot should provide a compelling narrative of the property, showcasing its best features from angles that ground-level photography can’t achieve.
Aerial photos show a dramatic view of the property in context with its surroundings.
3. Equipment and Capabilities
The quality of the drone and camera significantly affects the final output. Inquire about the type of drone and camera the pilot uses. Look for high-resolution cameras capable of capturing 4K video and high-quality stills. Additionally, consider their ability to shoot in various lighting conditions crucial for capturing properties at their most appealing times, like the golden hour.
4. Insurance and Liability
Ensure the drone pilot has liability insurance specifically for drone operations. This is crucial to protect yourself and the property owner from potential damages or accidents during the shoot. A professional drone operator should have no issue providing proof of insurance.
5. Communication and Professionalism
Effective communication is critical. The pilot should be able to understand your specific needs and translate them into stunning visuals. Their professionalism extends beyond flying skills; it includes punctuality, responsiveness, and the ability to work under varying conditions.
6. Creativity and Customization
Each property is unique, and the drone footage should reflect this. A skilled drone pilot can offer creative suggestions and customize their approach to highlight the unique features of each property. Whether capturing the expanse of a rural property in the Willamette Valley or the intricate details of an urban dwelling, their creativity can make a significant difference.
7. Testimonials and References
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for references or testimonials from previous clients, especially other real estate agents. Hearing about others’ experiences can provide insights into the pilot’s reliability and quality of work.
Finally…
In conclusion, the right drone pilot can transform your real estate listings, offering breathtaking views that captivate potential buyers. Focusing on these best practices ensures that your aerial imagery meets and exceeds expectations, setting your properties apart in a competitive market.
Choosing the right real estate photographer is crucial in showcasing properties effectively. Often, real estate agents miss asking some key questions that can greatly impact the quality and effectiveness of the photographs. Here are the top five questions that are often overlooked but essential when hiring a new real estate photographer.
1. What is Your Post-Processing Workflow?
While many agents inquire about the shooting process, they often overlook the equally important post-processing phase. Ask about the photographer’s editing process, including their approach to color correction, exposure adjustments, and handling features like window views and shadows. Understanding their post-processing techniques will give you insight into the final look of your property images.
2. Can You Provide Examples of Different Lighting Conditions?
Photographers usually have a portfolio, but it might not cover a wide range of lighting scenarios. Ask for examples of their work in various lighting conditions, such as low light, bright sunlight, and mixed lighting. This will give you a better understanding of how they handle challenging light situations and maintain consistency in image quality.
3. How Do You Handle Tight Spaces or Unique Architectural Features?
Real estate encompasses a variety of properties, from compact apartments to large estates with unique architectural elements. It’s important to know how a photographer approaches such diverse spaces. Ask how they maximize small areas or capture the essence of unique architectural features. Their approach can significantly influence the appeal of your listings.
4. What is Your Turnaround Time?
Timing is crucial in real estate. While agents often ask about availability, they sometimes forget to discuss turnaround time. Knowing how quickly you can expect to receive the edited photos helps in planning listings and marketing strategies. It’s also worth discussing the process for rush jobs or tight deadlines.
5. How Do You Ensure Property Safety During a Shoot?
This question is especially pertinent now. Inquire about the photographer’s measures to ensure property safety, particularly in the context of ongoing health concerns. Understanding their approach to safety and respect for the property can be crucial for homeowner peace of mind.
Conclusion
Hiring a real estate photographer is more than just finding someone with a camera and a drone. It’s about understanding their complete process, from handling various lighting conditions and architectural challenges to post-processing and safety protocols. By asking these often-overlooked questions, you can ensure a more informed decision, leading to high-quality photographs that effectively market your properties. Whether showcasing a cozy bungalow or a sprawling estate, these questions can help you find the right photographer to bring out the best in your listings.
I was recently contacted to shoot a 60-second video for Harmony Communities’ Salem Green Estates, a peaceful 55+ community in NE Salem. The team found me through Bark.com and requested drone footage highlighting the beautiful neighborhood.
My first visit was in late May, where I captured several short aerial videos and a variety of still photos. I put together a draft video, but after reviewing the footage, they mentioned the property wasn’t quite ready—particularly the pool, which needed some attention to look its best on camera.
In early July, I returned to Salem Green Estates for another round of filming, spending about an hour capturing fresh drone footage and stills. After I shared a second draft video, I asked for feedback on the visuals, text, and titles. After a couple of email exchanges, we fine-tuned the details, and I was able to deliver a final version they were thrilled with. Once they approved it, I rendered the video in full resolution.
It was a great experience working with the team at Salem Green Estates—such nice people—and I enjoyed capturing the welcoming vibe of this lovely community. It’s always rewarding to be part of a project that highlights what makes a place special!
It’s been over two years since I launched Salem Realty Media in the Spring of 2022. It’s been a fun ride! As an aside, I run another business, TradeshowGuy Exhibits, but that’s another story. But I mention it because it’s significant to how I approach running Salem Realty Media. I embrace the same philosophy in Salem Realty Media as I have for the last thirteen years with TradeshowGuy Exhibits: If you look good, I look good.
Since starting the business in ’22, I knew that aerial photography was critical in the overall picture of my success. Drone photos are big in the business as they show off a property, while ground photography simply cannot. But when I started, I’d never flown a drone, and I didn’t know what it took. No matter, my good friend, Tony Marino, has a company, Aerial Northwest, that’s been doing drone photography for several years. He’s been my go-to drone pilot and has done a great job for me. But from the start, I told him that I would eventually be doing it once I was ready.
I got ready over the winter. I studied what it took to pass the Part 107 FAA UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) exam, did my homework, and, long story short, I passed the exam on May 1, which made me an officially certified UAS Pilot. In early April, I purchased a DJI Mini 4 Pro, and have spent a lot of hours learning how to fly. I’ve gotten very comfortable, so much so that yesterday morning, I was navigating through the trees in a beautiful shaded backyard, easily grabbing nice shots and staying away from the branches. And it was a piece of cake. A fun job.
With each house shoot, I learned more about what angles are best, how many pictures to take, what is pleasing to the eye, and so on. It’s not hard, and in fact, it’s great fun. But as I posted on Instagram yesterday, it’s also serious. You have to approach it from a careful, detailed, and process-oriented standpoint, going through checklists, checking out the weather, tools, etcetera.
One big thing that I think I’ve almost figured out (fingers crossed!) is the aspect of getting clearance quickly in certain airspaces. Salem is heavily regulated for drone flying, in particular, within five miles of the airport. As a pilot, I’ve learned what needs to be done to get authorization to fly in certain areas. For example, one shoot I did this week is in an area where a UAS pilot needs ATC (Air Traffic Control) authorization to fly, period. In many areas, instant authorization can be obtained to fly up to fifty feet AGL (Above Ground Level), but to fly higher, a special request must be made (with certain exceptions, drones are limited to flying up to 400 feet AGL anywhere in the country).
The challenge with the request is that once it’s been submitted, you’re told it can come within 30 days—or as much as 90. If it isn’t approved, you may never hear back from them at all. It kind of leaves you in the dark. But I’ve made a handful of requests, and they’ve all been approved, most within a few days, but that timeframe is not guaranteed.
The other thing I learned is that there is a huge community of UAS pilots. They’re all enthusiastic about the activity and willing to offer feedback and answer questions. This means that it’s not hard to get real-world experience from people who’ve been there and done that, making it all that much easier.
Want some drone shots of your next listing? Reach out. We’re happy to help!
