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References
NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
REALTORS®' Use of Digital Cameras
Frequency of use of digital cameras:
Daily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22%
A few times per week . . . .20%
A few times per month . . . .9%
Rarely or never. . . . . . . . . 37%
Source: 2022 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile
Usefulness of Photos and Virtual Tours
- 39% of homebuyers find virtual tours to be very useful.
- 85% of homebuyers find photos to be very useful.
Source: 2022 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
Choosing a Camera
The Best Cameras for Real Estate Photography in 2023 (PopPhoto, Jan. 30, 2023)
For these selections, I considered various models from the top manufacturers and highlighted mirrorless, DLSR, and budget options. With the rise of video and walkthrough needs for real estate, I also included a drone and 3D camera to fit the needs of a wide range of photographers. Bracketing capabilities, image and video quality, dynamic range, and price were all factored into the decision to ensure quality content for documenting real estate.
Best Camera for Real Estate Photography in 2023 (Digital Camera World, Jan. 16, 2023)
Throughout the guide, we've stuck to the cameras we reckon will give you the best value for money when it comes to capturing real-estate images – everything from DSLRs (opens in new tab) to action cameras (opens in new tab). Where relevant, we've also suggested some of the best wide-angle lenses (opens in new tab) pair with the camera, as these will allow you to fill the frame with property interiors.
Top Essential Tips on Choosing and Buying a Digital Camera (ePHOTOzine, Jan. 12, 2023)
It can be difficult to know what type of camera that it is you want or need, so we've created this article to outline the main differences, and the pros and cons of each camera, to help you make a more informed decision about what camera is best for you.
How-To Tips: Shooting, Editing, & Storing Digital Photographs
The Best Cloud Storage Platforms for Photographers in 2023 (PetaPixel, Jan. 3, 2023)
While the ideal cloud storage service usually depends on your needs, the best option tends to accommodate a variety of file types, is a good platform for sharing and collaboration, includes some useful features or integrations for photographers, and provides ample and secure storage space — all for a reasonable price, should you decide to pay for it.
Why Real Estate Photo Editing Is Crucial to Help Sell Your Listing (Internet Vibes, Jan. 20, 2023)
Overall, editing your real estate photography can help to make the property look more attractive and spacious. By removing unsightly elements, like cords and wires, power lines, or trash cans, you can make the property look more beautiful and appealing to potential buyers.
Top 25 Real Estate Photography Tips to Shoot Amazing Photos (PhotoUp, Apr. 13, 2022)
Typically, sellers know, better than anyone, the home’s strong features and selling points.
An important real estate photography tip is ask them for the following:
- Their opinion of the home’s best selling features
- Rooms or areas to photograph that might not be immediately visible
- Best angles or perspectives for each room
Marketing Your Listings With Digital Images
Real Estate Marketing Ideas for Successful Sales in 2023 (Realty Biz News, Feb. 1, 2023)
Listing videos are produced to showcase a property for sale in an engaging, visually stimulating way. They typically feature high-definition footage of both the inside and outside of a property, accompanied by compelling music beds and captivating narration. This combination allows potential buyers to experience what it would be like living in that home before they even contact an agent or step foot inside.
Optimizing Your Real Estate Content Marketing Strategy In 2023 (Forbes, Jan. 26, 2023)
Some ways in which real estate marketers can incorporate short-form videos into their strategy include 3-D virtual tours of properties added to listings and social media, video business cards and testimonials of happy clients.
Short videos are significantly easier and cheaper to produce than longer ones, while they are also more effective in grabbing the attention of potential leads who are already swamped in content and retaining it till the end.
5 Tips for Marketing Your Real Estate Business and Reaching More Clients (Entrepreneur, Jun. 7, 2022)
Make sure the website also shines on mobile devices since everyone is connected to their phones 24/7. Hire a content writer to tell your story compellingly. Include videos, press announcements, and features. Let your clients sing your praises via testimonials.
Virtual Tours
Preparing Your Home for the Virtual Tour (Cape Gazette, Feb. 6, 2023)
Just as you would prepare for an open house, prepare for your virtual tour shoot by removing clutter. Move personal belongings out of sight or use this as an opportunity to donate or throw away items that you no longer use. The goal is to maximize the space of your home and depersonalize it enough to allow potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
3 Benefits of Offering Real Estate Virtual Tours on Your Website (Viral Real Estate, Jan. 22, 2023)
Another benefit to offering a real estate virtual tour when selling a property is that it’s cost effective. By working with a company specializing in 3D tours, you can create a home viewing experience that visitors of your website have never seen before. There are different types of views you can offer such as dollhouse and floor plan view. These will be able to provide your property with their genuine look.
Are Virtual Tours Still Popular After the Pandemic? (McKissock, Apr. 18, 2022)
In truth, what was once a necessity has now proven its value to many buyers. Virtual tours will stick around because buyers have gotten used to having them. The new types of media are helpful to many home buyers who would not otherwise be able to have an in-person tour due to time constraints or physical distance.
Useful Websites
CNET Cameras — Product reviews and recommendations, comparisons, buyer's guides, how-to articles, and more from the electronics experts at CNET.
Digital Camera World — Digital Camera World is the world's fastest-growing photography website, covering every aspect of image-making, from DSLR and mirrorless cameras to mobile photography, drones, post-production and printing. This site also has buying guides, tutorials and product reviews.
Digital Photography Review — Product reviews, discussion forums, sample images, glossaries, buyer's guides, comparison charts, tutorials, news, etc. The site even includes a fully linked timeline to digital cameras released since 1995.
Digital Photo Mentor — Whether you're a beginner photographer, intermediate or seasoned shooter, you'll find photography articles here to help you take your skills to the next level.
Fro Knows Photo — Professional photographer, Jared Polin, offers product reviews, discussion forums, advice, instructional videos, and photo critiques. A useful website for both beginner and advanced photographers.
Imaging Resource — Comprehensive site features product reviews, comparison charts, news, tutorials, and other key information about all aspects of digital cameras and photography.
PopPhoto — Comprehensive website with news, reviews, how-to articles, gear and inspirational photo galleries.
Shortcourses — Online tutorials on various digital camera topics, with a glossary of terms and links to other digital camera websites. A valuable feature of the Shortcourses site is the collection of printable, portable guides to using specific Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Olympus digital camera models.
techradar — The source for tech buying advice.
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Digital Video (eBook)
Digital Photography All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies® (eBook)
Digital Photography For Dummies® (eBook)
Digital Photography Just the Steps For Dummies® (eBook)
Digital Video Essentials (eBook)
Digital Video for Dummies® (eBook)
How to Do Everything: Digital Camera (eBook)
How to Do Everything with Online Video (eBook)
How to Do Everything with Your iPhone® (eBook)
How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck (eBook)
Video Marketing for Dummies (eBook)
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The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.