Tricks of Real Estate Photography: How They Can Mislead You

Real estate photography is often the first impression a potential buyer has of a property. A well-done photo can make a property look spacious, bright, and inviting, while a poorly done one can make it look dark, cramped, and unappealing.

However, what many buyers don’t realize is that real estate photography often relies on tricks to make a property look better than it actually is.

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The Tricks of the Trade

Real estate photographers use a variety of techniques to make a property look more appealing, but some of the most common ones include wide-angle lenses and fish-eye lenses, staging, lighting, and Photoshop.

Wide angle Lenses

Wide-angle lenses and fish-eye lenses are often used to make spaces appear larger than they are. This can be especially problematic for small spaces, as it can make them look even smaller.

Staging

Staging is another trick often used in real estate photography. Photographers will bring in furniture and decor to create a desired atmosphere, but it’s important to remember that the property may not look like that when you visit it in person.

Lighting

Lighting is also used to enhance certain features or hide others. For instance, a photographer might use artificial light to brighten up a dark room or hide a kitchen that hasn’t been cleaned in a while.

Wet Outdoor Surfaces

Another trick used in real estate photography is making all the outdoor surfaces wet, this is usually done by spraying water on the pavement, driveways, or decks. This can create a sense of freshness, and cleanliness and also enhance the color of the surfaces. This trick is also used to create a desired atmosphere and make the property look more appealing.

However, it’s important to remember that the property may not always look this way, especially if the weather is dry or if the property is located in an area that does not receive a lot of rainfall. It’s also worth noting that this trick can also be used to hide any imperfections or stains on the surfaces, so it’s always better to visit the property in person.

Post-processing

Photoshop and post-processing are often used to remove unwanted elements, enhance colors, and make a property look better than it actually is

Common trick Fake Grass and Fire Place

Another common trick used in real estate photography is the use of fake grass and fake fire. Photographers will often use artificial turf or a green screen to create a lush, green lawn in photos, even if the property’s actual lawn is patchy or brown.

Similarly, they may use special effects to create the illusion of a warm and inviting fire in a fireplace, even if the property doesn’t have one or it is not working. These tricks are used to create a desired atmosphere and make the property look more appealing, but it’s important to remember that it may not look like that when you visit it in person.  

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More insights:

• Who pays for Real Estate Photography
• Why is Real Estate Photos important
• Is Real Estate Photography in Demand
• Advantages of hiring a Real Estate Photographer
• Real Estate Photography pricing

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The Impact on the Buyer

These tricks can have a significant impact on the buyer. If the photos of a house don’t show what it’s really like, the buyer may be disappointed when they go to see it. This can lead to false expectations and difficulty in making a well-informed decision.

Real Estate Story

I recall when I was house hunting and came across this lovely listing online. The photos were stunning – high ceilings, big windows, and a spacious open floor plan. I was convinced that this was the perfect house for me.

But when I went to see it in person, I was in for a rude awakening. The ceilings were low, and the open floor plan was actually just a cramped studio. I felt like I had been duped by real estate photography.

I learned my lesson that day, and now I always make sure to visit a property in person before making an offer. And I always keep in mind that the photos may not always be an accurate representation of the property.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if a real estate photo has been retouched?

It’s not always easy to spot when a photo has been retouched, but there are a few telltale signs to look out for. One is if the lighting looks unnatural or if the colors seem overly saturated. Another is if the lines in the photo look distorted or bent. And if you’re really suspicious, you can always ask the real estate agent if the photo has been retouched.

What are the ethical implications of using tricks in real estate photography?

The ethical implications of using tricks in real estate photography are pretty clear: it’s misleading and it’s dishonest. Real estate agents have a responsibility to accurately represent the properties they’re selling, and when they use tricks to make a property look better than it actually is, they’re not living up to that responsibility. 

How can buyers protect themselves from being tricked by real estate photography?

Buyers can protect themselves from being tricked by real estate photography by doing their own research. Look at multiple photos of the property, visit the property in person, and ask the real estate agent if the photos have been retouched. And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Are there any regulations in place to govern real estate photography?

There aren’t any specific regulations in place to govern real estate photography, but there are laws that prohibit false advertising and fraud.

So if a real estate agent is using tricks to make a property look better than it actually is, they could be breaking the law. We recommend, to read more about copyright for Real estate photos here.

Can a real estate agent be held liable for using tricks in real estate photography?

Yes, a real estate agent can be held responsible for using tricks in real estate photography if it can be shown that they knew the photos were misleading and that they meant to trick the buyer. It’s also possible that they could be held responsible if they used tricks in a careless or negligent way, even if they didn’t mean to trick the buyer.

Conclusion

Real estate photography is an important part of the buying process, but it’s important to be aware of the tricks used to make a property look better than it actually is.

As a buyer, it’s important to look at multiple photos, visit the property in person, and keep in mind that the property may not look the same as it does in the photos.