As a professional real estate photographer in Saudi Arabia, I frequently encounter questions about the nature of my work. While it might be assumed that real estate photography is akin to any other photographic endeavor, the reality is that it constitutes a specialized field demanding unique skills and expertise. Diverging from other photography genres, real estate photography is dedicated to presenting a property in the most captivating and enticing manner, with the ultimate objective of attracting potential buyers or renters to initiate a transaction. It is a role that demands a distinct set of abilities, and mastering this craft requires considerable time, energy, and unwavering dedication.
Benefits of Real Estate Photography
In the realm of real estate photography in Saudi Arabia, two perspectives come into play – that of the seller or landlord and that of the photographer. From the seller’s viewpoint, engaging a professional real estate photographer can expedite property transactions by amplifying foot traffic and exposure. Conversely, for the photographer, specializing in real estate photography opens the door to a consistent flow of repeat business. Establishing enduring relationships with high-performing agents dealing with multiple property transactions monthly can significantly boost business volume. However, success in real estate photography in Saudi Arabia requires more than just owning a camera; it necessitates a commitment to consistently delivering professional-quality work to stand out in this competitive field.
What You Need
I believe that having the right equipment is crucial to producing high-quality images. While some people may think I go overboard with my gear, I can tell you that having a camera, tripod, possibly a flash, and a good quality lens is crucial for any real estate photographer.
Camera and Lenses
In my perspective, the choice of lens plays a pivotal role. As of 2024, for my real estate photography endeavours in Saudi Arabia, I rely on a Sony a7R, a camera that has been a steadfast companion. However, what truly matters is any DSLR camera capable of shooting in a three-shot bracket or five-shot bracket. This information can be swiftly found through a simple Google search.
To ensure sharp images and avoid camera shake, having a timer or remote for the bracketed shots is essential, sparing you from constantly pressing the shutter release button. Furthermore, the ability to interchange lenses is crucial. For users of crop sensor cameras, it’s imperative to multiply the crop sensor specifications by the chosen lens. For instance, a 1.5 crop sensor paired with a 16mm lens will yield an effective focal length of approximately 24mm. The ideal field of view falls within 15-17mm, so for a crop-sensor camera, shooting at around 10-12mm is recommended. With a full-frame sensor, options broaden to lenses like 16mm or 35mm. An aperture lower than f4 is unnecessary; therefore, opting for the most cost-effective option or renting gear, if required, is preferable unless engaging in portrait or product photography.
Tripod
Ensuring a stable tripod that resists easy movement is crucial. Ronin tripods stand out for their reliability, although they come with a price tag of approximately 1500 SAR for the base. alternative suggestions from fellow photographers are worth exploring.
Flash
I strongly advocate for the strategic use of flash to balance lighting in your shots. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that flash photography can pose challenges and may not be advisable for beginners. If you’re initiating your journey, I recommend employing a three or five-shot bracket technique and collaborating with an editor proficient in that editing style. This approach helps mitigate frustration and facilitates superior and more expeditious results from the outset. As you progress and master the fundamentals, you can progressively integrate flash techniques into your photography, elevating your skills to a more advanced level.
Drone
For those aspiring to elevate their real estate photography in Saudi Arabia swiftly, incorporating a drone into your toolkit could be an excellent choice. However, venturing into commercial drone operation requires obtaining a Part 107 license. Our team successfully completed the licensing education and test through www.Gaca.com, incurring a total cost of around 2500 SAR. Regarding drone selection, sophistication isn’t imperative; you primarily need a model capable of capturing images. We opt for the Fimi and Mavic Air 2s, emphasizing their exceptional sensors for twilight photography, although our primary focus is daytime shooting. If you’re keen on integrating drone photography into your services, it’s worthwhile to consider the initial investment in time and money for licensing and equipment.
Virtual Tours
For an exceptional virtual tour experience in Saudi Arabia, I highly endorse the Ricoh Theta camera. It stands as a phenomenal asset in your toolkit.
While the Ricoh Theta camera may come with a significant price tag, around a 4000 SAR, the investment is unquestionably justified. This camera empowers you to deliver captivating virtual tours, setting you apart from the competition.
If you’re considering a comprehensive setup with a drone, a 360 camera, and various lenses, the costs could reach around 25000 SAR. To manage expenses effectively, I suggest starting with a modest setup and gradually expanding as your business flourishes. Renting equipment initially or opting for a budget-friendly setup allows you to make strategic and sustainable investments in your business as it progresses.
Tips
Lighting
In our business, we adopt a methodical strategy when capturing property images. Our lighting technique involves a five-shot bracket coupled with a pop flash or multiple pop flashes, which varies based on the room’s dimensions and lighting nuances. The aim is to balance and normalize the lighting, revealing the authentic colors of the property. Engaging an editor with expertise in real estate photography becomes crucial at this stage. Performing a thorough quality check is paramount to ensure the photos align with our stringent standards, and we don’t hesitate to provide feedback if adjustments are needed. It’s advisable to precisely articulate areas for improvement, guaranteeing the delivery of top-notch photos to our clients.
Angles
In our practice, we adhere to a fundamental guideline regarding angles: capturing shots at the height of a light switch and incorporating a third wall in each frame. This approach is pivotal for providing viewers with a more comprehensive understanding of the space and its ambiance. By including three walls in a photo, we address a psychological aspect, preventing the perception of an infinite room. Our composition strategy focuses on narrating the story through the sides, featuring glimpses of doors, walls, cabinets, or beds that seamlessly connect to successive images. The central area becomes the selling point, where the size unfolds, and the narrative of the space is vividly portrayed.