What Does a Property Photographer Actually Do? A Complete Guide

As a property photographer, my job is to capture a property in its best possible light, creating images that are not only beautiful but also effective for marketing. This involves everything from the initial consultation and preparing the property for the shoot, to the photography itself and the detailed post-processing work. Essentially, I help estate agents and homeowners sell or rent properties faster and for a better price by creating stunning visual assets.

It’s a question I get asked a lot: “So, what do you actually do?” People often think it’s just a case of turning up, pointing a camera, and taking a few snaps. If only it were that simple! There’s a real art and science to property photography, and I thought it would be helpful to pull back the curtain and show you exactly what goes into creating the images you see on property portals.

My name is Matthew Evans, and I’m the face behind The Property Photo Guy. I’ve been a professional photographer for over a decade, and I’m passionate about helping people showcase their properties. I’m based in beautiful Somerset, but you’ll often find me working with clients in Bristol, Bath, and even further afield for larger development projects across the UK.

01What happens before the photoshoot?

A great set of property photos starts long before I even pick up my camera. The pre-shoot preparation is arguably one of the most important stages. It’s all about making sure the property is looking its absolute best. I always send my clients a detailed guide on how to prepare their home, but here are a few of the key things I advise:

• Declutter: This is the big one. Less is definitely more when it comes to property photography. I advise clients to put away personal items like family photos, toiletries, and general clutter. The goal is to create a clean, inviting space where potential buyers can imagine themselves living.
• Cleanliness: A sparkling clean home is a must. I’m talking gleaming windows, polished surfaces, and spotless floors. It makes a huge difference to the final images.
• Staging: While I don’t offer a full home staging service, I do advise on small tweaks that can make a big impact. This might be something as simple as adding a vase of fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit in the kitchen, or some fluffy towels in the bathroom.

02What equipment do you use?

I’m a bit of a gear geek, I’ll admit it. But having the right equipment is essential for producing high-quality property photos. Here’s a look at what’s in my camera bag:

• Full-Frame DSLR: I use a professional-grade full-frame DSLR camera. The larger sensor size allows me to capture more light and detail, resulting in cleaner, sharper images.
• Wide-Angle Lenses: A wide-angle lens is a property photographer’s best friend. It allows me to capture the entire room in a single shot, making spaces feel larger and more inviting. I have a range of lenses to suit different situations, from ultra-wide for tight spaces to a more standard wide-angle for general shots.
• Tripod: A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable. I use it for every single shot to ensure my images are pin-sharp and perfectly aligned. It also allows me to use techniques like HDR blending, which I’ll talk about later.
• Drone: For properties with large gardens, stunning views, or unique architectural features, a drone is an invaluable tool. It allows me to capture breathtaking aerial shots that really make a property stand out. I’m a fully licensed and insured drone pilot, so you can be sure you’re in safe hands.
• Matterport Pro 3 Camera: This is a game-changer. The Matterport Pro 3 allows me to create immersive 3D virtual tours of a property. It’s like Google Street View for your home! Potential buyers can walk through the property from the comfort of their own sofa, which is a huge selling point.

03What happens on the shoot day?

On the day of the shoot, I’ll arrive at the property at the agreed time. I’ll do a quick walk-through with the homeowner or estate agent to get a feel for the space and discuss any specific shots they’d like me to capture.

Then, it’s time to get to work. I work methodically, starting with the exterior of the property and then moving inside. I’ll typically photograph the main living areas first, followed by the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. I pay close attention to composition, lighting, and angles to ensure I’m capturing each room in the most flattering way.

I’ll often take multiple exposures of the same shot, which is a technique called bracketing. This allows me to blend the images together in post-processing to create a perfectly lit photo, with detail in both the bright highlights and the dark shadows. This is especially important for rooms with windows, as it allows me to capture both the interior and the view outside.

04What happens after the photoshoot?

The work doesn’t stop when I pack up my camera. In fact, the post-processing stage is just as important as the shoot itself. This is where I take the raw images and turn them into the polished, professional photos you see online.

Here’s a rundown of my post-processing workflow:

• Image Selection: I’ll start by going through all the images I’ve taken and selecting the best ones. I’m looking for the sharpest, best-composed shots that really showcase the property.
• HDR Blending: As I mentioned earlier, I use a technique called High Dynamic Range (HDR) blending. This involves merging multiple exposures of the same shot to create a single image with a wider range of tones and details. It’s what gives my photos that bright, airy, and natural look.
• Colour Correction: I’ll carefully adjust the colours in each image to ensure they’re accurate and vibrant. This might involve correcting the white balance, boosting the saturation, or adjusting the hue of specific colours.
• Sky Replacement: Let’s be honest, the British weather isn’t always on our side! If it’s a grey, overcast day, I’ll often replace the sky with a beautiful blue one. It’s a small change that can make a huge difference to the overall feel of the exterior shots.
• Finishing Touches: Finally, I’ll add the finishing touches to each image. This might include sharpening the image, removing any distracting objects, or straightening the vertical lines to ensure the walls are perfectly straight.

05How much does it cost?

I believe in being upfront and transparent about my pricing. I offer a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets. My ‘Essential’ package starts at just £149, which is perfect for smaller properties or those on a tight budget. My most popular ‘Professional’ package is £229 and includes a set of professionally edited photos and a floor plan. And for those who want the ultimate marketing package, my ‘Ultimate’ package is £349 and includes everything from the Professional package plus a 3D virtual tour and aerial drone photography.

I’m proud to serve my local area of Somerset, as well as the bustling cities of Bristol and Bath. And for larger developers, I’m happy to travel nationwide to help you with your projects.

06My final piece of advice

If you’re thinking of selling your home, I can’t stress enough the importance of professional photography. In today’s competitive market, it’s simply not enough to rely on smartphone snaps. High-quality photos will not only make your property stand out online, but they’ll also attract more viewings and ultimately help you achieve a better price.

I hope this has given you a better understanding of what a property photographer actually does. It’s a job I love, and I’m passionate about helping my clients achieve their property goals.

If you’re ready to take your property marketing to the next level, I’d love to hear from you. You can get an instant quote using the calculator on my website, or feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.