many digital cameras, so even a photography amateur can succeed in producing Instagram-worthy images by following these tips from professional photographers. GENERAL TIPS • Try photos with and without your flash turned on. • Hold the camera straight and parallel with the floor. If you struggle with this, use a tripod. • Shoot photos at eye level. • Take more photos than you need, so you can choose the best ones from many; otherwise, you may find that you’re stuck with lack - luster options. • Color-correct and adjust the white balance in photos as nec- essary before posting to Insta- gram or the MLS. TIPS FOR REALTY PHOTOGRAPHY • Before taking photos, walk
around the house to get a feel for the flow and which areas and angles would create the best photos. • Shoot photos in daylight. This is when natural light will be brightest inside a home. How- ever, shooting exterior photos at twilight with all interior lights on can create atmospheric, dra- matic images. • Capture standard photos to share online, including two wide-angle shots of each bed- room, the kitchen, and the living room; one bathroom photo; up to three photos of the backyard; and one photo of the laundry room, garage, or other special features. • Skip photographing the inte- riors of closets unless they’re remarkable in some way. • Move objects out of the way to capture the best vignettes, if possible. POSTING ON INSTAGRAM There’s a secret formula for posting home photos on social media to get views and engagement from your target audience. The most beautiful image in the world won’t garner the attention it deserves without follow- ing these tips. • On Instagram, use three to five hashtags that are relevant to real estate and the home you’re selling. Don’t overdo it; less tru- ly is more. • Opt for carousel posts — ones that let the user scroll through multiple images. They get more engagement than single images or videos on your Instagram grid. • Post consistently. Your followers and target audience expect to
Repainting or touching up paint, having carpets professionally cleaned, or adding an inexpensive area rug are easy solutions. LACK OF CURB APPEAL Everyone sees the exterior of a home, so curb appeal is vital. Make first impressions count by dressing up the front of the home for sale. But you don’t have to go overboard. Start by removing any dead foli- age and raking up leaves or oth- er debris. Seasonal potted plants make a statement without digging, and upgrading exterior lighting is a fast way to bring a dated home exte- rior into the modern era. Stow tools and garbage cans inside a garage or shed to keep the focus on the house and create a sense of adequate storage.
PHOTOGRAPHYTIPS Modern smartphone cameras take higher-quality photos than
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