Every home has something special—a unique feature that sets it apart from other properties on the market. Whether it’s a stunning fireplace, custom-built shelving, or a gorgeous backyard, these special features can make a huge difference when it comes to attracting buyers. But in order to showcase these features effectively, they need to be highlighted in the photography.
In this post, we’ll dive into how to identify and highlight special features of a home during a real estate shoot. By drawing attention to these unique elements, you can help the home stand out in a crowded market and create a lasting impression on buyers.
What Qualifies as a “Special Feature”?
A special feature is anything that makes the home stand out—something that adds character, charm, or functionality. Some common examples include:
- Fireplaces: A cozy fireplace can be a big selling point, especially in colder climates.
- Custom Built-Ins: Whether it’s shelving, cabinetry, or a window seat, custom-built features add personality and value.
- Unique Lighting Fixtures: Statement chandeliers or pendant lights can give a home a high-end, designer feel.
- Outdoor Spaces: Decks, patios, gardens, and swimming pools are huge selling points for buyers looking for outdoor living areas.
- Modern Upgrades: Recently updated kitchens, bathrooms, or smart home features can be major selling points.
How to Highlight Special Features
- Plan the Shot Before the shoot, take some time to walk through the home and identify its most unique features. Make sure these features are included in your shot list and plan how you want to capture them. For example, a wide shot of the living room might include a close-up of the custom fireplace to draw attention to it.
- Use Lighting to Enhance the Feature Good lighting can make all the difference when photographing special features. If the feature is inside, make sure there’s plenty of natural light coming in through windows, or use bright, soft artificial light to illuminate the area. For outdoor features, like patios or pools, consider shooting during the “golden hour” (just before sunset) to capture the warm, inviting glow.
- Focus on Details Close-up shots are great for highlighting the details of special features. For example, if the home has custom tile work in the bathroom, capture a close-up of the tile to show off the craftsmanship. Similarly, a modern kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances deserves a close-up of the appliances themselves.
- Tell a Story Use the special features to tell a story about the home. For example, a backyard with a fire pit could evoke images of cozy fall nights spent roasting marshmallows. A sunroom with large windows might suggest lazy mornings with a cup of coffee and a book. By focusing on how buyers will use these spaces, you create an emotional connection that goes beyond just the visuals.
Real-World Example: How Highlighting a Fireplace Sold a Home
We once photographed a home with a stunning stone fireplace that dominated the living room. The seller wanted to make sure it was a focal point in the listing, so we took several close-up shots of the stonework and paired them with wide shots of the room. The buyers fell in love with the fireplace, and it became one of the key reasons they made an offer on the home.
Activity: Identify Special Features in Your Home
Walk through your home and make a list of any special features you want to highlight in the photography. Think about what sets your home apart from others on the market. Once you’ve identified the key features, plan how you’ll capture them in photos. Will you need to adjust the lighting or take close-up shots? Write down your plan and use it during your next shoot.
Discussion Question: Why Are Special Features Important in Real Estate Photography?
Special features are what make a home stand out in a competitive market. Discuss how highlighting unique elements can attract buyers and create a lasting impression. Why do you think buyers are drawn to homes with distinctive features?
Wrapping It Up
Special features are the “wow” factor in any home, and they deserve to be highlighted in real estate photos. By focusing on the unique elements that set the home apart, you can make the listing more appealing and attract more buyers. Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we’ll explore how to handle personal items and privacy concerns during a real estate shoot!
Stay tuned for posts 15 through 20, where we’ll cover additional topics such as handling personal items, working with drones for larger properties, managing sellers, and wrapping up a successful real estate photography shoot. Each post will give you practical advice and actionable steps to ensure that your property looks its best and attracts the attention it deserves!
