A comprehensive study revealed that fewer than 30% of the listings on Zillow and Realtor.com used best practices in terms of professional photography. The reality is that the quality of your property’s photos are very important in an online marketplace. Here are 7 reasons why professional photography is essential for commercial property listings.
1. Strong First Impressions
Professional photos create a strong first impression. High-end commercial properties demand high-end marketing materials. Amateur photos can make even the most premium properties look underwhelming, potentially turning away qualified buyers before they ever schedule a viewing. Professional photography signals to prospects that the property is a serious investment opportunity worthy of their consideration.
2. Making Architectural Features Pop
Professional photography highlights architectural features effectively. From the sleek lines of modern office buildings to the character of historic industrial spaces, professional photographers can emphasize a property’s unique architectural elements. Advanced equipment and lighting techniques showcase everything from floor-to-ceiling windows to exposed brick walls, helping your property stand out.
3. Accurate Spatial Representation
Professional photos capture something that can be kind of tricky—spatial relationships and scale. Commercial real estate decisions may hinge on whether a space can accommodate specific business needs. Professional photographers showcase room dimensions, ceiling heights, and overall layout in a way that are pretty tough for smartphones to do. Wide-angle lenses and the use of proper perspective can help potential buyers or tenants better visualize how their operations will fit within the space.
4. Expert Lighting
Professional photographers understand lighting conditions and how to manipulate them. Commercial spaces often present challenging lighting situations, from large warehouses with limited natural light to office buildings with harsh fluorescent lighting. Professional photographers have the ability to balance different light sources and create images that show spaces in their best possible light, literally and figuratively.
5. Consistent Visual Presentation
Professional photography provides consistency across your entire listing. Amateur photos often vary in quality, angle, and lighting from shot to shot, creating a disjointed viewing experience. Professional photographers maintain consistent quality and style throughout the entire photo set, helping potential buyers or tenants focus on the property rather than being distracted by varying image quality. Prior to the shoot, you’ll want to make sure the property is staged and ready for the professional photographer to work their magic.
6. Multi-Platform Optimization
Professional photographers deliver images in various formats and resolutions suitable for different marketing channels, from property websites to printed materials. They understand how to compose shots that work well across different aspect ratios and screen sizes, making sure your listing looks professional wherever it appears.
7. Long-Term Marketing Value
Professional photography is an investment that pays dividends throughout the entire sales cycle. These images can be used for multiple marketing purposes beyond the initial listing, from social media promotion to email campaigns. High-quality photos can also be repurposed for future leasing opportunities or property portfolios, providing long-term value that extends beyond the immediate sale or lease.
When you consider the potential return on investment, professional photography is a relatively small expense that can help your commercial properties achieve their full market potential.
If you need real estate photography services for your business, please get in touch with us today.