1 January 2025

ASK BRAD: GET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Get expert answers to your photography questions. Discover easy tips, tricks, and techniques to enhance your real estate photography skills and capture stunning images. Got a photography question? Ask Brad

January,2025

Question: How can I improve a property's curb appeal if the driveway is dirty and unattractive? 

Brad: If the driveway is affecting the property's curb appeal, don't worry—you don't need to spend a lot of money on physical repairs. You can fix it virtually with our Item Removal & Virtual Clean edit. We can digitally remove dirt, stains, and other imperfections to create a clean, inviting look in the photos, helping the property stand out to potential buyers. This is also a great solution if repairs are in progress, but you want to go to market right away. 

If you're concerned about transparency, you can include the original photo in the listing to show the current condition. Get a quote for the cleaning or repairs and share it with potential buyers during a property viewing. This helps buyers envision the property’s potential and gives them a clear idea of what it could look like with minimal effort. It’s a great way to showcase the property’s possibilities! 

Ask Brad in 2024: Your Questions Answered

December, 2024

Question: Should I open or close the blinds when shooting a property? 

Brad: In most cases, curtains and blinds should be open to let in natural light and brighten the space. However, there are times when strategically lowering the blinds works better. If neighboring houses are visible through the windows, slightly lowering the blinds can obscure the view, reduce distractions, and keep the focus on the property. This simple adjustment enhances privacy and creates a more inviting and intimate atmosphere for potential buyers or renters. 

November, 2024

Question: Any tips on how to make sure I don’t miss a room when shooting real estate? Even though I try to double-check everything, I sometimes miss a room or key detail in a shoot. Any hacks for making sure I don’t leave anything out?

Brad: Great question! Missing a room during a shoot can be frustrating, but it happens to the best of us. I’ve got a simple system that’ll help ensure you cover every space in the property. 

First, start by creating a checklist before you even walk in the door. Take a quick tour of the home, noting all the rooms and key spaces. Make sure to include often-overlooked areas like walk-in closets, laundry rooms, and outdoor spaces. This way, you’ve got a clear visual of what you need to cover. 

Next, follow a logical flow when shooting—either go clockwise or counterclockwise through the property. Stick to the same direction every time, and you’ll reduce the chances of skipping a room. If you need to backtrack for any reason, be sure to reference that checklist. 

Finally, before you pack up, do a walkthrough with your camera in hand. Go through the checklist, double-check every room, and take any extra shots you think might be useful. This final step ensures you’ve covered every angle before you leave the property. 

For more expert tips to capture stunning property photos, check out our blog post here! 

October, 2024

Question: How do you edit outdoor real estate photos with harsh shadows? When taking photos, I struggle with outdoor shots where shadows from trees or other objects make the scene look too harsh. Any tips?

Brad: When shooting outdoor real estate photos, try capturing images during the golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—when the light is softer and more flattering. Overcast days are actually your best friend, as the clouds naturally diffuse the light, giving you beautifully even lighting.

In post-production, you can clean up harsh shadows using tools like the brush or gradient filter available in most photo editing software to lighten shadowed areas selectively. If you’d rather save time and get more polished and professional results, check out our Image Enhancement or Day to Dusk edits, and select “Shadow Removal” as an optional extra when submitting your job.

September 2024

Question: I just had professional photos taken of my team, but since then my Sales Manager has resigned. Now I have outdated photos that I don't want to use. Is it possible to edit him out of the images?

Brad: Absolutely! It’s a simple process! Just submit a Custom Quote on our Members' Dashboard, request the removal of the person in the photos, and upload your images. Be sure to include clear instructions and reference images. We’ll then provide you with the price and timeline, and handle the rest to ensure your photos look professional and up to date.

August 2024

Question: I’m a builder and having trouble deciding which render to create. I offer several colors for my houses and am unsure which color scheme to choose. Do you have any advice?

Brad: Why not try out a few different looks? With BoxBrownie.com, you can submit an Exterior Render job and create variations using a standard template. This way, you get diverse options without blowing your budget. A single Exterior Render starts at just $280, and if you add another facade to show a different time of day or color scheme, it’s only $144. It’s a great way to make your property look amazing without spending too much.

July 2024

Question: I have a listing with worn furniture that doesn't look good. If I want to use Virtual Staging, do I need to physically remove the furniture first?

Brad: Absolutely not! You don't need to move a thing. If your room is packed with worn furniture, we can work our magic. Just submit your photos for an Item Removal & Virtual Clean, and our expert editors will clear out the furniture for you. This gives you a blank canvas, perfect for our Virtual Staging. Pick from eight stunning styles and watch your space transform!

June 2024

Question: I have listing photos of a property, but I didn't realize the blinds weren't straight when I took them - it's really distracting. Does BoxBrownie.com offer an edit that can fix this? 

Brad: Yes! Submit it for an Item Removal & Virtual Clean and we can edit the blinds to straighten them up. You’ll get the corrected image back in just 24 hours.

May 2024

Question: How can I stabilize my shots when using SnapSnapSnap without a tripod?

Brad: Awesome question, because minimizing movement when shooting with SnapSnapSnap is crucial. The automatic HDR bracketing feature means that capturing a shot will take about 3 seconds, requiring you to remain still during that time.

Here's my step-by-step guide to help you reduce camera shake when shooting without a tripod using SnapSnapSnap on your phone:

1. Stand with Your Feet Shoulder-Width Apart: Position your feet so they are about shoulder-width apart. This creates a stable base for you to work from.

2. Hold the Phone with Both Hands: Use both hands to hold your phone.

3. Tuck Your Elbows In: Keep your elbows close to your sides. This helps to stabilize your upper body and reduces the chances of your arms shaking.

4. Position the Phone at Eye Level: Lift your phone to eye level. This perspective matches how buyers will view the property.

5. Keep Your Body Still and Focus on Your Breathing: Try to keep your body as still as possible to prevent blur in your photos. Take a deep breath, exhale slowly, and hold your breath as you press the shutter button. This can help reduce movement caused by breathing.

6. Press the Shutter Button Gently: Use a gentle, steady tap when you press the shutter button. Avoid jabbing or pressing too hard, as this can cause the phone to shake.

April 2024

Question: My flash always gives the room a yellow cast. Why is this? When taking pictures of a white and grey room, a yellow cast is not desired. If I take the picture without the flash, it is more true to color but too dark.

Brad: The yellow cast is likely due to the color temperature of your flash, which can be warmer than natural light. This warmth can make white and grey rooms appear yellow in photos. Using a flash with a cooler color temperature or adjusting the white balance settings can help correct this issue. My advice would be to shoot the property without a flash, ensuring all lights are turned on and natural light is coming through windows and doors. Then, submit the photos for an Image Enhancement edit, and our editors will correct the white balance along with 16 other elements. It will cost just US$1.60 per image and will deliver crisp, professional-quality photos ready for marketing! If you would like to learn more about the limitations of the lens, you can dive into it in one of our recent blog posts. Read more

March 2024

Question: What’s your current recommendation for 360° cameras?

Brad: Great question! I recently reviewed three 360° cameras, and you can find my detailed recommendations in our latest blog post. I have highlighted the top picks based on their ease of use, image quality, and value for money. Check out the blog for all the details and find out which camera is right for you! Watch Now

February 2024

Question: Is it worth upgrading to the iPhone 15 for real estate photography?

Brad: I've been getting this question a lot lately, which is why my latest video compares the iPhone 11 and 15 for real estate photography. In my opinion, the choice involves balancing personal preference, budget, and specific needs. What's certain is that both iPhones have the potential to enhance your property listings, making them stand out in a competitive market. Want to learn more? Check out my latest video for an in-depth comparison. Watch Now

January 2024

Question: At what height should I capture photos when photographing real estate?

Brad: It's generally recommended to capture images at eye level to provide a natural and inviting perspective. This allows potential buyers to visualize the property from a realistic viewpoint, enhancing the overall appeal of the space. Adjustments can be made based on specific scenarios and the features you want to highlight, but starting at eye level serves as a good baseline.

Got a real estate photography question? Get it answered and ask Brad.

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