FROSTY FRAMES: 10 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING PROPERTIES IN SNOW
A real estate agent’s work never ends, no matter the weather.
Winter can bring a flurry of new listings and properties may need to be photographed during snowy weather, which presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Keep reading to learn 10 tips for shooting properties during frosty conditions, so that you can achieve hot shots on even the coldest of days.
10 Tips for Shooting Properties in Snow
1. Fresh Snow Looks Best
Try to schedule your shoot during a time when the snow is fresh and undisturbed, preferably shortly after a snowfall. Fresh snow can make the property look more pristine and inviting.
2. Wait for the Best Possible Weather
While snow can create a beautiful winter wonderland, it's essential to choose a day with the best possible weather conditions, so try to avoid extremely cloudy or stormy days. Overcast skies can provide soft, diffused lighting that's ideal for real estate photography.
3. Shoot in the Early Morning or Late Afternoon
The quality of light during the "golden hours" around sunrise and sunset can be especially flattering for snowy scenes. The warm, low-angled sunlight can make the snow and the property's exterior appear more vibrant.
Insider tip: If you are on a time crunch and need to get the photos taken ASAP, consider using a Day to Dusk edit. Our expert editors can replace any sky with a dusky sunset – a stunning backdrop for a winter wonderland.
4. Use a Polarizing Filter
A polarizing filter can help reduce glare and reflections on the snow, making it look more natural in your photos. It can also enhance the colors and contrast in your shots.
5. HDR Bracketing is Key
Snow can trick your camera's exposure meter, resulting in underexposed images. To ensure you achieve the best result, take multiple shots at different exposures, which is a photography technique called HDR Bracketing. These separate shots can be blended post-shoot by our expert editing team with our Image Enhancement service.
Insider tip: Does shooting multiple exposures sound too complex? That’s snow problem! Our app SnapSnapSnap was designed for this very reason. The app enhances a smartphone camera’s capabilities, so with the tap of a finger, it can capture the necessary exposures automatically, with no fiddling with settings or tricky techniques required!
6. Highlight Winter Features
Lean into the wintery vibe and emphasize the unique features, such as a cozy fireplace, a well-lit outdoor patio with heaters, or a hot tub. Showcase how the property can be enjoyed in cold weather.
Insider tip: Forgot to light the fireplace? Our team can take care of that – one of our 17 steps for Image Enhancement involves adding flames to any fireplace or outdoor fire pit in the shot, to add a warm and inviting vibe.
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| Missed turning a light on or lighting a fireplace in an interior shot? Our Image Enhancement edit and optional Turn on Lights edit can take care of that, ensuring you don’t miss the opportunity to create a warm and cozy vibe and fire up buyer interest with your images! |
7. Keep the Walkways Clear
Ensure that driveways, walkways, and paths around the property are cleared of snow before the photo shoot. This will make the property look more accessible and well-maintained.
8. Warm Up the Interior
Create a cozy atmosphere inside the property by turning on all interior lights. Stage the space with warm-toned throw blankets, cushions, and hot beverages to evoke a feeling of comfort.
Insider tip: Use our Virtual Staging edit for a fast and cost-effective way to either add in cozy touches or completely reimagine a space into an inviting escape from the snow.
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| Use a combination of our edits for a total seasonal transformation! |
9. Expert Editing is Essential
Editing photos of properties in snow can be tricky, but it’s essential. Our expert editors will ensure the white balance of the photo is corrected so the snow appears crisp and white. Plus, they’ll adjust the brightness and contrast to make sure the property's exterior and interior details stand out.
10. Switch Seasons with Convenience
Transitioning into spring but stuck with snow-covered property photos? Thanks to one of our Custom Edits, you have the option to change the season and present the property in a more alluring light. Timely property photos are crucial for crafting an engaging listing. Marketing a listing in spring with images featuring snow can be unappealing to potential buyers, creating the impression that the property has lingered on the market for an extended period. Save the need for a re-shoot by digitally removing snow from out-of-season shots using our Custom Editing service.
By following these tips, you’ll master the art of snow-tography and be equipped with the skills to capture stunning real estate photos in all types of weather.
New to BoxBrownie.com? Sign up now to receive 3 Image Enhancement edits, 1 Day to Dusk edit, and 10 AI-written listing descriptions, all for free! No credit card is required.