How to compose photos of properties for optimal presentation in The Real Estate Book

Step 1: Here is a photo of standard width and height, straight out of the camera.

Step 2: Here is the same photo as it will be cropped to fit a layout with photos of high width to height ratios, such as Layout 1200.

Step 3: When composing your photos, keep the subject within 50% of the height of the image area as seen thru the camera's view finder. This will assure that the photo is usable with all ad styles. NOTE: The photographer of this example home might well have stepped back a few steps more to gain more subject matter within the 50% image area to prevent the roof from being cropped off.

NOTES: Try to avoid shooting from straight in front; photos from the left or right side add depth to the photo. Also, try to include the front entrance, as this draws the viewer in comfortably. And, try to photograph from an angle that does not fill the view finder with a huge portion of the driveway; sometimes this is not preventable, but try another vantage point if possible. Obviously, some properties are more difficult to photograph than others, but usually, there is always at least one acceptable vantage point from which to shoot your photograph. These general guidelines will help make even the most difficult homes a bit easier to photograph.

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