Professional Listing Photos - How do they look so good?

[John Horner]

A lot of the high end houses in my area have these listing photos that look so amazing they almost look fake. Every room looks spacious and flawless and the lighting is perfect.

I am wondering who does these photos? Can you hire a general photographer to take and touch up photos like this or are there photographers who specialize in real estate?

[Zoran M.]

I would reach out to the listing agent to see which photographer they used. You may also consider reaching out to a local art school for cheap labor. I do think it's important to use a professional photographer for flips as they are well versed lighting and more importantly, on which angels can make a small room look large and inviting.

My real estate agent uses a professional photographer that charges $250 per property. She typically provides 100+ pictures, many of which are edited (for lighting) in photoshop.

A Redfin study found that homes with professional photographs were found, on average, to be viewed 61% more online than others in that price range shot with a lower-end camera. The listings that used digital SLR cameras also commanded a 47 percent higher asking price per square foot, according to the Redfin analysis.

Check out the study here: http://www.redfin.com/research/reports/special-reports/2010/a_picture_is_worth_a_thousand_dollars_true_or_false.html#.U1gDV_ldVGw