Hiring the right photographer to take images for you; no matter what you need photographing, can be a challenge.
As with all photography, the first thing I suggest you do when looking for a photographer is to check they actually offer the service you require.
Many photographers specialise in a particular sector(s) and, while excellent in one area, may not be suited to others. A fashion photographer; although competent at fashion photography, may not be the best person to photograph sports for example.
A sports photographer may find wedding photography or, say; capturing the fine detail of jewellery may not yield the best results. Different scenarios can require different photography skills, experience and equipment.
For property, make sure your photographer specialises in property photography; and don't just take their word for it either. Ask to see some examples of their work. A reputable, practising photographer should have a body of past image examples they can show you.
As a properly photographer, I carry and use specialist wide angle Tilt-shift lenses that are designed for architecture. I also encourage new clients to explore examples of my work
There are no uniform standards to photography. Asking two different photographers to shoot the same property will result in two sets of different images.
Remember; photography is an art form. Take look at other property listings in your area or on the same website you use to list your property and you'll soon find images you love and others you don't.
If you unable to find out whom the photographer was, try contacting the listing owner directly: "Your images are great! Please can you tell me who took them?"
I personally gain most of my work through recommendations this way.
How much should it cost? This is a very good question and I get asked a lot. Once you've found a photographer or two (or more), it's time to compare their quality; but don't just head for the cheapest.
Frankly if you get it wrong, the cost will be considerably higher and I'm not just talking in monetary terms. Image quality, turn-around time, professionalism and experience are all relative here.
If photographer 'X' is more expensive than photographer 'Y' but photographer 'X' offers a better service with great images and a fast turn-around, it's worth considering the additional value on offer.
If you opt for photographer 'Y' because they're less expensive but you're subsequently disappointed with the results, you may regret your choice and have to pay out again to re-shoot.
In most (but certainly not in all) cases the phrase 'you get what you pay for' holds true. You will need to choose your photographer based on your own price to quality ratio that you're prepared to pay.
As long as you're happy with the images you receive for the price you have paid, you've done a good job.
You may or may not know what you actually want form your pictures. Feel free to talk to your photographer, explain what the images will be used for and ask their advice. A good photographer should be able to offer suggestions and guidance on what will make your property look good.
It may sound like a cliché, but decluttering and tidying-up are the best things you can do to help your photographer to help you. Think about the things that you like to see when you search for a property and where possible, apply that to your own listing.
Your potential buyers or lodgers will be looking out for similar things. Remove excessive family photographs before your shoot. When viewers see a property with lots of other people's photographs, it's harder for them to imagine themselves living there.
Leave them a blank canvas where then can picture (pun intended) their own memories and family members there.
Remember to close toilet lids and remove any cleaning products on display. Remove any washing up from sinks and draining boards.