Find your real estate photographer
On Graindevue, you'll find photographers who specialize in real estate. They understand wide-angle techniques, interior lighting challenges, and the specific image requirements of property portals. Their photos help your listings perform.
Why book on Graindevue?
Photographers who understand real estate sales
Real estate photography differs from other genres. The goal isn't artistic expression—it's accurate representation that generates interest. Professional real estate photographers know how to:
- Show room scale and flow accurately
- Balance natural and artificial lighting
- Capture exteriors at optimal times of day
- Highlight property features without distortion
- Deliver images that meet portal requirements
Fast turnaround for active listings
Properties often need to be photographed and listed quickly. Real estate photographers are accustomed to tight timelines, offering delivery within 24-48 hours for standard shoots.
When you're preparing to list, discuss timeline requirements upfront. Same-day delivery is sometimes possible for urgent situations.
Pricing that works for volume
Whether you're listing a single apartment or managing a portfolio of properties, pricing structures accommodate your needs. Per-property rates, agency partnerships, and volume discounts are common arrangements.
Discuss your situation with photographers to find approaches that work for your business model.
How it works
- Find a real estate photographer available within your listing timeline. Review their portfolio for quality and style.
- Prepare the property for photography—staging, cleaning, and decluttering make a significant difference.
- Receive images optimized for listings, ready to upload to portals and marketing materials.
Types of real estate photography services
Interior photography
The majority of property photos focus on interiors—rooms, spaces, features. Professional interior photography:
Shows accurate scale: Wide-angle lenses capture full rooms without excessive distortion, helping viewers understand actual space dimensions.
Manages lighting: Balancing window light, artificial lighting, and supplemental flash creates bright, welcoming images without blown-out windows or dark corners.
Highlights features: Architectural details, upgraded fixtures, quality finishes—the elements that differentiate properties get proper attention.
Creates atmosphere: The goal is making viewers imagine themselves in the space, not just seeing a sterile record of what exists.
Exterior photography
First impressions often come from exterior photos. Professional exterior photography considers:
Time of day: "Blue hour" (just after sunset) creates dramatic lighting. Midday sun provides clarity. Golden hour offers warmth. The right timing depends on the property and desired mood.
Weather conditions: Overcast days can work for some properties; others need blue skies. Discuss flexibility for optimal conditions.
Surroundings: Curb appeal, landscaping, neighborhood context, proximity to amenities—exterior photos can communicate location value.
Architectural highlights: Distinctive features, facade details, outdoor living spaces—elements that make properties memorable.
Twilight photography
Properties photographed at dusk with interior lights glowing create particularly compelling images. This "twilight" style works especially well for:
- Luxury properties where ambiance matters
- Properties with significant outdoor lighting
- Pool and patio areas
- New construction with modern lighting design
Twilight shoots require specific timing and typically cost more than standard daytime photography.
Drone and aerial photography
Aerial perspectives show property context in ways ground-level photography cannot:
- Property boundaries and lot size
- Relationship to surroundings (water, parks, city views)
- Roof condition and building layout
- Neighborhood context and proximity to amenities
Drone photography requires licensed operators and may be restricted in some locations. Discuss feasibility for your properties.
Virtual tours and 360° photography
Interactive experiences let potential buyers explore properties remotely:
360° photography: Individual rooms captured in spherical images that viewers can explore by panning and zooming.
Virtual tours: Connected 360° images creating walkthrough experiences, often with hotspots for navigation and information.
Floor plan integration: Some virtual tour systems incorporate floor plans, helping viewers understand spatial relationships.
These services typically cost more than standard photography but may reduce wasted viewings and attract serious buyers.
Floor plans and property documentation
Many buyers want to understand spatial layout before viewing. Floor plan services provide:
- 2D floor plans with room dimensions
- Square footage calculations
- Furniture layout suggestions
- Multiple format options for various uses
Some photographers offer floor plans alongside photography; others focus on imagery only.
Preparing properties for photography
The impact of preparation
The difference between a prepared and unprepared property in photos is dramatic. Professional photography can't compensate for clutter, poor lighting, or mess. Preparation time invested directly improves photo quality and listing performance.
Essential preparation steps
Declutter aggressively:
- Remove personal items (family photos, toiletries, mail)
- Clear countertops and surfaces
- Organize closets and storage (buyers look inside)
- Remove excess furniture that makes rooms feel smaller
Clean thoroughly:
- Windows inside and out (dirty windows ruin photos)
- Floors, carpets, and rugs
- Kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- Light fixtures and mirrors
Stage thoughtfully:
- Fresh flowers or plants add life
- Coordinated towels in bathrooms
- Made beds with quality linens
- Set dining tables for lifestyle appeal
Optimize lighting:
- Replace dead bulbs
- Open curtains and blinds fully
- Turn on all lights (including lamps)
- Consider bulb consistency (all warm or all cool)
Exterior matters:
- Mow lawn and trim hedges
- Clear walkways and driveways
- Stow garbage bins and hoses
- Address obvious maintenance issues
Professional staging
For vacant properties or challenging spaces, professional staging services can dramatically improve photo quality and sale outcomes. Stagers bring furniture, accessories, and design expertise to make empty spaces feel livable.
Staging investment often returns many times over in sale price and speed.
Understanding real estate photography pricing
What affects cost
Real estate photography pricing varies based on:
Property size: Larger properties require more time and images.
Services included: Standard interiors vs. drone, twilight, virtual tours, floor plans.
Turnaround time: Rush delivery commands premium pricing.
Location: Travel time and regional market rates.
Quality tier: Basic listing photos vs. premium magazine-quality images.
Typical investment ranges
Small apartments: €100-200 Standard homes: €150-350 Larger properties: €250-500+ Luxury properties with full services: €500-1500+
Volume arrangements for agencies may offer significant per-property discounts.
Calculating value
Consider photography cost relative to property value and commission. For a €500,000 property with 3% commission, the commission value is €15,000. A €300 photography investment represents 2% of that commission but can significantly impact sale speed and potentially final price.
Properties with professional photos typically sell faster and sometimes at higher prices than comparable listings with amateur images.
Frequently asked questions
How many photos will I receive?
This depends on property size and package, but typical deliveries include:
- Small apartments: 15-25 photos
- Standard homes: 25-40 photos
- Larger/luxury properties: 40-60+ photos
Discuss specific deliverable counts when booking.
How quickly can you shoot my property?
Most real estate photographers can schedule within 1-5 days depending on their availability. Rush scheduling is often possible. Discuss timing when you inquire.
How fast will I receive the edited photos?
Standard delivery is 24-48 hours for most real estate shoots. Same-day or next-morning delivery is sometimes available for additional fees.
What time of day is best for shooting?
This depends on property orientation and desired aesthetic. Generally:
- Morning works for east-facing properties
- Afternoon works for west-facing properties
- Overcast days provide even lighting throughout
- Twilight creates the most dramatic exterior shots
Your photographer will recommend optimal timing based on your specific property.
Do I need to be present during the shoot?
Not necessarily. Many shoots happen while properties are vacant or with only the photographer present. Ensure access is arranged, lights work, and the property is fully prepared. If specific features need highlighting or access is complicated, presence may help.
What about occupied properties?
Professional photographers work efficiently to minimize disruption for occupied properties. Discuss scheduling around occupant needs and ensure they understand preparation requirements.
Can you edit out imperfections?
Minor retouching (removing small items, adjusting colors) is standard. Major modifications (removing structural issues, changing views) enter ethical gray areas in real estate representation. Discuss specific concerns with your photographer.
Do I own the photos?
Licensing varies by photographer. Most real estate photography includes full usage rights for marketing the specific property. Extended use (stock sales, portfolio use by the photographer) may be addressed in your agreement.
Photos that perform
Every listing competes for buyer attention. Professional real estate photography ensures your properties make it past the initial scroll into serious consideration.
On Graindevue, find photographers who understand real estate sales and deliver images that help properties sell.