Bay Area real estate is considered to be one of the most aggressive in the country and sells normally very quickly, so great photography that attracts potential buyers is something that can’t just be overlooked. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to showcase your property with maximum exposure or a designer putting up images for your portfolio, hiring a Bay Area interior home photographer will be the key. However, that is not so simple, and many clients commit avoidable mistakes in the selection process. Such a process may result in poor outcomes, wasted funds, and missed opportunities. Therefore, here we will discuss the common mistakes people commit when hiring a Bay Area interior photographer and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Researching the Photographer’s Specialization
One of the biggest mistakes many people make is hiring a general photographer, rather than an interior photographer. Just because a photographer has a wonderful portfolio filled with wedding or portrait photos, they are not the best candidates to deliver quality interior shots. Interior photography requires very specific skills and techniques and equipment to accurately capture spaces beautifully. An interior photographer in the Bay Area understands the unique lighting challenges and space limitations involved when photographing homes. They will know how to bring out the best features of the property so not only do your photographs look great, but accurately depict the space. When evaluating a photographer’s portfolio, ensure that it contains interior shots and ideally of a home similar to yours.
2. Lack of Familiarity with Photographers’ Experience in the Bay Area Market
The Bay Area market is odd and nothing like most other real estate markets. The Bay Area will have an architectural style, from Victorian homes in San Francisco to minimalist, modern designs throughout Silicon Valley. A local photographer who is familiar with the Bay Area market will be extremely well-familiar with the styles and know just how to capture the true essence of the property in photographs. A photographer who knows the Bay Area market will also understand the factor of natural light, which can be vastly different from season to season or even neighborhood to neighborhood. A shot of a home in San Francisco may have more lighting issues due to the fog prevalent in the area than one in Palo Alto. A good Bay Area photographer will understand how to work around this to get the best possible shots of your home.
3. Underplaying Lighting Skills
Lighting is what can make or break an interior photo. Among the most important skills that can distinguish a Bay Area home interior photographer from an amateur would be his ability to work with both natural and artificial light to enhance the space. Most people would make the mistake of hiring a photographer who does not understand lighting in interiors. For instance, some photographers use too much artificial lighting, and which gives images that have harsh shadows, unnatural colors, and look not flattering at all. On the other hand, if natural light is not well used, then the images become overexposed or lifeless and dim. A good interior photographer will balance the two types of light sources ensuring that the photos are bright, full of vibrancy, and as true to the real appearance of the place.
4. Failure to Consider the Photographer’s Equipment
A shot is only produced with quality and specialized equipment. Most people think professional photographers have the right tools for the job. Not so in this case. Hiring a Bay Area home interior photographer requires asking questions to their equipment, including the type of camera, lenses, and lighting tools used. Wide-angle lenses are somewhat useful in interior photography: they allow the photographer to capture more of the room in one frame. High-resolution cameras ensure that images are clear and detailed; proper lighting equipment helps control both natural and artificial sources. Make sure the photographer you hire uses the appropriate equipment for the task to ensure quality images.
5. Ignoring Post-Production Skills
Taking the photos is just half the battle though. Interior photography also involves a lot of post-production magic. There, after processing and retouching, the shots could well be much better than they would have turned out without this stage, or corrected in places, or even just made to look like reality in terms of colors, light, and texture. Many hire a photographer who either cannot provide any post-production work or is not competent in his work. Many of the subpar images do not provide good justice to the space. Make sure you question the photographer about his process in post-production. Does he retouch the images remove minor imperfections, enhance colors, and adjust the lighting? Great post-production work is important in creating very nice professional photographs that really excel and are high-class.
6. Price-Driven Mentality
The bottom line always constitutes a factor of concern when hiring professionals; however, dwelling on price above everything else may prove to be an expensive mistake in the long run. The tendency to opt for the most affordable option will most often provide you with a less quality interior photo because cheaper photographers may not have experience and skills or equipment needed for quality interior photos. A good Bay Area home interior photographer understands what they are doing and will be worth the price. Do not look for a price point but for value for your money. A much higher-priced photographer who gives you those incredibly gorgeous, well-lit, and edited photos gives so much more bang for your buck than a cheap photographer producing subpar work.
7. Your Vision Not Being Discussed
A quite crucial factor and often overlooked is communication between the photographer and the client. Most people tend to go ahead under the assumption that the photographer will understand exactly what they want without this very open discussion with them. Every space is different, and so are the expectations that come with it. While some customers want their houses to be absolutely airy and light, others want to focus attention on certain architectural details or to create a comfortable close atmosphere. In this case, it’s really essential to discuss the goals and the features you have in your home that you want to emphasize and the kind of aesthetic you favor for achieving what you want.
8. Failure to Verify References or Reviews
Most people verify references or reviews before hiring a professional. This is something that most people avoid for an interior photographer. A photographer may have a great portfolio, but reviews and references really do give you an idea of what it is like working with them. Ask for references or check on-line reviews from previous clients. Was he/she satisfied with the pictures? Were the pictures done on time and in touch throughout the shoot? More than likely, someone is going to send you a client not to anyone in particular but the wrong person for the shoot.
9. Skipping a Contract.
Another false assumption is that there is no contract before starting the project. This often clarifies expectations, timelines, and deliverables for both parties. In the absence of a contract, it could easily lead to several misunderstandings or disputes. Make sure your contract states and includes all the specific requirements about the number of photos, delivery dates, cost, and other details you require. This way you can both be on the same page and eliminate any potential conflict in the future.
10. Instant Result Exp Expectation
Good interior photography takes time to shoot in-camera and sometimes in post-production. Clients sometimes mistakenly expect instant results, with disappointing ones following the orientation process. A professional Bay Area home interior photographer will take sufficient time to capture the best shots, edit them, and deliver polished images as desired. Plan the timing of this step with your photographer in advance. People need to understand that the final prints take time, and hurrying this can damage the final pictures.
