Real estate has always been a very competitive field, and as we move into 2024, photography is still a key part of making homes stand out in a market that is becoming more and more digital. High-quality images are no longer just a perk—they are essential. With buyers often making their first impressions online, real estate photography has evolved into a sophisticated craft, incorporating new technologies and techniques that can significantly enhance the appeal of any property.
In this article, we will explore the top real estate photography trends you need to know in 2024. From drone shots to virtual staging, these trends are shaping how properties are presented and sold, and they should be on every agent’s radar.
1. Drone Photography and Videography
Using drones to take pictures from above is one of the most important new trends in real estate photography. Drones allow for unique perspectives, showcasing a property’s location, lot size, and surroundings in ways that traditional photography simply cannot. Whether it’s a sprawling estate or a compact urban condo, drone photography adds a layer of visual context that helps potential buyers better understand the property.
In 2024, expect to see more creative uses of drones, including sweeping aerial video tours. These dynamic visuals give potential buyers a sense of the neighborhood and property layout before they even step foot on the grounds. This trend will continue to grow as drone technology becomes more affordable and regulations around their use for commercial photography are streamlined.
2. Twilight Photography
Twilight photography has been gaining traction in recent years, and in 2024, it’s set to become even more popular. For this method, properties are photographed during the “golden hour,” which is right after sunset or before sunrise, when the light is soft and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The result is a set of images that highlight both the exterior lighting and interior coziness of a home.
Twilight photos can make a property look more luxurious and appealing, especially when highlighting features like outdoor lighting, pools, or gardens. Real estate agents are increasingly requesting this style of photography to create a sense of warmth and livability that daytime shots might miss.
3. Virtual Staging
Gone are the days when buyers had to imagine what an empty room could look like furnished. Virtual staging has quickly become one of the most popular trends in real estate photography. This process digitally adds furniture and decor to empty spaces, making a property look lived-in and more appealing without the costs and logistics of traditional staging.
In 2024, expect virtual staging to become even more sophisticated. Real estate photographers are utilizing advanced software to create hyper-realistic room designs, with the ability to change styles based on the target audience. Whether it’s a modern, minimalist aesthetic or a cozy, traditional look, virtual staging allows properties to cater to different buyer preferences, all without moving a single piece of furniture.
4. 360-degree and Virtual Reality Tours
While 360-degree tours have been around for a few years, their use in real estate photography is set to expand significantly in 2024. With buyers more accustomed to making online purchases and decisions, immersive experiences like 360-degree virtual tours allow them to explore a property from every angle, almost as if they were walking through it themselves.
More advanced virtual reality (VR) technology is also making waves in the industry. With a VR headset, potential buyers can take a fully immersive tour of a home without leaving their own living room. As VR gear keeps getting better and cheaper, it could be a big deal for people who want to buy something from afar or narrow down their options before making plans to visit in person.
5. Mobile-Friendly Real Estate Photography
It’s not a wonder that real estate photos are getting better for phones since phones now make up more than half of all internet traffic. Next year, 2024, people will be working hard to make pictures and video tours that look great on phones as well as computers.
This means giving close attention to the size of the images, how long they take to load, and how they look when they are shown vertically. Real estate photographers will need to make sure that their pictures can fit on a variety of screen sizes and that video tours can be viewed on mobile devices so that potential buyers can easily look at homes while they’re on the go.
Finding a Real Estate Photographer Near You
With all these exciting trends in real estate photography, it’s important to partner with a professional who understands the latest techniques and technologies. Whether you’re looking for drone shots, virtual staging, or HDR photography, finding a real estate photographer near me who is skilled in these areas can make all the difference in your property’s presentation. A local shooter will also know the market in your area, which will help you find the unique selling points that will appeal to buyers.
Conclusion
In 2024, real estate photography will continue to change. To help buyers and agents show homes in the best light, they should keep up with the latest trends. From drone photography to AI enhancements, these trends are shaping the future of real estate marketing and making it easier than ever for buyers to connect with their dream homes. Whether you’re listing a modest condo or a luxury estate, incorporating these trends will ensure your property stands out in a competitive market.