Home > Learn > Special Subjects > Real estate photography issues
Real estate photography issues
There are aspects of taking photos of real estate that can be challenging. Take a few moments to learn how to address the main ones.
Barrel distortion
When taking photos of real estate using the widest lens angle of a digital camera, you will undoubtedly get barrel distortion. The wide angle lens position causes the edges of an image to look curved or skewed. Lines that you'd expect to appear perpendicular are not.
Barrel distortion is most noticeable when photographing a straight edge near the side of the frame, such as taking wide angle shots of angular buildings, doors and edges of walls. In the illustration, notice how the curvature of perpendicular lines is greatest near the edges of the photo.
Minimizing barrel distortion
To minimize barrel distortion, zoom in the lens closer and move back to get more of the subject within the frame. Watch the effects change on the LCD. Barrel distortion can be fixed with most image editing software, though avoid distortion as much as you can when actually taking a shot.
Camera shake
Camera shake causes images blur. To prevent camera shake when shooting in low light, place your camera on a tripod or other support. If you don't have a remote control, use the built-in self-timer to trigger the shutter.
The Jaggies
Photos taken of scenes containing lines at angles or at a diagonal are prone to the "jaggies." Jaggies occur when lines are in high contrast to the background, such as a roof line against a clear sky. When a large image is reduced in size using a photo editing program with anti-aliasing, the "jaggies" should visually disappear.
To help avoid jaggies when photographing subjects with strong angles, change your position or the distance you're standing from the subject.
Photographing reflective surfaces
When taking photos of items with reflective surfaces, shoot at an angle so reflections are minimized. Avoid using a flash as its light will be recorded in the image and ruin it.
This article includes tips from the more comprehensive, illustrated eBook Photographing Your Home with a Digital Camera. The eBook contains essential information for taking near-professional looking photos of a home. GET INFO >
