Photographers.

The photography used in your home design or business portfolio is what helps people decide whether or not to engage your services. Whether you’re looking to sell, rent, or have just finished working on a design project, blurry, poorly lit and blown out photos will not do you any favours. You’ve heard it a million times: a photo can tell a thousand words, so enlist the help of a professional photographer to ensure the photos of your home or design project tell a positive story … and don’t scare potential buyers, renters or clients away.

What is a home photographer?

A home photographer is trained to make your home look its best. If you are a design professional – an architect, an interior designer or a contractor, for example – consider hiring a photographer to capture your work to enhance your portfolio, and to attract and engage new clients. They understand what buyers and renters are looking for, and they have the equipment and editing skills to fulfil those expectations.

Professional home photographers vary quite widely in the services that they offer. Some photographers include home staging in their rate, some include editing and some want to come prior to the shoot date to set up shots. Others will not offer these services unless asked or will charge an additional rate. Make sure you ask the photographer beforehand what is included in the cost. If he or she does not offer everything you need, you might want to consider reaching out to other professionals to get the best finished product.

Before you call any potential photographers, make sure they have good references. Friends who've sold or rented homes before are great resources, as are local real estate agents. Look through each photographer's online portfolio to make sure what you're looking for is being offered. Once you've done that, it's a good idea to walk around your home and write down exactly how many and what types of shots you'll need. Include any specifications you might have, such as angles, things to consider about your home’s site, the time of day you think will be best and aspects of your home you want to highlight.

Questions to ask a home photographer:

• Is photo editing included in your rate?
  
• How long will it take for you to provide the photos?
  
• Do you do home staging?
  
• What happens if I don't like the first round of photos?
  
• Do you offer consultations prior to the shoot?
  

Find a home photographer on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to photographers. You can also look through photos by style to find a room you like, then contact the professional who photographed it.