Here’s a statistic for you: Did you know that 79% of buyers use online resources for real estate purchase? That means photos are often the first – and potentially last – thing someone sees on your listing. Will they remember it?
In commercial real estate, high-quality visual media is extremely important for making a strong first impression. In this guide, we cover various commercial properties, from office spaces to industrial sites, and explain how commercial real estate photography can be used to improve their appeal and attract more potential buyers and tenants.
Let’s dig in.
Why Is Professional Photography Important in Commercial Real Estate?
First, let’s break down the general idea of professional photography and commercial real estate.
The value of professional photography in this area is simple – it makes a real estate listing much more attractive. High-quality images create a powerful first impression by capturing the essence and unique features of a property. Similar to other real estate marketing strategies, the right visual appeal can make listings stand out in a crowded market. Naturally, this increases their chances of catching the eye of prospective clients.
Statistics support this impact: properties with professional photos get 61% more views compared to those with standard images. These photos help highlight the property’s best aspects – layout and amenities to architectural details – making it more appealing and memorable.
In practice, professional photography transforms listings by showcasing spaces in the best light, both literally and figuratively. Commercial spaces – like office buildings, retail stores, and industrial sites – appear more attractive to potential buyers or renters. When done right, professional photography can help turn real estate leads into closures.
“Photos are your first impression, and they’re the best way to pique a buyer’s interest to have them come see your listing in person.”
–Zillow
Types of Commercial Properties and Photography Needs
Each type of commercial property has unique features and requirements that professional photographers must consider to capture its full potential. Understanding the nuances here is very important to tap the most potential possible in photographs. Plus, let’s not forget that mediocre photos are not only ineffective, but actively bad for business.
Here’s a breakdown of various commercial properties and their photography needs.
Homebuilders
For homebuilders, showcase architectural details, model homes, and the overall community layout. Effective photography highlights the craftsmanship and design elements that give homes a bit of personality.
Capturing well-lit interiors and exteriors helps potential buyers visualize living in these newly constructed spaces. And when they can see themselves and their future, they’re all the more likely to purchase.
Campgrounds / RV Parks
Think about what’s the most attractive element of a property. For campgrounds and RV parks, that’s most certainly the natural beauty. Aerial photography is particularly useful here. It offers a comprehensive view of the park’s setting and nearby attractions. These images should convey the peaceful, scenic environment and the range of activities available.
Distressed Properties
It’s all about the potential of what it could be. Photography of distressed properties should highlight their potential redevelopment. Capture structural details and unique features to show investors the value and possibilities.
Depending on the current state of the property, before-and-after photos can be particularly effective. They not only show the state of the listing, but how to unlock potential. It helps the potential buyer think holistically about what the investment could become.
Industrial Properties
Focus on the functional space, storage areas, and logistical capabilities of industrial properties. And since these properties tend to be on the larger scale, consider utilizing technology such as drone photography.
Providing a bird’s-eye view of the facility and its surroundings can really make a listing sing. These features can attract businesses looking for certain types of spaces.
Multi-Family Residential Properties
Photography for multi-family residential properties should emphasize community amenities, individual units, and shared spaces. Consider using 3D tours to provide potential tenants with an immersive experience. This allows them to explore the property virtually.
In addition to individual apartment units, don’t forget to highlight amenities like pools, gyms, and communal areas. In these kinds of buildings, those photos can be a game-changer for potential tenants.
Office Spaces
Key features to highlight in office spaces include the layout, amenities, and workspace environment. The best kind of office space photography showcases well-lit interiors, modern design, and functional work areas.
Think about what a business would be looking for, and cater the photos to that. These images help potential tenants envision a productive and appealing work environment. That can make the property significantly more attractive.
Retail Properties
With retail properties, it’s all about location and overall vibes. Can a potential tenant or buyer imagine their business successfully attracting customers? With listing photos, capture the foot traffic area, storefront appeal, and interior layout.
Drone footage can showcase surrounding areas and accessibility. That gives potential tenants a sense of location advantages. Additionally, if you highlight vibrant, busy scenes, it conveys the property’s opportunity for real business success.
Self-Storage Facilities
What do people need out of storage? Security and space. With self-storage facilities, showcase the security features, variety of units, and overall layout of self storage facilities.
Aerial views can highlight the property’s accessibility and organized structure. Don’t underestimate the power of high-quality images, too. They emphasize security and convenience. There’s a lot of storage units in the world. What makes yours different?
Senior Living Communities
Be considerate to the human element that comes with those looking for senior living communities. Capture a welcoming atmosphere, community spaces, and different types of care facilities.
In this type of commercial real estate property, virtual tours are very helpful. Think about remote family members making decisions from afar. These images should convey a sense of comfort, safety, and community.
Vacation Rentals / Short-Term Rentals
Imagine yourself here. That’s the type of emotions your vacation rentals should evoke. Emphasize unique characteristics, scenic views, and interior coziness. And remember, according to AirBnB, listings with professional photography get 24% more bookings.
Utilize lifestyle photography to appeal to potential guests. Showcase how they can enjoy their stay – and give them a sense of FOMO. Highlight unique features and beautiful surroundings, which can seriously drive bookings.
Student Housing
Highlight the amenities, study areas, and community spaces in student housing. Using video and virtual tours to provide easy understanding and information to potential students who are looking for housing remotely.
Emphasize convenience, safety, and a supportive environment. It’s about showing how housing can benefit schooling. Avoid the risk of the other way around.
Hotels
High-quality photography is one of the most important elements of hotel marketing. Essentially, it’s a first impression and can be the main deciding factor whether or not a guest decides to book.
Professional photos showcase guest rooms, dining areas, amenities, and surrounding attractions. It’s all about creating an inviting atmosphere. Keep in mind that hotels with quality photos see a 15% increase in conversion rates!
How HomeJab Approaches Commercial Real Estate Photography and Videography
HomeJab uses advanced techniques to showcase commercial properties in the best possible light. Our nationwide network of photographers and videographers have a track record of delivering high-quality, engaging content that attracts potential buyers and tenants.
HDR Photography
HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography captures multiple exposures to create images with balanced lighting and vivid details. This technique portrays all parts of the photo in a well-lit and clear manner. It makes properties look both more attractive and realistic.
- Vibrant Images: HDR captures a wide range of light and detail, producing more vibrant and lifelike photos.
- True-to-Life: Ensures that both shadows and highlights are well-represented, providing a realistic view of the property.
Drone Photography and Videography
Drone photography provides unique aerial perspectives, perfect for showcasing the full scope of large commercial properties. This technique captures expansive views and highlights property features that ground-level photos might miss.
- Aerial Beauty: Offers a comprehensive view of the property and its surroundings. This demonstrates the potential for scale and accessibility.
- Unique Angles: Provides perspectives that highlight the property’s layout and landscape.
3D Virtual Tours
3D virtual tours allow potential buyers and tenants to explore properties remotely. Imagine a detailed and interactive view of a property on the other side of the country. This technology keeps viewers engaged longer and helps them make informed decisions.
- Immersive Experience: Creates an engaging, interactive way to view properties. This can lead to a genuine increase in viewer engagement.
- High-Tech Tours: Utilizes advanced technology to offer a realistic and detailed representation of the property’s layout and features.
Floor Plans
Professional floor plans offer a comprehensive overview of a property’s layout. This helps potential buyers and tenants understand spatial arrangements. These plans are essential for visualizing room sizes and configurations.
- Detailed Layouts: Provides clear, professional representations of property layouts.
- Improved Planning: Floor plans facilitate a better understanding for spatial layouts and planning. Clients can easily visualize room sizes and configurations.
Virtual Staging and Dusk Photography
Virtual staging transforms empty spaces by digitally furnishing them. When utilized effectively, this makes it easier for buyers to visualize how the space can be used. Additionally, dusk photography captures properties during twilight. It creates visually stunning images with dramatic lighting. Both of these strategies tap into the potential buyers’ emotions.
- Staged Perfection: Shows potential uses for empty spaces. Potential buyers or renters can imagine their life inside of the property or unit.
- Twilight Appeal: Creates inviting and dramatic images that highlight architectural features against a beautiful evening sky.
HomeJab: Your One-Stop-Shop for Commercial Real Estate Photography in the United States and Canada
Take a moment to ask yourself: Are you getting the most out of your listings? Professional photography for commercial real estate isn’t just an important factor to consider. It’s as essential as it is transformative.
With over 2,000 photographers and videographers across the United States and Canada, HomeJab is your premier partner for commercial real estate photography. From HDR and drone photography to 3D virtual tours and virtual staging, our team offers everything you need to make your commercial properties pop.
Let’s talk about how to elevate your listings and attract more buyers. Schedule a shoot today!
