Any experienced real estate agent will tell you how important the hero shot is in drawing attention from prospective buyers. In a crowded and competitive market where buyers often browse listings on social media, a single impactful hero shot can make a property stand out and help close the deal.
What is a real estate hero shot?
In a real estate listing, the hero shot refers to a photo used as the primary focus for marketing materials. It is the hook that should draw attention to the property. The hero shot image must be top-notch. NAR research found that all home buyers search for homes online, and photos are one of the most valuable factors in their decision-making. Typically, agents showcase the front exterior as the hero shot. However, if the exterior isn’t the most marketable, they might choose a newly renovated kitchen or another appealing interior space.
Features of a successful real estate hero shot
Generally, the hero shot will be an exterior photo that highlights the property’s unique appeal. Many real estate agents prefer to use an exterior image of the back of the property, mainly if the property contains a pool or some other family-entertainment feature.
Another essential feature is the angle of the real estate hero shot. If the angle is too narrow, it can block the full scope of the home and any attractive property features around the house. The hero shot should give the viewer a grand, wide-frame look at what the home has to offer. Taking the photo with some elevation can help achieve this effect, and it will resist a more mundane, everyday appearance.
Twilight photography hero shots
Lighting in a hero shot is essential to giving the photo a dramatic, appealing look. The best time to take a real estate hero shot is around twilight. This will give the home the benefits of both friendly and approachable daytime lighting with the shadows and dramatic feel of nighttime lighting. Remember, you want to create a photo that will draw viewers’ attention and make them more interested in the property.
So, the more vibrant and exciting your real estate hero shot is, the better. Real estate photos are more than just exterior shots, of course, but your real estate hero shot will most likely be one of your exterior shots. If you are not able to schedule a photographer around twilight hours, a virtual twilight might be the way to go.
Real estate drone photography
Using a drone can be extremely helpful in taking the perfect hero shot. When using a photo-quality drone, you can achieve many angles that would not be possible otherwise. Also, a drone can help with getting the right amount of elevation to maximize the desired scope and lighting. One of Virtuance’s real estate photography services is aerial images and video!
Get a perfect hero shot with Virtuance
Hiring a professional real estate photographer to take the hero shot can pay dividends in the long run. A professional will have training and experience in different images, such as twilight images, natural light, and more. The real estate hero shot is the shining jewel in your marketing campaign, so hiring a professional photographer to give you the best possible product can be the best option for pulling in new clients.
Just as you are an expert in helping people buy and sell homes, real estate photographers are experts in visually demonstrating the beauty and appeal of homes. Scheduling a shoot with Virtuance can guarantee an expert-made product and, in turn, bring you more views to your listings. Check out our gallery of real estate images and consider using Virtuance for your next listing.
FAQ
While most hero shots are exterior images, an interior shot can work if the property has a standout feature, like a grand staircase, floor-to-ceiling windows with a stunning view, or a designer kitchen.
Yes, overcast skies can create dull images, while bright sunlight can cause harsh shadows. Twilight shots often work best because they provide soft, balanced lighting.
Modern smartphones have advanced cameras, but they often lack the dynamic range and resolution of professional cameras. For the best results, a professional camera or photographer is recommended.
