A Glossary Of Real Estate Photography And 3D Tour Terms

Every industry has its own language and terms. These words and phrases can be confusing to anyone who is not part of the daily operations of a specific industry, and the real estate photography and videography business is no exception.

To help you understand the terms, acronyms, and phrases regularly used when availing of photographs and videos for your property listings, Square Feet Photography & Floor Plans has created this handy reference guide. Here you’ll find valuable information allowing you to comprehend and communicate your photography and videography needs effectively.

Residential Measurement Standard (RMS)
The RMS offers a consistent means of representing a property’s above-grade space. It’s a comprehensive measurement standard used in Alberta because:

a. Sellers want their property size accurately described

b. Buyers want to ensure the property size meets their needs

c. Buyers and sellers want to be able to compare the size of different types of properties

d. Landlords want to describe their rental property’s size accurately

e. Tenants want accurate information regarding their leased space size

High Dynamic Range (HDR)
This means that there is a wide range of gradients between light and dark areas. Dynamic range refers to the range between the brightest and darkest tones in the photo.

Blending
Blending is a method that combines two or more versions of the same image in a photo editing software to create a vastly improved final image. We will use this when shooting HDR to achieve a wider dynamic range, better overall exposure, a change of perspective, and more.

We typically blend three images when asked to shoot in HDR. This process takes longer in post-production, which is why we typically shoot using multiple flashes for better control over an image.

Virtual home staging
Virtual home staging is a type of home staging in which an interior design or furniture is created in a graphic editing program. Virtual staging can be done to market a vacant home, as it can offer many of the benefits of traditional staging at a significantly lower cost. It gives buyers a sense of space and is more relatable than an empty room.

3D virtual tour
A virtual tour is a simulation of an existing location, usually composed of a sequence of still panoramic images. Panorama indicates an unbroken view, as a panorama can be either a series of photographs or panning video footage.

Laser measurements
This is what we use to abide by RMS for the most accurate property measurements possible. A Laser Distance Meter sends a pulse of laser light to the target and measures the time it takes for the reflection to return. On-board processing allows the device to add, subtract, calculate areas and volumes, and to triangulate. You can measure distances at a distance with this technique. Compared with a good, old-fashioned tape, there’s no contest here. A laser distance meter wins on every count of speed, accuracy, safety, versatility, convenience, and functionality.

Using a tripod
A tripod allows us to use slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera stability. It enables us to ensure our camera is always pointed on a horizontal plane to get nice straight vertical lines. By using a tripod, we can comfortably shoot on all planes, that is, chest, eye, knee, or above the head levels. We do this to give ourselves a wider range of versatility to show off a property at its best angles.

Wide-angle lens
This is the best lens for real estate photography. It creates a sense of depth and emphasizes the space of a room. Wide-angle shots depict depth and detail. For a full-frame sensor camera, we use a wide-angle lens of around 16mm to 35 mm or 17mm to 40mm. We never use a fisheye lens to avoid creating an unrealistic sense of space. As real estate photographers, it’s our job to take photos representing the property in an aesthetic, appealing, and authentic manner.

If you’re looking for more details on real estate photography, reach out to the experts at Square Feet Photography & Floor Plans. We operate across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Beaumont, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain, and cater to a broad range of needs. We offer professional real estate photography and videography services for residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Our services are designed to help you showcase your property sufficiently to potential buyers. We are committed to delivering value, and we invest as much into customer service as we do camera gear to give you and your clients a remarkable experience.

For more insights into our business, view our full list of services here, or get in touch with us here.