LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY. What the hell is it and what on earth has it got to do with selling property?
They’re good questions. After all, surely you just need a few shots from outside and in to sell a property. Shots that show the whole house or a whole room.
Well, mainly.
But the more information you give to people, the less they can really take in.
Seriously. That’s why there’s a lot of white space around works of art in galleries. White space gives exhibits room to breathe. Which makes it easier for viewers to study what’s on display.
A street called Desire
It’s worth remembering that property buyers are not just interested in bricks and mortar and a few fittings. If they were, there’d be a lot less difference between a ‘desirable’ area and one that’s, well, a bit less desirable.
People want something to aspire to. Lifestyle photography captures aspirational elements.
By getting something across about the current owners’ lifestyle, the photos help potential buyers imagine themselves in the same space. Which is ironic, because the same space will be pretty different once the current owner removes all their belongings.
Style-rich, time-poor
The shot of a kitchen, above, has more than a smattering of aspirational elements. The bowlful of fruit in the foreground suggests a healthy lifestyle. The keepsakes on the shelves in the background suggest a cultural lifestyle. As does the map of New Zealand on the wall. Those who zoom in may notice a copy of The Batch Lady among other cookbooks. It’s been put together by a woman with very little time on her hands. Chances are the property in the photo is a busy mum’s domain. A mum who you could describe as style-rich and time-poor.
Life’s a picnic
The above photo of the bi-fold kitchen looks perfect for outdoor types. Buyers who like an al fresco lunch – or a fresh breeze to cool their morning coffee – will be lining up to take a peek at this house.
Judge a nook by its covers
Remember what we said about art galleries leaving a lot of space around each painting? The above photo of shelves of books works in the same kind of way. The space around the books helps them stand out. We’re in a household that prides itself on reading. Which, in itself, is another aspirational element to tempt buyers.
Of course, lifestyle photography alone won’t sell a property.
But a small selection of shots that focus on specific details (in addition to more conventional shots of whole rooms) will help potential buyers picture themselves in the same space. Which will do the chances of a sale no harm at all.
Please drop me a line if you have any questions. I’d be happy to chat to you about photographs that help sell properties in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Let’s create content with even more kerb appeal.
– Lucas
Editor
Spick Brick Pics
Info@spickbrickpics.co.uk