Common Mistakes in Real Estate Videos and How to Fix Them.

Making real estate videos isn't as simple as pointing a camera and hitting record. Many common mistakes can take a great property and make it look less appealing. Poor lighting can make rooms look dark and uninviting, while shaky footage can be distracting to viewers. 

Bad composition might not showcase the property's best features, and a confusing narrative can leave potential buyers puzzled about the layout or flow of the home. This guide will help you identify these mistakes and teach you how to fix them so your videos leave a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Poor Lighting

Good lighting is essential for making real estate videos look professional and inviting. The key to good lighting is balancing natural and artificial light to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Natural light is usually the best option, as it gives a clean and natural look to rooms. However, too much natural light can wash out the details, while too little can make a room look dark and gloomy.

To get the best lighting, try to shoot during the golden hours - just after sunrise and just before sunset. This time of day provides the softest and most flattering natural light. Additionally, avoid shooting directly into bright light sources or windows, as this can cause harsh shadows and glare, which is distracting to viewers.

Tips for Better Indoor and Outdoor Lighting

For indoor shoots, use a combination of natural and artificial lights. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Use floor lamps, table lamps, and even ring lights to fill in any dark spots. Aim to have a consistent lighting level throughout the room to avoid any harsh contrasts.

When filming outdoors, the sun is your main light source. Try to shoot on clear days when the light is even. Overcast days can also work well because clouds act as a natural diffuser, softening the light. Use reflectors to bounce light into shadows and illuminate darker areas. Avoid the midday sun, as it can cast hard shadows and make it difficult to get even lighting.

Unsteady Footage

Shaky footage can make even the best-looking property video seem amateurish and hard to watch. Several factors contribute to unsteady footage. Hand-held shots, especially if you're walking or moving quickly, can produce a lot of shakes. Wind can also affect the stability of outdoor shots, shaking the camera and disrupting the footage. Also, a lack of proper equipment like stabilisers or tripods can result in shaky clips. Recognising these causes helps address the problem right at the source.

Tools and Techniques for Stabilised Shots

Using the right tools can help stabilise your footage. A tripod is a simple yet effective tool for keeping your camera steady during static shots. For moving shots, a gimbal or stabiliser can keep your camera balanced and reduce shake. These tools are especially useful if you're walking through the property or panning across a room.

Another technique to minimise shake is to use your body as a stabiliser. Keep your arms close to your body and use a gentle, smooth motion when panning or tilting the camera. Unlike sharp, sudden movements, slow and deliberate movements help keep the footage steady.

Whenever possible, use camera features that assist with stabilisation, such as built-in optical stabilisation. These features can correct minor shakes and improve the overall steadiness of your footage. 

Bad Composition

Good composition is crucial for creating engaging and visually appealing real estate videos. One important principle to follow is the Rule of Thirds. This rule suggests dividing your frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. By placing key elements of the property along these lines or their intersections, you create a balanced and interesting image.

When filming rooms, make sure to capture the area's depth. Avoid centering all your shots; instead, vary the angles to show different perspectives. For instance, placing a focal point, like a fireplace, at one of the intersections makes the shot more dynamic. Also, remember to keep your horizons straight. A tilted room can look odd and unprofessional.

Avoiding Common Composition Errors

Several composition errors can detract from your video. One common mistake is cluttered backgrounds. Make sure the space is tidy and free from distractions. Another error is poor framing. Ensure that you’re not cutting off important parts of the scene, like the tops of doors or furniture.

Too much zoom or wide-angle distortion can also negatively impact your video. Use a moderate zoom level to keep the property looking natural. Always check your framing before hitting record to make sure everything looks just right. 

Incomplete or Confusing Narratives

A clear storyline helps viewers understand the flow and layout of the property. Start with establishing shots that give an overview of the entire property. This sets the scene and gives viewers context. Next, move through the spaces in a logical sequence, such as starting with exterior shots, then moving to common areas like the living room and kitchen, and finally to the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Narratives help viewers feel a connection with the property. Point out special features or areas of interest. This not only highlights the property's strengths but also keeps viewers engaged. Avoid jumping randomly between rooms, as this can confuse viewers and make the property seem disjointed.

Structuring Your Video for Better Flow

To structure your video effectively, think of it as a guided tour. Begin with an inviting exterior shot to grab viewers' interest. Next, transition smoothly to the interior, starting with major living spaces before moving to more personal areas like bedrooms. This logical sequence mimics how people typically walk through a home, making it easy to follow.

Use transitions to connect different parts of the video. Simple cuts or fades can help maintain the flow. End with a closing shot that leaves a lasting impression, such as a view of the garden or a scenic shot from a balcony.

Conclusion

Creating high-quality real estate videos involves more than just filming a property. It requires careful planning and attention to detail. By addressing common mistakes like poor lighting, unsteady footage, bad composition, and unclear narratives, you can produce videos that truly showcase a property's best features. 
If you're ready to elevate your real estate videos, we at Focl Media can help. Our team specialises in creating exceptional and innovative property photography and videography solutions. Reach out to us today to make your property stand out with stunning visuals.