Photo Modification

Proposed Real Estate Photography Guidelines for Image Modification

Purpose:
These guidelines for image modification are meant as a reference for discussion and synthesis of a number of posts on this blog as well as comments made by blog readers. I’m attempting to document a standard of practice that represents a large portion of photographers currently working in real estate photography.

Real Estate Photographers should not modify images of properties such that the images no longer truthfully and fairly represent that property. In particular permanent physical features of the property should not be modified. On the other hand real estate images are intended for marketing purposes and therefore present the property in the very best way possible. So image enhancements that do not materially change permanent physical characteristics of the house or surrounding environment are considered standard practice. The following is a list of what clarifying examples:

Standard Practice

• Removing temporary objects like garbage cans, cars etc.
• Changing image saturation, brightness, contrast or color balance
• Fixing converging verticals, lens barrel distortion or color fringing
• Removing refrigerator clutter i.e, the photos, post-it’s etc sellers typically have on refrigerators or removing furniture that is not part of the house.
• Sky replacement or enhancement
• Use of ultra-wide-angle lenses

Considered Modification of Permanent Physical Characteristics

• Removing or modifying power lines, antennas or power poles
• Changing any part of the house or landscaping
• Changing the grass, trees

Use of Ultra-Wide-angle Lenses
Although some people find the use of ultra-wide angle lenses to visually overstate the size of room use of ultra-wide-angle lenses is generally standard practice. It should be done with discretion.

Use of Telephoto Lenses to Enhanse Views
This seems to be a borderline practice. That is, some do it and some don’t.

Use High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Adjusting and expanding the tonal range in a realistic way is standard practice.

Modifying the grass
Some feel that grass is a temporary property feature and modify irregularities or bare spots as required. This seems to be a borderline practice. That is, it is not done widely enough to be considered standard practice. Some photographers will add grass if it will be included in the sale of the home but not present at the time of the photo.