As a Seattle-based real estate photographer with Photos in the House, I recently had the pleasure of documenting a charming 3-bedroom rambler in Bothell, Washington. While this style of home is common in the Pacific Northwest, this particular property stood out thanks to thoughtful renovations and meticulous staging by the listing agents.
Balancing Natural Light and Off-Camera Flash
One of the most captivating features of this home was the abundance of natural light streaming through oversized windows and skylights. To accentuate this airy atmosphere while maintaining balanced exposure, I combined natural light with carefully placed off-camera flash using a Godox AD200 strobe. This technique allowed me to create a warm, inviting ambiance in every shot.
Creative Compositions with Wide-Angle and Tilt-Shift Lenses
For the majority of the still photography, I utilized my trusty Sony A7R mirrorless camera paired with the versatile Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens. This wide-angle lens allowed me to capture the spaciousness of each room while minimizing distortion. Additionally, I employed the Canon 17mm tilt-shift lens for unique perspectives, particularly in the living and dining areas. The tilt-shift’s ability to control perspective distortion helped me showcase the thoughtfully staged furniture and architectural details in a visually appealing way.
Navigating 3D Capture Challenges
The listing agents had requested a Matterport 3D tour, so I started the shoot by capturing 3D data. However, the intense summer heat combined with reflective vinyl flooring caused alignment errors with my Matterport Pro 2 camera. To avoid delays, I shifted focus to traditional photography and returned to 3D capture later. Unfortunately, the issues persisted, likely due to the infrared sensor’s sensitivity to high temperatures and direct sunlight. As a backup, I utilized a Ricoh Theta 360 camera to successfully complete the 3D tour.
Showcasing Key Features and Curb Appeal
Beyond the interior, the property boasted a beautiful concrete patio and a well-maintained backyard, which I highlighted in several exterior shots. I also deployed my drone to capture aerial views showcasing the home’s proximity to downtown Bothell. To provide context, I added graphics and markups to a drone photo, illustrating the home’s location in relation to both Seattle and Bellevue city centers.
Final Thoughts
Despite the technical challenges with the Matterport camera, the final listing photos turned out beautifully, effectively conveying the charm and appeal of this Bothell rambler. The combination of natural light, strategic flash placement, and creative lens choices resulted in images that truly captured the essence of this home.
Remember, even “typical” homes have unique stories to tell. As a real estate photographer, my goal is to uncover and highlight those stories through visually compelling imagery that leaves a lasting impression on potential buyers.
