The Daily Life of a Property Photographer (With a Rainbow Bonus!)
Another day, another client, and another drive. Ah, the life of a property photographer! Let me tell you, there’s no such thing as “routine” in my job. One moment I’m capturing the grandeur of a mansion in Brussels, and the next thing I know, I’m crossing the French border for another shoot. Yes, I went to France. Twice! It sounds glamorous – and sometimes it is – but believe me, it’s a hustle too. But this morning? Oh, this morning was special. Imagine starting your day under a rainbow in Bruges! That kind of start always feels like a good omen, doesn’t it?
It was early morning, and I was feeling a bit sleepy, driving at a snail’s pace like a granny. Better safe than sorry, right? 😀 Take a look at the video below!
Why I’m Sticking with Property Photography… for Now
Lately, I’ve been toying with the idea of switching things up. You know, dabbling in food photography or maybe even vacation photography. After all, Bruges is crawling with tourists, and who wouldn’t want a vacation photo session in such a magical city? But property photography still holds a special place in my heart. There’s something rewarding about capturing the character of a space, whether it’s a cozy apartment or a grand commercial building. It’s like telling the story of a place with just a single click.
But as tempting as it is to experiment, I’m not giving up on property photography just yet. This past week in Gent reminded me why. I was there to take some photos of a small business property – an assignment I’ve done a million times before – but things took an unexpected turn. They asked me to shoot some small business portraits, too! Talk about being caught off guard.
From Property Photos to Portraits: How One Shoot Can Lead to Another
There I was, fully equipped for property photography – wide-angle lens, tripod, the whole setup – and suddenly, I’m asked to switch gears and take portraits of three women who own the business. Now, portraiture wasn’t on the agenda. Heck, I didn’t even have the right lighting or background gear for that kind of shoot. But as they say, when life hands you lemons, grab your camera and improvise!
I had to work with what I had: natural light, my trusty 24-70mm lens, and a positive attitude. The ladies were happy, and that’s what counts, right? It was a great reminder that sometimes, being flexible is just as important as being prepared.
The Charm of Small Business Property Photography
Speaking of Gent, that small business shoot got me thinking. There’s something intimate about capturing photos of small, independent businesses. These spaces aren’t just properties – they’re passion projects. Whether it’s a boutique shop, a quaint café, or a trendy co-working space, each place has its own unique vibe. My job as a property photographer is to capture that energy so that others can feel it just by looking at the photos. It’s a challenge, but one I’ve grown to love.
Tips for Aspiring Property Photographers
For anyone thinking about getting into property photography, let me give you a few pointers. First off, lighting is your best friend. Natural light can make or break a property photo, so always aim to shoot when the light is soft and diffused – early morning or late afternoon is ideal. Secondly, composition matters. You want to showcase the space in a way that feels inviting, not cluttered. Think about your angles and always, always keep your lines straight. A wonky horizon line can make even the most luxurious home look like a haunted house!
Oh, and if you ever get caught like I did and end up doing a portrait session with no notice, just remember: confidence is key. Even if you’re using your gear in ways it wasn’t intended, trust that you know what you’re doing, and your subject will, too.
Why Bruges is the Perfect Backdrop for Property Photography
Now that I’m based in Bruges, I’ve realized what a treasure trove it is for a property photographer. The architecture here is out of a fairy tale! Gothic buildings, quaint streets, and canals that reflect the sky like a mirror – it’s a dream come true for anyone with a camera in hand. Each building tells a story, and as a photographer, it’s my job to translate that story into images.
Plus, Bruges has a steady flow of tourists, meaning lots of properties are constantly being listed for short-term rentals. And what’s the number one way to make your Airbnb listing stand out? Great property photos. That’s where I come in! A photo that captures the charm of a place is worth more than a thousand words – it’s worth bookings.
What’s Next for My Property Photography Journey?
As much as I dream about food photography (and yes, I do, just keep it vegetarian, please!), property photography is still where my heart is for now. There’s something incredibly satisfying about walking into an empty space, figuring out how to showcase its best features, and delivering photos that make people go, “Wow, I want to live there!”
That doesn’t mean I won’t experiment. Who knows? Maybe the next time I’m asked to take portraits out of the blue, I’ll be fully equipped and ready. Or maybe I’ll find myself photographing a Michelin-starred dish at a fancy restaurant. For now, though, I’m going to keep on chasing that perfect shot, whether it’s a cozy studio or a grand hotel.
Final Thoughts and a Little Shameless Plug
So, until my next adventure (or rainbow), I’ll keep doing what I love – capturing the heart and soul of properties. Whether it’s a small business, a luxury home, or even a portrait session I didn’t plan for, I’m ready for whatever comes next.
If you’re in need of some property photography or you just want to see more of my work, feel free to check out my CatPrints by Bsilvia Shop here or explore what’s new at Graphics Illustrations here. And if you’re feeling especially curious, stop by my FiveCatsGraphics Shop on Etsy here. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something you love.
Until then, have a fantastic day, and thanks for following along on my property photography adventures!