4 Beginners Misunderstanding Of Real Estate Photography Retouching

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4 Beginners Misunderstanding Of Real Estate Photography Retouching

By Administrator 23/04/2024

Real Estate Photography Retouching, also called real estate photography item removal, is one of the most popular post-processing services in the market. Careless preparations are common in photography and can be rectified through digital decluttering at a reasonable expense. However, novices’ lack of fundamental retouching misunderstandings may prematurely halt their career. Therefore, this article unveils four essential misconceptions for beginners to avoid.  

1. Misconception About The Price Of Real Estate Photography Retouching

To begin with, many people assume that real estate photography editing services will charge retouching fees based on the size of the removed objects. 

Conversely, the service price varies on multiple factors. Among them, the key driving force of price difference is the recovered details. The basic object-removing technique includes two missions: delete (the unwanted objects) and recover (the hidden detail). While the first may require common editing steps, namely creating a selection, and pressing the delete key combination, the other is yearning for professional skill to achieve the natural result.

For instance, the stuff in the first photo looks extremely messy, whereas the second one is blank. Nevertheless, if the editors want to remove all furniture in the first one, and the wall in the second, the difficulty of the latter is higher because editors need to recreate more. 

Real Estate Photography Retouching standard-min
An Example Of Medium Real Estate Photography Retouching
Real Estate Photography Retouching extreme
An Example Of Challenging Real Estate Photography Retouching

2. Real Estate Photography Retouching At Unethical Level

Next, in the realm of real estate photography, the unethical level belongs to a concept called Photo Manipulation. When editors, for the purpose of boosting revenue, utilize software to deliver a false or unrealistic representation of the properties, it is known as photo manipulation. This action has penetrated widely in every market. Some consider it a shrewdness strategy, others find it fraudulent. Yet, in real estate photography retouching, the elimination of the following things is unspokenly prohibited.

2.1. Inherently Objects Of The Properties

Firstly, the objects that are permanently attached to the building should not be removed. Since they are unchangeable even after decluttering, the customers eventually feel deceived once beholding them in person. To a further extent, the edited photos can serve as a shred of adverse evidence to prove the realtors’ innocence, if the customers regard them as violations of legal regulations. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize photo manipulation techniques ethically, disclosing significant alterations and adhering to ethical guidelines.

For example, if the building is too old, you are not allowed to use real estate photography retouching to remove all the wrinkles of the house and disguise a brand new state. If you plan to remove all blemishes, displaying a clear, eye-catching warning (explanation) is a must.

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An Example Of An Old House Blemishes That Should Not Be Removed

2.2. Original Color Of The Objects

For several reasons, the primary color of objects is another noticeable real estate photography retouching when it is illegitimate to eradicate. Altering the colors of objects such as walls, floors, or fixtures could create unrealistic expectations about the actual appearance of the property, leading to disappointment or dissatisfaction upon viewing it in person. Additionally, changing the original colors could undermine the trust between the seller or real estate agent and the buyer, as it distorts the authenticity of the visual information provided. Therefore, changing the original color of objects in real estate photos without proper announcement is generally considered unethical.

On the other hand, the editors are allowed to remove the color cast on the objects, but not change the original color to a brand new one. 

2.3. Real Estate Photography Retouching On The Neighborhood View

How does changing the local view in real estate photos become an unethical action? This situation results from the fact that most homebuyers will consider the surrounding facilities as a major factor in choosing a living space. For a better example, it would be dishonest to remove such two unsightly buildings that flank window views of the listing property in a photo to divert attention away from them, especially if they obscure a luxurious view. The consequence of hundreds of complaints comes as no surprise.

Notwithstanding, these unsuggested removals on neighborhood view do not include sky replacement, virtual dusk, or summer virtual.

3. Meager Removal Of Unnecessary Details 

On the contrary, such details as unwanted reflection, glare, color cast, blur, lens distortion, trash, house signs, personal items, and so forth should be cleared out in the editing process. Still, many editors do not pay attention to real estate photography retouching issues. These details are not permanent, but more likely to appear because of camera imperfection or the uncautious preparation from the owners. This existence will prove unprofessionalism in the photo list because it hinders the attractiveness of the living space. The prospective buyers do not want these temporary items to affect their gauge on their big real estate investment either. Thus, to avoid repelling customers, it is better to get rid of them all.

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An Example Of House Sign in Real Estate Photo Item Removal

4. Real Estate Photos AI Tools Have Surpassed Item Removal Photo Editing Services

When it comes to AI tools for real estate photo editing, the technology-improved flows are moving fast enough to the point that many people predict that these auto-smart apps will replace the hands of professional editors shortly. 

At first, it is undeniable that the integration of AI enhances time and cost-efficiency in terms of real estate photography retouching. In some simple cases, instead of using traditional Photoshop tools to delete objects step by step, point by point, AI algorithms minimize editing jobs within a single touch, optimizing time without straining your budget. With the introduction of AI, non-expert editors need no talent or experience to dispose of their jobs at best.

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Real Estate Photos AI Tools Have Surpassed Item Removal Photo Editing Services

However, this advancement still falls short of the natural quality of an expert real estate item removal services. In specific, AI encounters difficulties when attempting to recreate obscured parts, often resulting in inconsistencies that undermine the overall coherence of the photo. Any such real estate photography retouching issues have the potential to confuse viewers and may lead to dissatisfaction. Furthermore, they can cause frustration for the real estate agent. Long story short, it will take a considerable time before real estate photo AI tools can replace photo retouchers. Or may it never occur?

Final Thoughts

To sum up, since Real Estate Photography Retouching is a vital technique in the industry, several pieces of knowledge need more attention to focus on. By mastering this knowledge, photographers, and agents will soon evolve to a higher level in their careers.

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