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In real estate marketing, the hero shot is one of the most important images you will have in your arsenal. A hero shot is typically the first photo a potential buyer will see when browsing a property online or in a brochure. 

The hero image needs to be eye-catching, and creative, and most importantly, it needs to sell the property. It can help turn browsers into buyers and leave them yearning for their dream home.

In this blog post, we’ll go over what a hero shot is, why it is important, and how to choose the best hero shot for your real estate listing.

Let’s start by taking a look at what a hero shot is.

What Is a Hero Shot?

A hero shot is a photo that highlights the best features of a property. It’s the one image that captures the attention of potential buyers and entices them to want to learn more about the property. 

Typically, the hero shot is the main photo or featured image buyers will see when browsing a listing. 

Think of it as the digital curb appeal that sets the tone and impression for the entire listing, much like a captivating book cover or an eye-catching movie poster.

Its enticing nature entices potential buyers to explore the property further.

Overall, this image needs to be strong, creative, and visually appealing to make the property stand out from the competition.

Why Are Hero Shots Important?

In real estate, the first impression is everything. 

Research shows that 97% of homebuyers search online for properties before buying, and most of them decide within the first few seconds whether or not a property is worth their time. 

A well-crafted hero shot will make a property stand out from the competition and entice buyers to schedule a viewing. 

A poor hero shot, on the other hand, can quickly turn potential buyers away.

How to Choose the Best Hero Shot? (7 Powerful Tips)

In the highly competitive market, the power of a well-considered hero image cannot be overstated. 

It has the potential to transform mere viewers into truly interested buyers. So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impression.

But how do you choose the right one? Here are 7 tips to help you find the best hero shot.

1. Focus on the Property’s Best Features

When choosing a hero shot, you want to focus on the property’s best features. 

This could be a beautiful kitchen, a stunning view, a unique architectural feature, or a gorgeous backyard

You also want to consider the time of day and lighting conditions when taking the photo. The right lighting can make or break a hero shot. 

Sometimes it’s best to take the photo during the golden hour in the early morning or late afternoon (i.e. a Twilight shot) when the lighting is the most flattering.

2. Consider Composition and Framing

The composition and framing of the shot is also important. You want to showcase the property in the most flattering way possible. 

This means making sure that the photo is straight, the lines of the building do not appear skewed, and any distracting objects are cropped out. 

The framing of the shot can also make a big difference. For instance, incorporating foreground elements can add depth to the photo and make the scene more immersive.

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3. Choose the Best Angle

You can create visually appealing shots by exploring various angles. Try capturing the depth and layout of the space by selecting shots from corners or doorways. 

Remember to choose an angle that highlights the key features you identified in step one. This will ensure captivating photos that showcase the property’s best aspects.

4. Don’t Forget About the Curb Appeal

When photographing real estate, don’t forget to capture the property’s exterior if it’s relevant. 

An enticing exterior shot can draw in potential buyers. Pay attention to a well-kept façade, attractive landscaping, and an inviting entrance. 

Take the exterior photo from the optimal angle and in the best lighting conditions.

5. Think of Your Target Audience

When selecting the hero shot, it’s crucial to keep your target audience in mind.

Consider their unique preferences, expectations, and what they are likely to find appealing.

To truly resonate with the target demographic, make sure to tailor your choice accordingly.

6. Create the “Wow” Factor With Real Estate Photo Editing

Photo editing and enhancements can help take a hero shot to the next level and create that “wow” factor. 

Small tweaks like adjusting the brightness and contrast, cropping out distractions, and removing unwanted objects can all make a big difference. 

You can also enhance the photo with color correction, saturation, and other creative edits like day-to dusk editing to make the photo pop.

With PhotoUp, you can get your images beautifully edited starting at the low cost of $1.10 per image with a fast turnaround time of 24 hours or less.

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7. Test and Improve

It is crucial to constantly monitor the response to various hero shots.

Analyzing engagement and click-through rates for each image allows you to identify the most effective photos for generating interest and attracting potential buyers. 

By doing so, you can optimize your strategy and maximize the impact of your photography in the real estate market.

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Conclusion 

The hero shot is a critical part of real estate photography. It’s the first photo buyers will see and can make or break a property’s appeal. 

Choosing a great hero shot involves identifying the property’s best features, taking the photo in the best possible lighting, composing it in the most flattering way, and editing it to perfection. 

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to capture the perfect hero shot for your real estate listing.

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Stina Pettersson

Professional Blogger

Stina is an entrepreneur, digital marketer, and professional blogger who's passionate about real estate photo editing, being outdoors with her pup, and sweaty gym sessions. She loves the written word and has been writing for publications like Forbes and Thrive Global. Originally from Sweden, she's called South Florida her home since 2013.

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