The Reality Standard in Real Estate Photography: Level Horizon

Keep the horizon straight across. |

A KEY STANDARD FOR PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY IS THAT MARKETING IMAGES MUST BE REALISTIC. For example, the horizon of the real estate marketing image must be level. It can’t be sloping, slanting, leaning, or pitched. It has to be parallel to the ground or the bottom of the frame.

THE REALITY STANDARD:

The horizon is level, parallel to the bottom of the frame.

This characteristic is first on our list for discussion because it’s so easy to understand, to identify, and to accomplish. If a real estate marketing image is slanted, is it acceptably realistic? No; by definition, and in reality, a horizon is level. Real estate images must be level. Of course, it’s OK if the ground slopes, but the horizon still must remain level.

I have used tilted perspectives in images to great dramatic effect, but never in real estate. Real estate photography is not “art” photography (and DRAMA is NOT a good thing in almost any circumstance). Real estate photography is more akin to documentation, and it must support the listing agent and their client to sell their home. (Of course, there absolutely is a place for beauty in the marketing and presentation of real estate, particularly in terms of selling a lifestyle. Many homes are beautiful, but that discussion is for another time.)

Unfortunately, an un-level image may imply or communicate to the potential buyer that the property is unstable or not level in actuality. Without an in-person on-site visit, images are the only way that potential buyers can REALISTICALLY visualize the space for themselves. One reason why highly symmetrical images are so effective in real estate is that they communicate stability, solidity, strength, permanence, durability, etc. — the things potential buyers want in a home.

Almost always in real estate photography, one or more horizontal lines that should be level are plainly visible. Sometimes, though, a specific horizontal line might not be obvious in a scene. It is there, however, even if only “implied” and it must be horizontal in the image.

The best way to achieve a level horizon is to ensure that the camera itself is level and the image is lined up with the bottom of the frame. When photographing stairs, floor tiles, fireplaces, etc. (anything with horizontal lines) be sure those lines are level. Use any guidelines that may available in your camera preview or the viewfinder.

For example, in a one-point shot of a fireplace, be sure that the mantle is level. The same for headboards, kitchen and bath counters, shelves, etc. when you face them straight on. Any distinct horizontal lines (windows, doors, etc.) offer opportunities to identify the horizontal and ensure that it is level.

For shots facing a corner, the horizontal line might be implied or invisible. And a level surface may recede due to perspective. In these cases, correcting parallel verticals will likely address any issues with the level horizon.

If your goal is to create professional-quality real estate marketing images that meet the standard, be exacting and relentless in getting it right. If you missed the mark, no worries. Just capture the image again; hold the camera level. And, both before you capture the image and after, simply check the display to see if it’s level.

Summary:

It’s not rocket science. Real estate marketing images with level horizons look better and are more true to reality. It is easy to identify and correct horizontal lines that are not parallel to the bottom of the image frame. And there’s no excuse for images that are tilted or askance.

Keep That Horizontal Line Level

The Reality Standard:

Introduction
THE HORIZON IS LEVEL.
Vertical lines are parallel.
The color is correct.
Lens distortion is virtually imperceptible.
There are no gratuitous or artistic touches.
After-capture processing (including editing and HDR) is not apparent.
Details are clear and visible.
Summary

Fine Art:

From “Albany Afternoon,” one of our fine galleries: here is “Entrance, NYS Education Building, Albany, New York.” Like several of the images above, it’s a great example of keeping the horizontal lines level (and the verticals parallel).

DMurrayImages — We specialize in helping real estate agents, vacation property owners, and others gain an edge in the competitive real estate market and achieve faster sales and better prices.