Real Estate Photography Tips for Beachfront Properties
When it comes to real estate photography in coastal cities like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, the goal is more than just showcasing a home—it’s about capturing the lifestyle that comes with living by the ocean. Buyers are often drawn to properties near the coast because of the breathtaking views, access to outdoor activities, and the serene environment. As a real estate photographer, your job is to bring out these unique qualities through your photos, highlighting not just the property itself, but the coastal experience it offers.
1. Maximizing Natural Light
One of the most important elements of coastal photography is the use of natural light. Beachfront homes often have large windows designed to let in as much sunlight as possible, and your photos should reflect this. Aim to schedule shoots during the day when the light is soft but still bright—typically early morning or late afternoon.
Photography Tips:
Use natural light to brighten the interiors and make spaces feel open and airy.
Take advantage of golden hour for a warm, inviting glow that enhances both indoor and outdoor shots.
Avoid shooting directly into the sun to reduce glare and harsh shadows; position yourself so that the sun is behind or to the side of the camera.
2. Highlighting Ocean Views
For coastal properties, the ocean view is often the star of the show. Whether the property is located right on the beach or has a distant view of the water, it’s important to emphasize this feature in your photos.
Photography Tips:
Frame the shot to incorporate both the interior of the home and the view outside, especially from rooms like the living room, kitchen, or master bedroom.
Use wide-angle lenses to capture panoramic views from balconies, patios, or large windows.
For homes with direct beach access, be sure to include photos of the private pathway or beachfront deck to highlight this unique selling point.
3. Showcasing Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor spaces are often just as important as the interior in coastal homes. Buyers are looking for spaces where they can relax, entertain, and enjoy the natural beauty around them. Patios, decks, pools, and outdoor kitchens are common in these homes and should be a major focus of your photography.
Photography Tips:
Capture outdoor areas during daylight hours when the natural lighting showcases the space’s full potential.
For evening shots, use twilight photography to highlight features like fire pits, pools with underwater lighting, or cozy seating areas.
Don’t forget to photograph amenities like outdoor showers, beach access points, or infinity pools overlooking the ocean.
4. Incorporating Beach Elements
While the home itself is the focus of your photos, incorporating elements of the beach can help potential buyers envision themselves living the coastal lifestyle. Whether it's soft sandy shores or rugged cliffs, including these elements adds depth and appeal to the listing.
Photography Tips:
Capture shots of the nearby beach, boardwalk, or natural landscape, especially if these are within walking distance of the property.
Include lifestyle shots, such as people walking on the beach, surfers, or families enjoying the shore, to give buyers a sense of the community.
Frame the home in its natural setting, incorporating palm trees, sand dunes, or ocean waves in the background.
5. Aerial and Drone Photography for Coastal Homes
Aerial photography is particularly valuable for coastal properties, as it provides a full view of the home in relation to the beach and surrounding landscape. Drone shots are ideal for capturing the layout of the property, showcasing private access points, and highlighting proximity to the water.
Photography Tips:
Use drone shots to capture the full scope of the property, including the home’s relation to the shoreline, any beachfront amenities, and the surrounding community.
For large estates, aerial photography can help show the entire property’s layout, from the beach to the front entrance.
Capture stunning sunset or sunrise shots from above to highlight the beauty of the coastal environment.
6. Emphasizing Coastal Architecture
Many beachfront homes are designed with the coast in mind, featuring architectural styles that complement the natural environment. These homes often have open floor plans, large glass windows, and materials like wood and stone that blend seamlessly with the surroundings. When photographing coastal homes, make sure to emphasize these design elements.
Photography Tips:
Capture the unique architectural features that make the home stand out, such as wrap-around balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, or beachfront-facing decks.
Focus on the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and glass that enhance the home’s connection to its coastal setting.
Highlight indoor-outdoor living spaces that flow seamlessly from the interior to the exterior, such as sliding glass doors or covered outdoor areas.
Conclusion: Telling the Coastal Story
Coastal real estate photography is all about telling a story—one that highlights the beauty of the property, its connection to the ocean, and the luxurious, laid-back lifestyle that comes with living by the coast. By focusing on natural light, ocean views, outdoor spaces, and the surrounding environment, you can create images that resonate with buyers and showcase the unique appeal of coastal living.
For photographers working in places like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, understanding how to capture the coastal aesthetic is key to helping agents and sellers attract the right buyers and ultimately sell homes faster.
