What you need to know before reading this article

First, you should know that all the strategies you are going to discover here are achievable whatever the equipment used. We use the term "camera", but you can, of course, use a smartphone or any other video recording equipment. For ease of reading, we'll use the term "camera" as a shorthand.

Secondly, to describe the strategies that will enable you to make real estate videos easily, we will focus on two aspects:

Camera mobility: Is the camera still or moving?
Viewing: What the camera is filming and the framing used. The viewfinder can be fixed or moving. Once again, these are simplified terms. Don't worry, you'll understand it all in no time!

Plan No. 1 - The Panorama

This is a simple shot and probably the most intuitive way of exploring a room. You place the camera in a fixed position and film by sweeping the room from wall to wall, turning around the axis of the camera. The panorama is an essential step to record for each room in the property. It's THE shot to use in many situations.

Summary: Fixed camera / 180° rotating viewfinder
How to do it: Imagine that the camera is fixed on a stationary axis, preferably near one of the corners of the room. Aim at one of the walls to the left or right, then sweep across the room to the opposite wall in a magnificent arc.
Objective: To show the whole room from wall to wall in a slow, even sweep.
When and why to use it: To present a room as a whole. This strategy focuses on the layout, volumes, and structure of the room.
Where? All rooms!

💡 Tip: Use a slow, steady movement to maintain a constant "speed". Vary the panoramas for each room by doing them from left to right, then right to left.

Shot No. 2 - The tracking shot

The camera moves straight ahead as if on a rail, and the viewfinder is fixed in the direction of movement. It's a simple strategy. It's ideal for moving from one place to another because it allows you to focus on the central area by "zooming in" on it.

Summary: Straight moving camera / Fixed aim.
How to do it: Imagine that the camera is placed on a straight rail. The viewfinder remains fixed. Move along this imaginary rail to advance towards a specific element.
Objective: To draw attention to a particular element (the one in the center).
When and why to use it: Ideal for enhancing the view by moving towards the window; for moving from the entrance to the sitting area; for drawing attention to a beautiful fireplace.
Which rooms: Living rooms, for example, to move from an overview to highlight the lounge area. Secondary rooms allow you to "enter" the room by focusing on a positive feature, such as the view! This strategy is less effective in smaller rooms.
Variant: This strategy can also be used the other way round: start close to an important element, then move backward while "enlarging" the filmed frame. The same movements, but moving backward instead of forwards.

💡 Tip: Make a slow, steady movement to keep the same "speed".

Shot No. 3 - Lateral tracking

The camera moves along a straight track, and the viewfinder remains fixed but is perpendicular to the movement. This is the side view. The side-tracking shot allows you to show an important corner of a room, such as a lounge or dining area, without having to redo the panorama.

Summary: Right-hand moving camera / Fixed side view.
How to do it: Imagine that the camera is placed on a straight rail. The viewfinder remains fixed and is oriented at 90° to the left or right of the movement. Move along this imaginary rail.
Objective: To show part of the room in detail.
When and why to use it: To show part of a room from a different angle than a panorama. Very practical for highlighting the dining and living areas, for example. It complements the panorama plan.
Which rooms? You need space, so mainly living rooms or elongated rooms such as a kitchen.

💡 Tip: Move slowly and evenly to maintain a constant "speed". Vary the directions of the lateral movement: to the left or to the right, to avoid redundancy.

Plan No. 4 - The Walk around

This is a shot in which the camera and viewfinder move freely. The idea here is to recreate human perception and give the impression of moving through a first-person subjective view.

Summary: Free movement.
How to do it: Imagine the movement and where the eyes of a typical visitor are looking when discovering the property.
Objective: Give a subjective first-person view to accentuate the "visit" effect and the impression of being there.
When and why to use it: Ideal for room changes. When you want to move from one room to another. It's a great plan for transitions.
Which rooms? Mainly for passages between rooms, such as corridors, halls, and hallways.

💡 Tip: Move slowly and logically to respect a human point of view.

Plan No. 5 - The discovery plan

It's more of an emotional idea than a plan in itself. The discovery shot can be based on a previously seen shot.

The idea is to reveal a room or an element. We start with the vision elsewhere and reveal the room or subject. To do this, you start the shot a little further away than planned or hidden by a natural element (furniture or wall) and only show the room as the shot progresses.

Summary: Use a shot you've already seen to incorporate a sense of discovery.
How to do it: Start with the vision on a wall or hidden behind a piece of furniture, and discover the room according to the chosen plan.
Objective: Attract attention and be subjective.
When and why to use it: To discover a room or an important element with a trailer effect... You add emotion and a human touch to your video. It's the perfect type of shot for the start of a video.
Which rooms? Rooms where you need more "shots", mainly living rooms, but also exteriors!

💡 Tip: Use natural elements to hide the start of the shot. Furniture, walls, an opening door, plants, pillars...

Plans aren't everything!

Before you start recording your next videos, let us give you one last piece of advice. Take a step back and look at your video as a whole. The shots are important, but they're only part of the puzzle.

To create a powerful video, it's essential to link shots together logically and with clear objectives. Otherwise, the effectiveness of your video will fall flat. Your shots must serve the chronology and narrative of your video.

Imagine your video as a captivating story for your viewers. Build your message and make sure you convey the information coherently. Think about the timeline and overall structure of your final video.

We've developed a new mobile video editor that will make this task even easier and quicker. With our tool, you'll be able to organize and present your shots in a logical order, generating interest and discovery. Try it out now and see for yourself the difference it can make in your real estate videos!

But let's get back to the subject at hand: the discussion about organizing shots is vast and deserves a dedicated article. Don't worry, we'll be talking about it soon. Stay tuned for our publications!

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