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Real Estate Photography: Essential Tips and Tricks

Writer's picture: Ian MinnerlyIan Minnerly

Real estate photography of a modern and bright living room in a Delray Beach condo, featuring a TV and entertainment center with a green plant
Real Estate Photography

There's an art to capturing the beauty and uniqueness of a real estate listing. As photographers, it's our job to tell a property's story in a way that showcases its best features and entices potential buyers. Let's delve into some key techniques to elevate your real estate photography game.


1. Broaden Your View: Use a Wide-Angle Lens


A wide-angle lens is an invaluable tool in real estate photography. It can make rooms appear larger, ensuring viewers get a comprehensive view of the space. Be careful not to overdo it though, as extremely wide angles can lead to distortion, making rooms seem unnaturally large. Aim for a balance that accurately represents the property while showcasing it at its best. The one I use is a 16-35 f2.8 Canon Wide Angle.


2. Stabilize Your Shot: Use a Tripod


The importance of a tripod cannot be overstated. It provides the stability necessary to capture sharp images, which is particularly vital in low light settings. Don't forget to use a remote or a timer to avoid shaking the camera while taking the photo.


3. Consistency is Key: Maintain Level and Height


Keep your tripod level to avoid skewed images and maintain consistency throughout the property. By maintaining the same height (usually around chest level), you ensure all rooms are shot from the same eye level, providing a more harmonious viewing experience for potential buyers.

Real estate photography of a modern and bright living room in a Delray Beach condo, The view is of the ocean. The room has floor to ceiling glass windows.
Tripod Not Leveled
Real estate photography of a modern and bright living room in a Delray Beach condo, The view is of the ocean. The ro
Leveled Tripod









4. Maximize Quality: Shoot in RAW and HDR Mode


Shooting in RAW will give you the most flexibility during post-processing, preserving the image's details. HDR mode, on the other hand, captures a wider range of tones and contrasts, ensuring all elements, from the darkest corners to the brightest windows, are well exposed. I personally use Adobe Lightroom to combine the HDR photos in post.


5. Control Reflections: Use a Circular Polarizer Filter


A circular polarizer filter can dramatically improve your photos by reducing reflections on windows and shiny surfaces, and it can help in enhancing the colors and contrast in your images.


6. Preparation is Paramount: Stage the House


Staging the house is crucial in real estate photography. Make sure the property is tidy, personal items are out of sight, and the decor showcases the home's best features. For more tips on staging, check out our dedicated blog post on this topic.


7. Understand the Property: House Orientation


Understanding the property's orientation can help you plan the best time of day for your shoot. You want the natural light to complement the property, not work against it. I always use Google street view to look at the house prior to scheduling a time that way I am not fighting the natural lighting.


8. Get Creative: Play with Angles and Composition


While consistency is vital, don't forget to get creative! Experiment with different angles and compositions to highlight the property's unique features. For instance, a low angle can make a room feel larger, while a higher angle can provide a comprehensive view of an open-plan space.


Conclusion


In conclusion, real estate photography requires a keen eye for detail, technical knowledge, and a creative touch. By incorporating these tips into your photography process, you'll be able to capture stunning images that truly capture the essence of a property. Happy shooting!

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