How to Photograph Real Estate?

Taking good real estate photos is about more than the right equipment. It’s about capturing the space accurately and expressively so that prospective buyers can get a sense of the home and its features. 

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Whether you’re planning to take photos of interior or exterior spaces, it’s important to compile a shot list before your shoot. This will help you remember to hit all the areas you want to capture and make sure you don’t miss any important details. 

Composition: Having a solid composition will help you focus attention on the main elements in your photos and can lead to more captivating pictures. For example, using the Rule of Thirds will give you a framework for arranging your shots and can help you create dynamic images. 

Lighting: In most cases, the best photos will be taken in natural light, so don’t forget to take advantage of it when possible. However, if you’re photographing a property in a dark corner or with no windows, it might be necessary to use an external flash unit. 

A remote flash can also help eliminate any shadows in your photos. You can also try adjusting the camera’s white balance to match the lighting you’re shooting with. 

Weather: Cloudy weather can really affect the lighting of a property, so plan your outdoor shoots around a clear sky. Likewise, if you’re taking photographs of the interior, you might need to schedule a shoot in mid-day when natural light is at its brightest. 

Editing: The editing process is an integral part of any professional photography, but it can be especially useful when shooting real estate. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a room, remove an object from a photo or even create a consistent light temperature throughout the image, you’ll need to use some sort of editing software to bring out the best in your photographs. 

Cameras: A DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera is an excellent choice for real estate photography. It’s easy to operate and gives you the flexibility to adjust your shots as needed. 

Tripod: It can be difficult to hold your camera steady while taking a wide-angle shot of an entire room, so it’s essential to use a tripod. A regular stand will usually work, but if you’re shooting in a particularly high-ceilinged area or with mono lights, a more rigid C-stand might be a better investment. 

Lenses: A wide-angle lens is a great choice for real estate photography because it helps to capture the full feel of a room. It also can be used to show off the layout of a room or the flow from one space to the next. 

Chest height: Capturing photos at chest height will give you the most accurate perspective of a space, as well as make the viewer feel like they’re in the home. The MLS and other real estate websites often use this orientation as the standard for their listings, so it’s a good idea to capture photos of each room in the house at this level.