Real Estate Photography Tips to Make Your Listings Stand Out
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter—especially in today’s digital world, where buyers often make their decision based on the photos they see online. That’s where real estate photography comes in. High-quality photos not only make your listings more attractive, but they can also help a property sell faster and at a higher price. In this post, we’ll cover the benefits of real estate photography and share tips on how to prepare for a shoot, plus some pro advice on how to make your listings really shine.
The Benefits of Real Estate Photography for Listings
📸 Captures Attention & Generates Interest
In a crowded market, eye-catching photos are your first chance to stand out. High-quality images help your listing get noticed, and the more attention it gets, the more interest it will attract.
💡 Shows the Property in Its Best Light
A professional photographer knows how to highlight a home’s best features. With the right lighting and angles, they’ll make sure the property looks its absolute best.
✅ Increases Credibility
Listings with great photos are often perceived as more credible and well-maintained. When buyers see quality images, they’ll feel more confident that the property is worth their time.
⏱️ Helps Sell Faster
Listings with professional photos often sell faster. That’s because high-quality images make properties more appealing, and buyers are more likely to schedule a showing.
💰 Can Boost the Listing Price
Better photos can lead to better offers. Studies show that listings with professional images can sell for more, making this an investment worth making.
How to Prepare Before a Real Estate Photography Shoot
Before the photographer arrives, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some steps to help you get the home ready for its close-up:
🧹 Declutter the Space
Clear out unnecessary items. A clutter-free home feels larger and more inviting. Make sure to tidy up surfaces, like countertops, and store away personal items.
🛋️ Stage the Home
Make the space look as inviting as possible. Arrange furniture to highlight the room’s best features, and consider adding a few stylish touches, like fresh flowers or cozy pillows.
🌞 Let in Natural Light
Open the curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Natural light brightens up the space, making it feel airy and inviting.
🔍 Pay Attention to Details
Small details matter! Check for things like crooked pictures, unmade beds, or dust on the windowsills. A spotless home is the first step to great photos.
🌳 Consider the Outdoors
Don’t forget the exterior! Tidy up the yard, mow the lawn, and remove any outdoor clutter. A well-maintained exterior sets the tone for the entire property.
⏳ Consider the Time of Day
Photographers often recommend shooting during the “golden hour”—just after sunrise or just before sunset—when the light is soft and warm. This creates a beautiful ambiance, especially for outdoor shots.
22 Tips to Make Your Listings Stand Out with Stunning Photos
Once you’ve got the prep work covered, it’s time to step up your photography game. Here are more tips to ensure your listing photos really stand out:
📐 Use a Wide-Angle Lens
A wide-angle lens helps make rooms look more spacious, showing off more of the space. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much distortion can make the space look unrealistic.
💎 Highlight Unique Features
Focus on the standout features of the home, like a custom fireplace or a stunning kitchen island. These details make your listing more memorable.
📸 Shoot from the Corners
To capture the full scope of a room, shoot from the corners. This gives a broader perspective and makes the space feel larger.
↔️ Keep Vertical Lines Straight
Make sure walls, doors, and windows are vertically aligned in the photo. Slanted lines can make a room feel off-balance, so keep everything aligned.
⚖️ Use Symmetry for Balance
Symmetrical compositions are visually pleasing. Frame shots with equal space on either side of a room to create a balanced, inviting feel.
🔄 Capture Multiple Angles
Don’t just shoot one angle of a room. Show off different perspectives to give potential buyers a full picture of the space.
🌥️ Shoot on a Cloudy Day for Even Lighting
Overcast days are great for real estate photography. The clouds diffuse sunlight, reducing harsh shadows and creating soft, even lighting throughout the space.
🌅 Shoot at Different Times of Day
Different lighting can dramatically change the mood of a room. Try shooting at different times of the day to see which light works best for each space.
🚫 Avoid Over-Staging
Less is often more. Keep decor simple and clean. Over-staging can make a room feel cluttered and distract from the property’s features.
👨👩👧👦 Include Lifestyle Shots
Showcase the lifestyle that comes with the home. Shots of a family enjoying the backyard or a couple relaxing in the living room help buyers imagine themselves in the space.
🌳 Focus on the Outdoors
If the property has a beautiful garden or backyard, make sure to capture it. Great outdoor spaces can be a major selling point, so highlight them!
🌇 Use Dusk or Twilight Shots for Drama
A dusk shot of the home’s exterior, with the lights on and the sky fading into a warm glow, can add an inviting and dramatic effect to your listing.
🚶♂️ Keep the Focus on the Property, Not People
Buyers want to imagine themselves in the home, not see pictures of someone else. Keep people out of the shots to keep the focus on the property.
🧽 Ensure Clean and Tidy Floors
Clean, polished floors—whether hardwood, tile, or carpet—should be visible in the photos. A spotless floor creates a positive first impression.
🖼️ Include Before-and-After Shots
If you’ve made any updates or renovations, include before-and-after photos to show the transformation. Buyers love to see the potential in a home.
🚪 Keep the Front Door Open
An open front door can make the home feel more welcoming. Just make sure the porch and entryway are clean and clutter-free.
🌿 Don’t Forget the Ceiling
If the property has interesting ceiling details, like vaulted ceilings or exposed beams, make sure to capture them. They can add a lot of character to the space.
🖌️ Use Editing for Touch-Ups
Post-processing can enhance your photos, but don’t overdo it. Make sure the property still looks true to life—brightening, sharpness, and color adjustments are great, but avoid excessive filters.
🔳 Minimize Reflections
Be mindful of reflections in windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. These can be distracting and pull focus away from the property.
🎯 Highlight Seasonal Appeal
If you’re shooting in the winter, make sure to capture the warmth of the home with shots of the fireplace or cozy rooms. In the summer, show off patios and outdoor spaces with lush greenery.
🏰 Make the Most of Architectural Features
If the property has unique architectural features, such as a spiral staircase or grand entryway, make sure to showcase them to emphasize the home’s character.
🔄 Keep the Photos Consistent
Ensure a cohesive look across your photos. Matching lighting, angles, and color tones give the entire listing a polished and professional feel.
Wrapping Up: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Whether you’re preparing a property for sale or working with a photographer, a little effort up front can make all the difference in how your listing is perceived. By following these tips and putting in the prep work, you’ll be sure to have stunning photos that not only grab attention but also help the property sell faster and at a better price.
Got any photography tips of your own, or a success story to share? Drop them in the comments below!
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