REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Introduction

Want to learn how to take amazing real estate photos that attract more buyers? Well you’ve come to the right place! In this article, world class real estate photographer Brad Filliponi shares some of his tips and tricks on how to make your property images stand out.

Setting Up The House

Preparation is essential before shooting a property. In fact, preparation is equally as important as the shooting itself! Make sure that:

1. Kitchen stools and dining chairs are pushed in neatly.

2. Leave in items like fruit bowls as they can add an extra pop of color to your image.

3. Open up doors to outside areas to create space.

4. Straighten blinds evenly to give a clean look.

straightening-blinds

5. Remove pet related items including eating bowls and toys. Hallways are a great place to temporarily place unnecessary items as you generally don’t shoot them.

6. Straighten kettles and coffee machines.

7. Switch on all lights. It’s simple to do and makes a big difference.

8. Make sure to turn off fans as moving subjects in photos don’t look good.

dont-shoot-moving-fans

9. If there is a view outside, make sure to pull the blinds up and show it! This will open up the whole room and will make the shot look a lot more spacious.

wind-up-the-blinds

HDR Photography

HDR photography is where multiple exposures of the same shot are taken. Detail from each exposure can then be blended together seamlessly to create a professional final image.

Blending brackets together is time consuming which is why we offer this service under Image Enhancement edit.

Brad shoots with the D7200 which is ideal for real estate photography. The D7200 automatically brackets and takes 5 sequence shots at 5 different exposures. Brad personally shoots using 5 brackets (rather then 7 or 9).

hdr-photography

Composing Your Shot

Try and find the happy medium when composing your shot. Avoid aiming too high and shooting too much ceiling or sky and avoid shooting too low and shooting to much ground. Pin point the shot evenly in the middle and you’ll always get the best shot.

composing-your-shot

What Not To Shoot

There are a few areas that are generally best to leave out when it comes to real estate photography (as they simply don't sell well!). These areas include:

1. Laundries
2. Separate toilets
3. Pantries
4. Garage interiors

Only shoot these areas if the seller specifically requests for these rooms to be shot.

How To Find The Hero Shot

The hero shot is the best shot of your property (to showcase your listing).  If the property has a pool, 9 times out of 10 the hero shot is going to be by the pool area shooting back towards the house.  It is always best to shoot multiple angles to find the best aspect of the property.

the-hero-shot

Shooting Exteriors

When shooting exteriors, it is generally good practice to:

1. Include the front garage if the property has one

2. Try and fit in the front door as well

3. Additional items like solar panels are great to feature if the house has them

4. Be mindful of overhead foliage as including this can really make the shot look pretty

5. Don’t shoot gutters. Zoom in if needs be and shoot over it.

dont-shoot-gutters

So that’s our real estate photography tips for this week! We hope this article taught you a few things to help improve your photography skills.

 


RELATED ARTICLES

SHOOTING REAL ESTATE: OPEN OR CLOSED DOORS?

With this simple real estate photography tip, you can learn how to level up your photos, so that every property you shoot will look open and inviting.

READ MORE
EFFECTIVE REAL ESTATE MARKETING IN THE COVID ERA

Marketing ideas that you should be taking advantage of in these moments of adjustment, discussing how your smartphone can make awesome pictures to sell your property faster, new and non-traditional sales methods, and ideas and advice that you can run with when property access becomes tricky.

READ MORE
LIFESTYLE PHOTOS: HOW TO MAKE YOUR PROPERTY IRRESISTIBLE

Lifestyle photos do more than show a property—they tell a story. Highlight interiors, amenities, and local surroundings to help buyers, renters, or guests envision living or staying there, boosting engagement and bookings.

READ MORE
RAIN CHECK: HOW TO SHOOT PROPERTY PHOTOS ON A RAINY DAY

Don’t let a little precipitation stop your shoot! Rainy days don’t have to mean gloomy photos. Whether you’re racing the clock or stuck under stormy skies, we’ve got the pro tips and editing tricks to make your property pics shine—no matter the forecast.

READ MORE
ASK BRAD: GET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Our co-founder and professional photographer Brad Filliponi will answer all your photography questions. Discover expert tips, tricks, and techniques to enhance your real estate photography skills and capture stunning images.

READ MORE
HOW TO MARKET AS-IS HOMES USING VIRTUAL EDITS AND DIGITAL STAGING

Selling a home as-is can be challenging, but virtual edits make it easier. Learn how digital staging, renovations, and photo enhancements help buyers see potential, boost interest, and improve results without costly repairs.

READ MORE
LET’S WORK TOGETHER