SHOOTING REAL ESTATE: OPEN OR CLOSED DOORS?

For many real estate photographers, it’s a burning question: to open the doors or not to open the doors? Some may think it’s a futile conundrum, but whether or not you open the doors in a home can actually make all the difference in the outcome of the photos.  

The Short Answer... 

Yes, you should open the doors.  

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Doors that hide clutter, personal belongings, or toilets are best kept closed, but otherwise, the simple act of opening a door can enhance the look and feel of a photo in a huge way.  

Keep reading to find out why you should open those doors nice and wide at your next photo shoot.

Give a Sense of the Layout 

Real estate photography should always aim to showcase the home to its full potential, but it can also provide useful context for potential buyers. Shooting a property with open doors can give the viewer a sense of how the rooms connect with each other. Closing them cuts off the important stuff.  

Create an Open and Spacious Feel

Take any room from feeling closed off and stagnant to spacious and enticing by simply opening the doors. Doors to outdoor entertainment areas and backyards should be opened to add depth and give the impression of that desirable indoor-outdoor living flow. 

Make it Warm and Inviting 

In both real life and real estate photography, an open door is essentially an invitation to look further. Opening doors works wonders to extend a warm welcome, particularly for external shots of the home where you can see the front door. With the front door wide open, viewers can envision themselves entering the home after a day at work.

Level Up Your Photos 

Opening doors is a simple action that is sometimes so easily overlooked while on a busy photo shoot, but it can make a lasting impression on potential buyers. It’s one of the first steps you can take to make your images go from run-of-the-mill to unforgettable.

For more tips on taking your own listing photos, learn how to shoot a property for under $20 and the 9 items that are hurting your listing.  

New to BoxBrownie.com? Sign up now and receive 4 edits free. No credit card is needed.


RELATED ARTICLES

HOW TO CREATE A 3D VIRTUAL HOUSE TOUR

Don’t know where to start when it comes to creating your very own 360-degree Virtual House Tour for your latest real estate listing? In this blog, we will walk you through the entire process from choosing the right camera to taking the shots and building the tour itself. It doesn’t have to be a stressful process and can help your properties stand out from the crowd.

READ MORE
TURN BACKYARDS INTO LISTINGS: THE GAME-CHANGER FOR AGENTS

Unlock more listings by helping homeowners subdivide and sell their backyards. Learn how agents can use BoxBrownie.com’s renders, aerial edits, and site plans to turn empty land into must-see listings and boost your business.

READ MORE
IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY: HOW TO SHOOT REAL ESTATE ON A BUDGET

Discover how to shoot high-quality real estate photos on a budget! Learn pro tips, the best smartphone tricks, and how SnapSnapSnap’s automatic bracketing makes editing effortless.

READ MORE
HOW TO FIX MESSY LISTINGS WITH SNAPSNAPSNAP AND BOXBROWNIE.COM

In our latest video, cofounder Brad Filliponi shows how messy rooms won’t hold up your listing. With SnapSnapSnap, shoot once and get polished, buyer-ready photos in just 24 hours.

READ MORE
HOW TO SHOOT HDR BRACKETING

Our expert real estate photographer Brad Filliponi is going to show how easy it can be shoot HDR bracketed images. Take your property images to the next level with these simple tricks for that flawless finish.

READ MORE
HOW TO SHOOT A HOUSE IN UNDER 7 MINUTES

Want to learn how to shoot real estate like a pro? What about learning how to shoot a property in under 7 minutes? In this article, world class real estate photographer Brad Filliponi shares some of his tips on how to help shoot and sell property faster!

READ MORE
LET’S WORK TOGETHER