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 SHOOT A 360 VIRTUAL TOUR ON A BUDGET

Join us behind the scenes, as we shoot a spectacular 360 Virtual Tour with a camera that costs a fraction of the price of other models on the market.

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
TOP 10 THINGS YOU’LL LEARN IN OUR UPCOMING WEBINAR

Join our free Make the Switch webinar, and discover how to take high-quality property photos with ease. Learn pro tips, master SnapSnapSnap, and enhance your photography skills to transform your listings and boost results!

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
A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST 360° CAMERA FOR SHOOTING REAL ESTATE

It’s a 360° camera shoot-out! Read to find out how three 360° cameras rank when it comes to shooting panoramic property images and decide which one is the best for your real estate photography needs.

READ MORE
HOW STEVENS FINE HOMES SAVES TIME AND MONEY WITH BOXBROWNIE.COM

Stevens Fine Homes saves thousands in staging and rendering costs using BoxBrownie.com. Marketing Manager Naomi Wright Bellamy credits the platform for faster turnarounds, lower costs, and consistently high-quality visuals across every listing.

READ MORE
LET’S WORK TOGETHER