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
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 MOREDiscover the transformative power of shadow removal in property photography. Make images brighter, bolder, and more inviting. Explore seven powerful reasons why this technique is a game-changer for your marketing—capturing more attention and converting more buyers and renters.
READ MOREPrepare to sell your home! Literally. If you don’t properly prepare your home for that crucial day when the real estate photographer shows up, you could be short changing yourself when it comes to the sale price of your home or time on the market.
READ MOREOur 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 MOREIf you think quality, professional real estate images aren’t in your budget – think again! For under $20 you can beautifully showcase a property that will boost listing inquiries and your brand. How? Just follow our how-to guide.
READ MOREElevate your listings in our free SnapSnapSnap webinar! Learn to capture stunning property photos using your iPhone, master simple staging tips, and explore our exclusive 4-week bootcamp to boost your photography skills and transform your marketing.
READ MORE