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
Discover the best disclaimers to use in real estate marketing and when to use them. Find out why disclaimers are often essential for real estate professionals to ensure transparency, meet requirements, and manage expectations for potential viewers.
READ MOREHow do you prepare and photograph a new listing when you may also be experiencing significant difficulties simply gaining access to the home? In this blog, we take a look at our top 10 tips for shooting a property when you can’t access the home yourself to help you combat these difficult times.
READ MOREShort stay is a fast, high-comparison market where guests decide in about three seconds. Our free live webinar shows you how to turn ordinary listing photos into images that stop the scroll and win the booking.
READ MOREJon Sweeney transformed leasing across a 680-unit portfolio by upgrading listing photos. With sharper images and strategic virtual staging, even hard-to-rent units gained traction—cutting vacancy times and driving faster, more consistent leasing results.
READ MOREIn our latest video, Brad shares essential photography tips while reviewing images taken by real estate agents with SnapSnapSnap. Find out what works and what can be improved. With Brad’s insights – you can maximize every shot you take!
READ MOREVirtual Staging is a powerful tool for showcasing properties, especially during the holiday season. Discover how to add festive charm without overdoing it! Nail it every time with these must-know dos and don'ts!
READ MORE