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

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
BOXBROWNIE.COM NAMED IN THE 2025 TECH 200 BY T3 SIXTY

BoxBrownie.com has been named in T3 Sixty’s 2025 Tech 200, which recognizes the top real estate technology companies for innovation and impact. This accolade highlights our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, affordable visual marketing solutions.

READ MORE
HOW THE HOLIDAY HOME GIRLS USE SNAPSNAPSNAP TO ATTRACT MORE BOOKINGS

Great photos drive bookings in the short-stay rental market. Discover how The Holiday Home Girls help owners style properties, capture standout images, and use SnapSnapSnap with BoxBrownie.com to create polished, booking-ready listing photos.

READ MORE
SELLING THE DREAM WITH A

Struggling to convey your property vision or the potential of a new listing? Sometimes showcasing what a property could become is the difference between making a sale or just missing out on closing the deal. In this blog, we take a look at the power of a Virtual Renovation and just how effective it can be when showcasing a property to a potential buyer.

READ MORE
HOW PHOTO ENHANCEMENT IMPROVES ACCURACY IN PROPERTY MARKETING

Learn how photo enhancement improves accuracy in property marketing by correcting camera limitations. Create true-to-life images that build trust, attract buyers, and elevate your listings.

READ MORE
HOW TO PICK A HERO PHOTOGRAPHY SHOT

Market your property by standing out from the crowd with an engaging hero shot. Learn the tips to look out for when selecting the right image for your listing.

READ MORE
LET’S WORK TOGETHER