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 VIRTUALLY STAGE PHOTOS ON YOUR PHONE

Elevate your real estate game with Virtual Staging using your iPhone and the SnapSnapSnap app. Brad, our co-founder and photography pro, shares his top tips for setting up, capturing, and editing stunning visuals that will make your listings irresistible to buyers.

READ MORE
ELEVATE YOUR PROPERTY MARKETING WITH BOXBROWNIE.COM’S EXPERT WEBINARS

Want personalized property marketing training for your team? The property market is evolving fast—stay ahead with our exclusive virtual training sessions tailored specifically for your team.

READ MORE
HOW TO SHOOT A HOUSE FROM START TO FINISH

As an expert in real estate photography, Brad Filliponi is going to share his key tips for preparing and shooting a property from start to finish.

READ MORE
THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY

The do's and don'ts of real estate photography! In this article, we explore what sets apart a good shot from a bad shot and what measures you can take to improve your real estate photography.

READ MORE
GET AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION: SEE HOW SNAPSNAPSNAP WORKS AND STAND OUT

Want to see SnapSnapSnap in action? Watch our latest video to discover how easy it is to capture professional-quality property photos with just your iPhone. See how it works and start creating standout images that will give you an edge!

READ MORE
REAL ESTATE ANALYSIS: A REVELATION BORN OF FASCINATION

A major listings study represents an even deeper dive into the US real estate industry on the part of BoxBrownie.com. Here, we talk about how we got to this point, what the study revealed, and what it all might mean.

READ MORE
LET’S WORK TOGETHER