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

IMAGE ENHANCEMENT: 7 WAYS IT’S ESSENTIAL FOR PROPERTY MARKETING

Discover seven powerful ways one simple edit can turn dull property photos into eye-catching listings. From brighter skies to greener lawns, Image Enhancement isn’t just a nice touch — it’s essential.

READ MORE
HOW TO VIRTUALLY STAGE A FURNISHED LISTING

Transform furnished listings into buyer magnets with Virtual Staging. Learn step by step how to create a polished, irresistible property that grabs attention, generates more inquiries, and sells faster.

READ MORE
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
SHOOTING REAL ESTATE: IPHONE 13 PRO VS IPHONE 14 PRO

Worth the upgrade? If you shoot your own listing photos and are thinking about an iPhone upgrade, see how the cameras on the two models measure up while we demonstrate how you can get top-quality imagery for your property listings.

READ MORE
HOW TO SHOOT REAL ESTATE WITH ONLY AN IPHONE 11

Looking for an innovative way to take your property marketing to the next level without breaking the bank? The new iPhone 11 is amazing and in this blog we are going to show you our top tips to professionally shoot your next real estate listing without the need for bulky and expensive camera equipment.

READ MORE
HOW TO SHOOT HDR BRACKETING

Our expert real estate photographer Brad Filliponi is going to show how easy it can be shoot HDR bracketed images. Take your property images to the next level with these simple tricks for that flawless finish.

READ MORE
LET’S WORK TOGETHER