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
Agents across the globe swear by the power of Virtual Staging, but many don't realize they can shoot these images with their own smartphone. This post walks you through just how easy it is, so you'll never be deprived of this phenomenal marketing tool.
READ MOREWe get asked all the time, should I be using an expensive DSLR camera to shoot real estate? With the incredible advancements in smartphone technology, we put the new iPhone 12 to the test using the SnapSnapSnap app. Can you really shoot professional listing images for less than US$30? Let’s find out.
READ MOREWant to market your property like a professional but can’t find (or get access to) a good photographer? Or maybe you're looking for an innovative way to take real estate photos whilst saving a few dollars... Well, get excited cause today, we’re going to teach you how to shoot real estate like a professional using only your smartphone!
READ MOREIn this video, Brad covers all the key tips to take your marketing to the next level. Giving you the key tips to present your listing and get you and your client the best result.
READ MORELearn 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 MOREStevens Fine Homes saves thousands in staging and rendering costs using BoxBrownie.com. Marketing Manager Naomi Wright Bellamy credits the platform for faster turnarounds, lower costs, and consistently high-quality visuals across every listing.
READ MORE