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
Jon 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 MORE
Patchy lawns can kill curb appeal — but digital edits come with rules. Learn how to enhance your listing ethically, stay MLS-compliant, and wow buyers without misleading them. Click to see our expert tips!
READ MORE
Attention to all real estate professionals who prefer the DIY approach when it comes to property photos! Check out this blog for five simple tips that you can start using today to take your real estate photography from good to amazing.
READ MORE
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
We are sharing our secret tips on how to take professional images for bedrooms. These might be the key tricks to getting your next listing sold faster!
READ MORE
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 MORE