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

 THE EVOLUTION OF REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

It can be difficult to keep up to speed with the speed of technology. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of real estate photography. In this article, we examined the top four Google search returns for the query “how to take a real estate photo”, and found, in each case, that the results Google came up with were well past their use-by date.

READ MORE
HOW TO VIRTUALLY STAGE A LISTING SHOT WITH AN iPHONE 14 PRO

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
HOW TO SHOOT REAL ESTATE USING AN IPHONE 12

We 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 MORE
THE BEST 360 CAMERA TO CREATE A VIRTUAL TOUR (ON A BUDGET)

Eager to experiment with 360-degree virtual tours but are nervous about spending too much time and money getting started? In this blog, we put three of the best 360-degree budget cameras to the test to understand if it's possible to produce professional-quality virtual tours for real estate without breaking the bank.

READ MORE
CAPTURE STUNNING HERO SHOTS: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY

Explore seven essential tips to capture an impressive real estate hero shot. From perfect timing and lighting to staging and post-editing, implement these strategies to make a lasting impression on house hunters and close more deals.

READ MORE
LIFESTYLE PHOTOS: HOW TO MAKE YOUR PROPERTY IRRESISTIBLE

Lifestyle photos do more than show a property—they tell a story. Highlight interiors, amenities, and local surroundings to help buyers, renters, or guests envision living or staying there, boosting engagement and bookings.

READ MORE
LET’S WORK TOGETHER