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

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
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
Discover how Tom Lyons and his team are transforming property marketing in Belleville, Ontario, with SnapSnapSnap. By capturing stunning HDR images directly from a phone, they’re saving time, reducing costs, and delivering exceptional service. Read now!
READ MORE
Struggling to convey your property vision or the potential of a new listing? Sometimes showcasing what a property could become is the difference between making a sale or just missing out on closing the deal. In this blog, we take a look at the power of a Virtual Renovation and just how effective it can be when showcasing a property to a potential buyer.
READ MORE
Virtual Staging is a powerful tool for showcasing properties, especially during the holiday season. Discover how to add festive charm without overdoing it! Nail it every time with these must-know dos and don'ts!
READ MORE
Want to make any property look bigger and more appealing? Check out this blog for seven super simple photography tips to instantly transform your space. Learn how to capture stunning photos that will attract more buyers or renters!
READ MORE