Real Estate Photography Tips: Capture Listings That Sell

Great photos are the first impression buyers get of your listing. Here's how to capture images that stop the scroll and generate showings.

Why Photo Quality Matters

• Listings with professional photos sell 32% faster
• High-quality images can increase sale price by up to 11%
• 95% of buyers use online photos to decide which homes to visit
• Poor photos = fewer showings = longer time on market

Equipment You Need

Essential Gear

Item	Budget Option	Pro Option
Camera	Smartphone (iPhone 14+)	DSLR (Canon/Nikon)
Wide-angle	Phone lens attachment	10-22mm lens
Tripod	$30 smartphone tripod	$150+ professional
Lighting	Natural light	External flash/softbox

Pro Tip: Smartphone Photography

Modern smartphones take excellent real estate photos. The key is technique, not equipment.

Lighting: The #1 Factor

Natural Light Rules

1. Shoot during the day (10 AM - 2 PM for best light)
2. Open all blinds and curtains
3. Turn on all interior lights (even during day)
4. Shoot toward windows for balanced exposure

Golden Hour for Exteriors

For stunning exterior shots:

• Morning: 7-9 AM (soft, warm light)
• Evening: 1-2 hours before sunset (golden glow)

Avoid

• Harsh midday sun on exteriors
• Mixed lighting (warm bulbs + cool daylight)
• Dark, shadowy corners

Composition Techniques

1. The Wide Shot Rule

Use the widest angle possible without distortion. Captures more of the room, making spaces feel larger.

2. Corner Shooting

Shoot from room corners to capture two walls. Shows depth and makes rooms appear more spacious.

3. Height Matters

• Standard height: 4-5 feet (chest level)
• Kitchen/bathroom: Counter height
• Living areas: Seated eye level

4. Three-Photo Rule

Capture each main room from 3 angles:

1. Wide establishing shot
2. Feature detail shot
3. Alternate angle

5. Declutter Before Shooting

Remove:

• Personal items (photos, toiletries)
• Excess furniture
• Cables and cords
• Trash cans
• Pet items

Room-by-Room Guide

Living Room

• Shoot from entry point (how buyers will first see it)
• Include window views if attractive
• Stage with minimal, neutral decor

Kitchen

• Clear countertops completely
• Turn on under-cabinet lights
• Style with 1-2 decorative items (fruit bowl, plant)
• Shoot toward the best feature (island, backsplash)

Bedrooms

• Make beds perfectly (hotel-style)
• Remove personal items
• Open curtains wide
• Shoot from doorway

Bathrooms

• Close toilet lids
• Hang fresh towels
• Remove all personal products
• Clean mirrors (avoid reflection of camera)

Exterior

• Mow lawn, trim bushes
• Clear cars from driveway
• Shoot at angle (not dead-on)
• Include sky in frame

Editing Basics

Must-Do Adjustments

1. Straighten vertical lines (walls should be vertical)
2. Correct white balance (remove color casts)
3. Brighten shadows (open up dark areas)
4. Boost saturation slightly (make colors pop)

Avoid Over-Editing

• No HDR "glow" effect
• Don't make grass unrealistically green
• Don't remove permanent features
• Keep it realistic

From Photos to Videos

Great photos are just the beginning. The next step? Turn them into scroll-stopping videos.

RealStateVideo transforms your photos into professional property videos:

1. Upload your best shots
2. AI creates an engaging script
3. Professional voiceover is generated
4. Get a ready-to-post video in 60 seconds

No video editing skills required.

Photo Checklist

Before shooting any property:

• Schedule for optimal lighting time
• Coordinate with seller for staging/cleaning
• Charge camera/phone battery
• Bring tripod
• Clear memory card
• Plan shot list for each room

---

Turn your best photos into viral property videos. Try RealStateVideo free — create your first video in 60 seconds.