Let’s face it, taking your own listing photos is risky. Chances are you’re not a professional photographer, don’t have amazing gear, and well, real estate photography is not as easy as it looks.
But since you’re reading this article, you’ve probably made up your mind already and want to learn how to take great listing pictures that will impress other agents on your MLS and buyers on Zillow. So to help make your life easier, we talked to 23 agents and brokers and asked them for their best real estate photography tips.
Here’s what they told us:
1. Don’t Show Too Much. Sometimes Less Is More.
2. Be Wary of What’s in Your Line of Sight Through Windows
3. Shoot Your Virtual Tour on the Same Day as Your Listing Pictures
4. Make Sure to Schedule Enough Time for Your Shoot
5. Ask Your Homeowner if They Have Shots of the Home in Different Seasons
6. Hire a Pro to Edit Your Photos for Just $5
7. Never Fake Views Through Windows
8. Remove Window Screens & Make Sure the Windows Are Clean Inside & Out
9. Make Sure All Light Bulbs Work & Make Sure They Are Consistent With the Fixture
10. Get Your Lighting Right
11. Invest in a Wide Angle Lens
12. Neutralize & Declutter Before You Start Shooting
13. Always Stage the Home, Even if It Just Means Rearranging Current Furniture
14. Avoid Developers’ Stock Photos of Amenities
15. Pay Attention to the Details
16. Don’t Post Too Many, or Too Few, Pictures
17. Open All Curtains & Blinds
18. Always Inform the Neighbors Before Drone or Exterior Photography Sessions
19. Ask Your Homeowner to Keep Pets Out of the Home
20. Take Photos of Your Photos
21. Whenever Possible, Hire a Professional Listing Photographer
22. Use Exposure Bracketing When Shooting Exteriors
23. Relax!
Over to You
What do you think: Is real estate photography something that amateur agents should try on their own? If so, what are some great real estate photography tips our experts missed?
Thank you this article is very helpful
No worries David we’re always happy when people enjoy our work and find it useful!
Hi
One of the most important things you left out was that Real Estate is slow photography rarely can interiors be shot handheld, Tripod is a must!!
This is a great point. Not sure how we missed this one. Will add to the article on our next update.
Thank you! Very useful for a begginer like me
No worries and glad you found the article useful!
While there was a lot of good informaton, this post is more like one big referral to various money paying sites like Matterport.
Hey Steven, thanks for the kind words and we genuinely like the products featured in this article. Hope your busy season is off to a great start!
Loved the tip about taking photos of your photos which create excitement. Thanks much
Great article with so much helpful information. Thank you!
Hi Lucy –
Glad to help!
Chris
As a real estate photographer I must say you did hit on all the major points. Another tip is to become a Zillow Premier Agent. Learn how to do the video walk throughs and use the new 3D Home app. Having these attached to a listing will put you at the top of Zillow searches.
Thanks Joe, we didn’t include that as it’s a little above the pay grade as far as DIY photography goes. I would say maybe avoid unless you have a great phone and a great (clean! Scratch free!) lens on it.
Great blog with amazing tips on Real Estate Photography. All tips in this blog will definitely come in handy when i do the photograph of my property for listing
No worries. Be sure to join our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theclosecommunity/
Real Estate Photography tips were helpful. Always Inform the Neighbors Before Drone or Exterior Photography Sessions this great man’s responsibility I think. Learn more: clippingworld.com
Good point!
I love your point that selling a home is also selling a lifestyle so try to use images to represent what a life there could look like. About a week ago, my husband and I started talking about selling our home and downsizing since our kids have moved out. I want our potential buyers to know just how amazing of a home it is, and how perfect it is for raising kids. We will have to start looking into real estate photographers that use your tips! http://alohaphotodesign.com/real-estate-photography
Great point! Thanks Greta!
Chris
Window blinds, when would you open the blinds completly and when would you leave the window blinds pulled across? I am getting confused when doing a window pull. Any advice, thank you.
I think it kind of depends on the blinds and what the view out the window is. If they’re nice looking expensive blinds, then keeping them open might work especially if there’s a not so nice view out the window. Seeing a bare window with nothing on it doesn’t always look great.