Great photography can make the difference between a property that sits on the market and one that sells quickly. Follow these professional tips to capture stunning images that attract buyers.
Before You Start: Preparation is Key
1. Declutter and Clean
- Remove personal items like family photos and personal collections
- Clear countertops, tables, and surfaces
- Make beds with neutral, crisp linens
- Clean all surfaces, windows, and mirrors
- Remove or minimize visible cables and cords
2. Stage Each Room
- Add fresh flowers or plants for a welcoming touch
- Open curtains and blinds to maximize natural light
- Turn on all lights, including lamps and overhead lighting
- Arrange furniture to show the room's flow and space
- Add a few tasteful decorative elements
Pro Tip
Photograph during the "golden hour" - the hour after sunrise or before sunset - for the most flattering natural light, especially for exterior shots.
Camera Settings and Equipment
Essential Equipment
Basic Setup
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
- Wide-angle lens (10-24mm)
- Sturdy tripod
- Remote shutter release
Smartphone Alternative
- Latest smartphone with good camera
- Smartphone tripod
- Wide-angle lens attachment
- Photography apps (VSCO, Lightroom Mobile)
Camera Settings
- Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for maximum sharpness
- ISO: Keep as low as possible (100-400) to minimize noise
- Focus: Use single-point autofocus, focus 1/3 into the room
- White Balance: Set to match your lighting conditions
- Shoot in RAW: For maximum editing flexibility
Composition Techniques
Interior Photography
Room Shots
- Shoot from corners to show multiple walls
- Keep vertical lines straight (use a tripod level)
- Include doorways and windows to show flow
- Capture the room's main features and selling points
- Take multiple angles of each room
Key Areas to Photograph
- Living areas: Show seating arrangements and natural light
- Kitchen: Capture countertops, appliances, and storage
- Bedrooms: Show the bed, windows, and closet space
- Bathrooms: Include the shower/tub, vanity, and toilet
- Storage: Open closets and cabinets to show space
Exterior Photography
- Capture the front facade from multiple angles
- Include landscaping and outdoor features
- Show the property in context with the neighborhood
- Photograph outdoor living spaces like patios and gardens
- Capture any views from the property
Lighting Techniques
Natural Light
- Schedule shoots during the day when natural light is abundant
- Open all curtains and blinds
- Use reflectors to bounce light into darker areas
- Avoid shooting directly into bright windows
Artificial Light
- Turn on all interior lights
- Mix warm and cool lighting for balance
- Use additional lighting equipment for dark areas
- Consider HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography for challenging lighting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using flash - it creates harsh shadows and unnatural lighting
- Tilted horizons - always keep your camera level
- Cluttered shots - less is more in property photography
- Over-editing - keep processing natural and realistic
- Shooting too wide - ultra-wide lenses can distort spaces
Post-Processing Tips
Basic Adjustments
- Straighten horizons and correct perspective distortion
- Adjust exposure to brighten or darken the image
- Enhance contrast to make the image pop
- Correct white balance for natural colors
- Sharpen details but don't overdo it
Advanced Techniques
- HDR Processing: Combine multiple exposures for balanced lighting
- Virtual Staging: Add furniture to empty rooms digitally
- Sky Replacement: Enhance exterior shots with better skies
- Color Grading: Create a consistent look across all images
Final Checklist
Before Shooting
During Shooting
Remember: Quality Over Quantity
It's better to have 10-15 excellent photos than 30 mediocre ones. Take your time, be patient with lighting, and don't be afraid to reshoot if needed.
Great photography is an investment in your property's success. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)