To take great real estate photos, maximize natural light, declutter, and use a wide-angle lens (10–18mm) from a low height, usually, with the tripod at chest or waist level. Stage to shoot by opening all curtains, turning on all lights, and ensuring straight, level vertical lines. Keep rooms neutral with pops of color from fresh flowers or tasteful decor.
Key Staging and Photography Tips
- Lighting is Crucial: Use natural light to make spaces look bright and airy, complemented by turning on all interior lights to eliminate shadows.
- Clean and Declutter: Clear countertops in kitchens and bathrooms, removing personal items, magnets, and cleaning products to create a spacious, minimalist look.
- Shoot from the Right Height: Use a tripod set at waist or chest height (not eye level) to make rooms feel more spacious and prevent distortion.
- Wide-Angle Usage: Use a wide-angle lens, but avoid overusing it to the point of distorting the room's actual proportions.
- Focus on Perspective: Shoot from corners to maximize the view of the room and aim for a 3-wall perspective to add depth.
- Timing: Photograph rooms when they have the best natural light; for example, East-facing rooms in the morning and West-facing in the afternoon.
Detail Shots: Capture high-quality images of amenities like fireplaces, high-end appliances, or unique built-ins, not just wide room shots.
Post-Processing and Setup
- Keep it Natural: Avoid overly bright, high-contrast, or overly saturated editing, as it can make the home look artificial.
Check Vertical Lines: Ensure that vertical lines in the photo are perfectly straight to create a professional, accurate image.
Additional Suggestions
Consider asking Carmen, Cuentra's AI, to provide:
- staging checklists for specific rooms, e.g. kitchen or living room.
- recommendations for how to properly style a bedroom for photos.
- bathroom staging secrets (like the "hotel look").
- tips for photographing smaller spaces.
- a lighting walkthrough for dark rooms.
Sources
[a] 8 Tips To Make Your Listing Picture Perfect - NAR
[b] 7 Expert Tips to Get a House Ready for Listing Photos - Matterport
[c] Real Estate Photography Tips: From Staging To Shooting - Matterport
[d] How to Take Exceptional Real Estate Photos - 360training
[e] How to Take the Best Staged Photos of Your Home - MHM Professional Staging
[f] Top 5 Real Estate Photography Tips - Staging Studio
[g] How to capture worthy photos of small half bathrooms for real estate - Robinson Lamar
[h] Engaging Staging: The Top 12 Setups for the Best Real Estate Pictures - Hommati
[i] Tips for Staging a Home for Real Estate Photography - Pixel Studio Productions
[j] 5 Real Estate Photography Editing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them - Hommati