Professional real estate photography can make the difference between a quick sale and a property that sits on the market.
Getting started with real estate photography requires specific equipment, including a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle lens (16-35mm range), and a sturdy tripod.
Essential Equipment
- Camera: Canon EOS R6 or Nikon Z6 II
- Lens: 16-35mm f/2.8
- Tripod: Manfrotto MT055XPRO3
- Flash: Speedlight with diffuser
- Remote trigger
Camera Settings
- Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for maximum sharpness
- ISO: 100-400 to minimize noise
- White Balance: Auto or Custom based on lighting
- File Format: RAW for maximum editing flexibility
Shoot during the golden hours (just after sunrise or before sunset) for optimal natural lighting conditions.
Room Preparation Tips
- Remove personal items and clutter
- Turn on all interior lights
- Open curtains and blinds
- Straighten furniture and décor
- Clean all surfaces, including windows
Composition Guidelines
- Shoot from corners to show room depth
- Keep vertical lines straight
- Include three walls in each shot
- Position camera at chest height (approximately 5 feet)
HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography helps balance bright windows with darker interiors – take at least three exposures for each composition.
Post-Processing Workflow
- Correct lens distortion
- Adjust white balance
- Fine-tune exposure
- Remove color casts
- Sharpen selectively
Professional editing software recommendations include Adobe Lightroom ($9.99/month) or Capture One ($24/month).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fisheye lenses
- Overcooking HDR effects
- Shooting without a tripod
- Poor room preparation
- Incorrect vertical alignment
Consider hiring a professional real estate photographer ($200-500 per property) if you’re not confident in your photography skills.
Local real estate photography associations can provide referrals and additional training resources: Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Quick Checklist Before Shooting
- Check battery charge and memory card space
- Clean lens and filters
- Test all lights in the property
- Review shot list with client
- Check weather forecast for exterior shots
Store photos properly by creating a backup system and organizing files by property address and date.
Advanced Shooting Techniques
- Bracket exposures (±2 stops) for window views
- Use flash bouncing for even lighting
- Consider twilight shots for exterior
- Capture detail shots of unique features
- Create virtual tours with 360° images
Marketing Integration
- Optimize images for different platforms (MLS, social media, websites)
- Include drone photography for luxury properties
- Create video walkthroughs
- Develop property-specific image packages
Business Considerations
Pricing Structure
- Basic package: 15-20 images ($200-300)
- Premium package: 25-35 images + twilight shots ($400-600)
- Luxury package: Full coverage + drone + video ($800-1200)
Legal Requirements
- Property release forms
- Insurance coverage
- Drone certification (if applicable)
- Image licensing agreements
Real estate photography combines technical expertise with artistic vision. Success requires continual learning, investment in quality equipment, and strong attention to detail. Remember to stay current with industry trends and regularly update your skills and equipment to remain competitive in this growing field.
For ongoing education, consider joining professional organizations and attending workshops focused on real estate photography techniques and business development.
FAQs
- What camera equipment is essential for professional real estate photography?
A full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, wide-angle lens (16-35mm), tripod, flash unit, and remote trigger are essential. The wide-angle lens helps capture entire rooms, while the tripod ensures sharp images and proper alignment. - How do I properly set up lighting for interior real estate shots?
Balance natural and artificial light by turning on all interior lights, opening blinds/curtains, and using flash bounced off ceilings or walls. Multiple exposures may be needed to capture both interior and window views correctly. - What’s the ideal time of day to photograph a property’s exterior?
The golden hours (just after sunrise or before sunset) provide optimal lighting. For front exteriors, shoot when the sun is behind you. Avoid shooting at high noon when shadows are harsh. - How do I ensure vertical lines remain straight in my photos?
Keep the camera level using a tripod with built-in bubble levels. Position the camera at about chest height and maintain parallel alignment with walls. Correct any remaining distortion in post-processing. - What’s the recommended camera height for interior shots?
Position the camera between 4-5 feet high for most rooms. This provides a natural perspective that mimics the human eye level and helps avoid distortion of furniture proportions. - How many photos should I deliver for a typical house flip?
Deliver 25-35 high-quality images for an average-sized home. Include 2-3 angles of main rooms, 1-2 of smaller spaces, 3-4 exterior shots, and photos of special features or upgrades. - What post-processing techniques are essential for real estate photos?
Key adjustments include lens correction, vertical alignment, exposure balancing, color temperature correction, and removing minor distractions. HDR blending may be necessary for high-contrast scenes. - How do I photograph small spaces effectively?
Use the widest focal length without excessive distortion (typically 16-24mm), shoot from doorways or corners, and maximize available light. Consider multiple angles to show spatial relationships. - What composition rules should I follow for real estate photography?
Frame from corners to show depth, include three walls when possible, showcase architectural features, and avoid cutting off doorways or windows. Maintain clean, clutter-free compositions. - How do I handle window views in interior shots?
Use bracketed exposures (3-5 shots at different exposures) and blend them in post-processing, or use off-camera flash to balance interior and exterior brightness. Shoot during times when exterior light levels are closer to interior levels.