Tips for Capturing Stunning Real Estate Photos
- gskedgel
- Aug 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Real estate photography can be intricate, with many skills to master. It can feel overwhelming at times—I know it did when I first started! This guide is here to help you better understand how to take great real estate photos. However, if you'd prefer to leave it to the professionals, we're here for you. We love what we do and offer services such as:
Photography
Twilight Photography
Drone Footage
3D Walkable Tours using Matterport
4K Video Tours
If you’re eager to learn more about improving your real estate photography, keep reading! Here’s a breakdown of how to capture better real estate images.
Equipment
If you’re serious about real estate photography, be prepared to invest in quality gear. While you can start with a less expensive camera, professional equipment makes a noticeable difference.
Camera: I use a Sony A7iii, a full-frame mirrorless camera. I started with a Panasonic Lumix G7 but quickly upgraded.
Lens: Opt for a wide-angle lens, but avoid extremes that can distort reality. I recommend the Sony Zeiss 16-35mm, perfect for most spaces. Keep in mind the crop factor if using a camera with a smaller sensor.
Tripod: Invest in a sturdy tripod with bubble levels. This ensures your shots are straight and steady. Don’t skimp on quality—avoid budget options like those at Walmart.
Flashes: Optional, but if you’re aiming to enhance your photos, consider Speedlights and a flash trigger for off-camera lighting.
Composition
Good composition is crucial. It’s not just about making the space look tidy; it’s about positioning your camera to capture the room in its best light. For example, in a living room, shoot from a corner to showcase key elements like the couch, coffee table, and lighting.
Exposure
Proper exposure is key to great real estate photography. It’s all about how much light your camera captures. Shooting in manual mode gives you full control. A good starting point for a well-lit room is an f/8 aperture, a shutter speed of 1/8th of a second, and ISO 320-400.
To ensure correct exposure, use tools like your camera’s histogram, zebra lines, or exposure meter. Shooting in RAW format allows for easy adjustments in post-processing, especially in Adobe Lightroom Classic.
For HDR photography, use bracketing with exposures at -3, 0, and +3 stops. This lets you merge the images for a dynamic final photo.
White Balance
Set your white balance to auto and leave it there. Manual adjustments can be time-consuming, and you’ll likely end up correcting it in post. Shooting in RAW lets you fine-tune white balance in Lightroom later.
Camera Settings
Your settings will vary depending on lighting conditions, but a good rule of thumb is to shoot at f/8, ISO 320-400, and a shutter speed between 1/200th of a second and 1.3 seconds. A sturdy tripod ensures sharp images, even at slower shutter speeds.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot more to real estate photography than what’s covered here, but this should give you a solid start. To speed up your learning, browse listings on sites like Zillow or Redfin to see what makes a great photo. There’s plenty of free information available online to help you improve, so take advantage of it.
If you prefer to skip the learning curve, contact us today! We’re passionate about delivering top-quality real estate photography, including:
Photography
Twilight Photography
Drone Footage
3D Walkable Tours using Matterport
4K Video Tours
We’re here to help you showcase your listings with stunning visuals.
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