11 DIY real estate photography tips every agent should know

Tip 2: Prep the home and clean the clutter

It’s important to prepare yourself and the home before you start snapping pictures. First, you’ll want to be sure you have the tools you need – including a high-quality camera and a shot list. You never want to go in blind, so make sure you know exactly what rooms and features you want to capture. Then, start prepping the spaces so they are ready for a photoshoot.

The goal is to be sure the spaces are clean and free of anything that can distract the viewer from the space. Declutter countertops, hide exposed cords and remove anything that is too personal to be in a public photo. Clean spaces make real estate photos appear bigger, look brighter and are overall more appealing.

Must-have tool: Smartphone with a high-quality camera

Let’s be real, we live in a time where your smartphone can do just as much as an expensive camera. A smartphone with a high-quality camera is completely acceptable to get the job done. Just be sure the camera is not in portrait mode, the gridlines are turned on and the lenses are clear.

Tip 3: Stage each space with intention

Staging is just as important for showings as it is for listing photographs. Not only should the space be clean and decluttered, but it should also show off the functionality of the space. When you walk into a room, ask yourself, “What’s the best use of this space?” From there, decide if you need to add or remove any decor.

Staging doesn’t have to be the use of physical furniture and decor. If you have a vacant listing, consider using virtual staging to show what a space could look like to future homeowners. With Collov AI, you can stage any room in seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Powered by AI, you have the ability to swap out existing furniture or virtually furnish an entire room from scratch. For premium quality photos that are MLS-ready, check out Collov AI today.

Must-have tool: Storage bins and neutral decor
Not only do they keep clutter out of sight—they can also pull double duty as subtle, stylish staging props.

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Tip 4: Pick the perfect time and let the natural light in

Lighting is one of the most important elements of real estate photography. It’s best to schedule your photoshoot in the late morning or early afternoon when there is the most natural light. By opening blinds and curtains throughout the house, you’ll invite the natural light into each space for optimal lighting. Try to avoid using your flash to create additional light. This causes the light to be unbalanced and can tend to look darker around the edges and brighter towards the middle of the photo.

Must-have tool: Portable LED light kit
While natural light is best, it’s not always possible to capture in every space. A portable LED light source can help brighten dark corners or spaces where there is no window. Check out this LED Light on Amazon.

Pro Tip

Take exterior photos during the golden hour. That’s the time right after sunrise or before sunset. It’s hard to balance outdoors when the sun is fully shining.

Tip 5: Use a tripod and shoot from the right height

If you’ve been in this business for long enough, you’ve probably come across a photo or two in MLS that was blurry. You were probably thinking: “Why on earth would an agent use this photo?” It’s the result of moving too fast or not being able to hold the camera steady.

Using a tripod allows for a clean and steady shot, and you can also adjust its height to capture the space from the most natural perspective. It’s recommended to take a picture from about 5 ft – or by positioning the camera around your chest height.

Must-have tool: Tripod
You may think a tripod is just for a regular camera, but they make them for smartphones too. It’s like a selfie stick with legs! Check this Tripod out on Amazon.

Tip 6: Capture the wide shots

Wide-angle photos allow you to capture more of the space in one image and will help a buyer get a better sense of the space. You’ll want to stand in a corner or doorway to capture as much of the room as possible. The trick is to get as much of the space as possible without making it look unnatural or distorted. You want to give the best representation of the home, without inadvertently misrepresenting it.

Must-have tool: Wide angle lens attachment (for smartphones)
Some smartphone cameras may have a wide-angle setting, but if yours doesn’t, they do sell wide-angle attachments for both smartphones and stand alone cameras. Check out this lens on Amazon.

Tip 7: Check for reflections and distractions

This is another one we all see from time-to-time. The picture of the bathroom mirror with the agent crouched down or trying to hide around the corner. It really is easy to miss yourself, a pet or a random object in a reflection, so be sure to scan the room and the photo for anything that doesn’t belong. 

Must-have tool: Zoom – or a second pair of eyes
The more you look at a photo that you took, the harder it can be to see imperfections. Use the zoom-in feature on your smartphone camera or have someone else take a look at your photos before you publish them online.

Tip 8: Highlight the home’s best features and sell the lifestyle

There are basic photos you need for every listing – the beds, baths, kitchen and living spaces. The features of the home and its surroundings are what will seal the deal for potential buyers. If the home has a cozy fireplace for curling up on a cold night or an inviting backyard space perfect for entertaining, be sure to capture these spaces and put them front and center in the listing photo lineup. A buyer needs to be able to picture themselves living in the home – it’s your job to paint the picture.

Must-have tool: Small stylish accessories
It’s the little things that can make a big impact. Be sure to accent the home’s best features with smaller items like a stylish throw, fresh towels or a statement rug. 

Tip 9: Use drone shots to add perspective

Consider drone footage if your listing has an impressive lot, is located in a unique neighborhood or situated close to a lake or the ocean. This helps the buyers visualize what it would be like to live in the area and could just seal the deal. It offers a different viewpoint of the property and allows the buyer to see the bigger picture – literally. 

Must-have tool: A friend with a drone – or hire a pro
While it’s obvious that a drone would be the tool, not many people I know own one. I also wouldn’t recommend purchasing one unless it’s something that you’re very interested in pursuing and would use it for anything other than photographing one listing. I suggest hiring a pro or seeking out a friend to do you a favor. 

Interested in hiring a pro? Take a look at the below article for tips and interview questions:

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An agent’s guide to hiring a real estate photographer

Tip 10: Edit for clarity, not to add filters

Now that you’ve taken all the photos on your shotlist, it’s time to look at your work. As you go through the photos, remember that the goal is to show-off the space at its best – not to trick someone into thinking the space is something that it is not. Editing the listing photos is your chance to correct lighting, straighten lines and improve any issues with clarity.

Don’t overdo it. Nothing will drive a buyer away faster than seeing a photo online and then seeing something completely different in person. Remember, not all properties are gems – and that’s completely normal.

Must-have tool: Photo editing apps
There are many photo editing apps to choose from – in fact, your smartphone may already have some features built in.

If you’re looking for one that is a bit more advanced, but easy to use, take a look at Adobe Lightroom. Powered by AI, Lightroom can sharpen photos, remove shadows or remove unwanted objects with the click of a button. It is accessible on desktop or the mobile app, making it easy to use from wherever you are editing. They offer a seven day free trial. If you don’t like it, you can cancel within 14 days for a full refund.

Tip 11: Be consistent for a polished look

You want your photos to look polished and remain consistent as potential buyers flip through them. One suggestion is to take your listing photos in landscape orientation. This orientation allows you to capture more of a space in one shot from left to right. Portrait captures top to bottom which highlights more of the ceiling or the floor instead of the space itself.

We already discussed lighting, but you want to ensure the photos have the same brightness, white balance and aspect ratio. If not, you can end up with photos that are different sizes that throw off the overall presentation of the gallery of listing photographs instead of presenting a clean, polished brand.

Must-have tool: Orientation lock
Orientation lock on your camera allows you to move the camera around without the orientation of your photograph changing. It’s a small feature on your phone, but a powerful one that has your back as you move quickly from room to room.

Pro Tip

Know when to outsource the job. Photography isn’t going to be for everyone. If you feel like you just can’t get it right – that’s OK! If the property is large and has complex shots or lots of features, it may be best to hire a pro and get it done right.

DIY real estate photography tips: FAQs

How do you make real estate photos look professional?

Professional real estate photos come down to three things: preparation, lighting and composition. Start by decluttering and staging each space. Use natural light whenever possible and shoot during the day to avoid harsh shadows or dark corners. A tripod helps keep your shots level, and editing apps like Lightroom or Snapseed can fine-tune brightness, color, and straight lines. Consistency across all your images—same orientation, lighting, and quality goes a long way in making your photos feel polished and professional.

What is the rule of thirds in real estate photography?

The rule of thirds is a composition technique photographers use to make real estate photographs visually appealing and balanced. This technique uses gridlines to divide the frame into nine equal sections with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines. The photographer then places key elements like furniture, windows or other features along those lines to create a more dynamic photograph. It also helps guide the viewer’s eyes throughout the image naturally.

What equipment do I need for real estate photography?

You don’t need high-end gear to take great real estate photos. A smartphone with a good camera will do the trick if you pair it with a few basics:

• A tripod (to keep shots steady)
• A wide-angle lens or lens attachment (to show more of each room)
• A portable light or softbox (for dark interiors)

You’ll also want editing tools — like Lightroom or BoxBrownie—to clean up and polish your photos before uploading them to the MLS.

The full picture: DIY real estate photography tips

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take stunning listing photos that will help you sell your listing faster. You don’t need to invest in expensive gear or take a special class either. All you need is a great shot list, a clean space, the right tools and a good smartphone camera to create photos to show-off a property’s best features.

By following these DIY real estate photography tips, you’ll be on your way to creating eye-catching images that are sure to grab a buyer’s attention. With a little practice, you’ll learn to create photos that will work as hard as you do to get homes sold.