Real estate photography is an art that combines photographic technique and marketing. A good photo can make the difference between a property that stays on the market for months and one that sells in a few weeks.
Essential Equipment
You don't need expensive equipment to start:
- Modern smartphone with good camera (iPhone 12+, Samsung Galaxy S21+)
- Stable tripod to avoid blurry photos
- Wide-angle lens (if available)
- Portable reflector for additional lighting
- Editing apps like Decluttr-AI for automatic improvements
Composition and Angles
Composition is fundamental for effective photos:
- Rule of thirds: position important elements at intersection points
- Leading lines: use architectural lines to direct the gaze
- Correct height: shoot at chest height (about 1.5m)
- Wide angles: show as much space as possible
- Avoid excessive distortions with too wide-angle lenses
Natural and Artificial Lighting
Light is the most critical element:
- Golden hour: shoot during golden hours for warm light
- Avoid harsh shadows: use diffused light when possible
- Balance lights: turn on all interior lights
- Avoid backlighting: don't shoot towards bright windows
- HDR: use HDR mode to balance exposures
Shot Sequence for Each Room
Follow a logical sequence to document each space:
- Wide shot from the room entrance
- Characteristic details (fireplace, windows, architectural elements)
- Alternative angles to show different perspectives
- View outside from windows
- Significant furniture and decoration elements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes can ruin even the best photos:
- Tilted photos: always use the camera level
- Too much clutter: remove personal items before shooting
- Mixed lighting: avoid mixing natural and artificial light
- Unwanted reflections: watch out for mirrors and reflective surfaces
- Distorted perspectives: keep vertical lines straight
Effective Post-Production
Retouching can transform good photos into excellent photos:
- Exposure correction: balance lights and shadows
- Color balancing: make colors natural and welcoming
- Object removal: eliminate disturbing elements
- Straightening: correct tilted perspectives
- Sharpness: increase definition without overdoing it
The AI Advantage
Tools like Decluttr-AI automate many of these processes:
- Automatic exposure and color correction
- Intelligent removal of unwanted objects
- Automatic perspective straightening
- Enhancement of sharpness and details
- Professional results in seconds
Tips for Exteriors
Exterior photos require special attention:
- Right timing: avoid noon with direct sun
- Interesting sky: wait for clouds or sunsets for dramatic skies
- Perspective: show the property in the neighborhood context
- Seasonality: choose the best season for gardens and landscapes
- Cleanliness: remove cars, bins and temporary objects
Conclusions
Quality real estate photography is within everyone's reach with the right techniques and tools. Combine these skills with Decluttr-AI's artificial intelligence to achieve professional results that will make your properties sell faster and at better prices.