DIY Real Estate Photography: Pro Tips for Stunning Shots

DIY real estate photography is a definition for a photograph of a building or interior that captures the appearance of the subject by using special lighting and real estate photography camera settings. DIY real estate photography is one of today’s most in-demand service in the market. Buyers are after well-photographed images like gardens, interior spaces, homes, and offices.

Preparation for Shooting

Have a standard shot list for Each Property. While no two homes are identical, there are typical shots that you’ll always want.2 wide angle shots of each bedroom, the kitchen, and the living room.

• 1 photo of the bathroom, unless it’s particularly beautiful or spacious.
• 1-3 photos of the backyard unless it has some unique features. And then 1-2 shots of the front of the home to show off the ‘curb appeal’.
• 1 shot each of features such as laundry room, garage, and pantry.

This will help make sure that even if there are distractions, you have a point of reference to make sure that you hit all your must-have shots.

Prepare your gear the night before to avoid issues during your shoot. Ensure batteries are charged, and bring a backup camera. This way, even if distractions arise, you’ll have everything you need for those must-have shots, keeping your DIY real estate photography on point.

How do you take Good Shots?

A photograph is the first impression a potential buyer has of your house, influencing their decision to view it or continue their search. DIY real estate photography tips can help you showcase your home for the best impact. Engaging photos will attract more buyers. Below are some tips on how to take a great shot.

1. Declutter any unnecessary things that might be taken in the shoot

If you want some decorative items, leave 1-3 items. In shooting interiors, closets aren’t photographed unless they’re especially spacious or customized.

2. Decide on the lighting

• Turning lights on makes a space feel warmer and more inviting, but it introduces varying light temperatures that you’ll need to balance during post-processing. Leaving lights off results in an even light temperature but can give a colder feel in interior photos. For effective DIY real estate photography, carefully consider your lighting choices, as they will significantly impact the overall shoot. Use these DIY real estate photography tips to achieve the best results.

3. Use flash and bounce to diffuse

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  When using a flash in your DIY real estate photography, be sure to bounce the light off walls to soften it. Use the flash on manual mode for complete control over its strength. These DIY real estate photography tips will help you achieve well-lit, professional-looking photos.

   

4. Shoot straight for less distortion

• When shooting from different angles in DIY real estate photography, ensure your camera stays straight. Tilting it slightly up or down can cause vertical lines to slant, leading to distortion. Follow these DIY real estate photography tips to maintain accurate, distortion-free images.

5. Correct varying light temperatures

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• It is always best to balance out these light temperatures as much as possible in Lightroom or Photoshop. That way the photo has a more polished and professional look. If using the Adjustment Brush, be sure to increase the brush size, feathering, and brush strength. This will allow for even softer blending.

 

 

6. Use a Wide Angle Lens

• Wide angle lens is a must-have for shooting interiors. The focus is always spot on and tack sharp. A 24mm would be wide enough for shooting in large houses, allowing you to have good outputs in your shots.

 

DIY Real Estate Photo Shoot

• Open All Curtains and Blinds Even for Drone Shots
• While these may be outdoor photos, opening the blinds makes the house look more inviting and bigger from the outside by allowing potential buyers to see the exterior and interior of the home in one picture.
• Use Exposure Bracketing When Shooting Exteriors
• When shooting exteriors; always opt for Exposure Bracketing over one single image. Taking several images of the exact same shot at different exposures and combining them in post gives you the most range to work with.
• Add some variety . People love seeing a range of interior and exterior shots, so be sure to include a collection of both. Remember to showcase the story points and its best features.

What Does It Take To Be A Real Estate Photographer?

• Prepare the right equipment for real estate photography
  Two camera features which will indeed come in handy are the ability to bracket multiple exposures, and the ability to trigger a flash.  A solid tripod and a wide-angle lens will do. Alternately, if you’re not interested in flash then the final tool will be a professional HDR workflow and software.
• Learn and practice how to photograph real estate
  Before shooting a paid job, you absolutely must practice, and be sure of exactly what your camera gear is capable of. Not only will it help you work efficiently when you are on the job already, but it will also help you ensure that you deliver highly professional results.
• Understand what images to capture
  Start with understanding the right images to capture. As a general rule, get one or two images of every interior room, and get 3-5 images of property exteriors, including the front yard and the backyard.
• Mind your angles
  Be careful not to angle your camera upward or downward too much, because vertical lines should usually appear as close to perfectly vertical as possible. This can be corrected in post-production, but only to a certain degree.
• Understand the Dynamic Range of your camera
  Even if you just bought a fancy new camera that everybody says has amazing shadow recovery, you still should perform a test. Shoot a dramatic sunset with property or other subject that is in complete shadow, start by saving your highlights, and see how many stops you have to brighten the exposure before you can see into those shadows. Property photography or becoming a real estate photographer can be an excellent option for those enjoys photographing interiors. The best thing is there’s always a need for real estate listings and shooting houses for sale in any part of the world. To be a professional photographer in this field, maintain consistency in your process and look. If you need a professional to edit and beautify your ‘DIY’ real estate photographs, we give the best in our service.

Conclusion

Effective DIY real estate photography requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. By following key tips such as managing lighting, using flash properly, keeping your camera straight, and employing a wide-angle lens, you can capture high-quality images that enhance your property listings. Consistent, professional-looking photos make a strong first impression on potential buyers, setting your listings apart in a competitive market. For a polished finish, consider professional editing to complement your DIY efforts.

Read next: 15 Real Estate Photography Services