Real estate photography: the complete beginner’s guide
Listings with professional photos sell faster. Learn the gear, settings, angles and editing workflow used by real estate photographers.
Buyers decide in seconds whether to click on a listing, and the photos make that decision. Good real estate photography is bright, straight, clean and honest.
Essential gear
- A full-frame or APS-C camera that shoots RAW
- A wide lens: 16mm to 24mm on full frame, like the Sony 20mm f/1.8
- A sturdy tripod with a 3-way head for precise leveling
- A flash or two for balancing interiors and windows
Settings
- Tripod, ISO 100 to 400, f/7.1 to f/9
- Bracket 3 to 5 exposures, 2 stops apart
- White balance set to daylight for consistency
Camera height and angles
Shoot most rooms from about 1.2 to 1.5 meters, roughly chest height. Stand in a corner or doorway to show the room’s depth and flow. Keep vertical lines perfectly vertical.
Prepare the property
Turn on all lights, open blinds, remove clutter, hide cables, trash cans and personal items. Straighten pillows and towels.
Shot list
Exterior front, living areas, kitchen, primary bedroom, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, pool, views and amenities.
Editing
Blend brackets, correct verticals, neutralize color casts and brighten windows. Keep edits realistic: buyers should recognize the home when they visit.
Frequently asked questions
What lens is best for real estate photography?
A wide-angle lens around 16mm on a full-frame camera, or about 10–11mm on APS-C, covers most rooms naturally. A 16–35mm zoom is the most versatile choice. Ultra-wide focal lengths below 14mm are useful for very small bathrooms, but they stretch furniture at the edges, so use them sparingly.
What camera settings should I use for interior photos?
Use manual mode on a tripod with ISO 100–200, an aperture between f/7.1 and f/9, a fixed white balance and RAW files. Set the shutter speed to expose the room correctly, which is often between 1/15 and 1 second, then bracket additional exposures for the windows.
How high should the camera be for real estate photos?
For most rooms, set the camera at about chest height, roughly 1.2 to 1.5 meters. Raise it slightly in kitchens and bathrooms so countertops read clearly, and lower it a little in bedrooms. Keep the camera level so vertical lines stay straight.
How many photos should a real estate listing have?
A typical house needs 25 to 40 final photos: several exteriors, two angles of each main room, every bedroom and bathroom, special features such as a pool or terrace, and views. Quality matters more than quantity, so skip repetitive angles and lead with the strongest images.
Is HDR or flash better for real estate photography?
Both work. Bracketed HDR is easier to learn and gives good results when blended subtly. Flash combined with ambient light produces cleaner color, crisper detail and more natural windows, which is why most professionals use it. Many photographers start with HDR and add flash later.
Can I take real estate photos with my phone?
A recent smartphone in good light can produce acceptable photos for a quick rental listing, especially with its wide lens and HDR mode. However, a dedicated camera with a wide lens, tripod and RAW files gives straighter lines, better windows and more consistent color, which matters for sales listings.
Next: Window pulls and the flambient technique for interiors