How to Take The Perfect House Photos
Capturing high-quality photos of a home is essential, whether you’re a real estate photographer, an interior designer, or a homeowner looking to showcase your space. The right images can make a property look more inviting and appealing, while poor photography can turn potential buyers or renters away. Here are some crucial things to consider when taking house photos to ensure the best possible results.
Cluttered Counters/Areas
One of the most common mistakes in home photography is leaving clutter on countertops and other surfaces are leaving clutter on countertops and other surfaces. Kitchens and bathrooms, in particular, should be as clean and minimalistic as possible. Remove countertop appliances, wires/cords, toiletries, paperwork, and personal items. Be sure to wipe down surfaces that are dusty or have crumbs. Removing pet items such as beds, or litter boxes also helps. A decluttered space appears more spacious and allows potential buyers or viewers to envision themselves in the home.
Messy Furniture
Unkempt furniture can make a room look uninviting. Ensure cushions and pillows are both fluffed, chairs are straightened and pushed in, beds are neatly made, and curtains and blinds should be even too. Furniture should be neatly positioned to enhance a room’s symmetry and flow and it helps when shooting your photos to give more room for creative shots.
Lights Off
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a space. Turning off the lights can make the rooms appear cold, dark, and unwelcoming. To avoid this, turn on all available light sources including ceiling lights, lamps, under-cabinet lighting, etc. Additionally, natural light should also be maximized by opening curtains and blinds to allow for a warm, bright, and inviting atmosphere. Having no lighting will also massively affect your white balance.
Cleaning Glass & Mirrors
Glass surfaces, including windows, shower doors, and mirrors, should be spotless before a photoshoot, smudges, fingerprints, and streaks are highly visible in high-resolution images and can make a home look poorly maintained. A quick wipe-down with a microfiber towel and glass cleaner can significantly enhance the clarity and sophistication of a room.
Cropping/Framing
Framing your shots correctly is key to capturing the best photos of any home. Avoid cropping out important architectural details that are a part of that room/section or making a room feel smaller than it is. Be mindful of reflections in mirrors or windows, as they can accidentally include unwanted objects–or even the photographer. Use a tripod and a wide-angle lens to ensure consistency and balance in your composition.
Angles to Hit
The right angles can make a space feel more open and inviting. Generally, shooting from chest height provides the most balanced perspective, avoiding extremely low or high angles. Capture a mix of straight-on shots with diagonal angles to show depth. Highlight key focal points too such as fireplaces, built-in shelving, or unique architectural features, to give the space character.
White Balance
Lighting inconsistencies can cause white balance issues, leading to unnatural color tones in your photos. Mixed lighting from daylight and artificial sources can create color imbalances, so adjust your camera settings accordingly. Overexposure can also wash out details, especially in bright areas like windows. Use HDR mode or exposure bracketing to balance interior and exterior lighting for a more natural and visually pleasing look.
Taking high-quality house photos requires attention to detail, from decluttering and furniture arrangement to lighting and framing. Here at KBUILD, we have the opportunity to help you with getting photos of your own custom Kbuild project and so much more. If you’re interested in your own project, reach out to us at 636-362-2015, send us an email at kbuild@kbuildit.com, or click the link to go straight to our project inquiry form. We will respond promptly and help you follow through with the next steps to start on your custom project today!
