Top Real Estate Photography Tips for Sellers in 2025

Great photos don’t just happen; they’re the result of careful preparation, technical skill and attention to detail. Below are key tips inspired by top photography resources to help your next listing shoot produce the best possible results.

Master natural light and the golden hour

Natural light creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that artificial lighting often cannot replicate. The “golden hour” — just after sunrise or before sunset — casts a soft glow that minimizes harsh shadows and highlights a property’s features. Schedule interior shoots for midday when sunlight is brightest, and plan exterior shots an hour after sunrise or before sunset. Open all curtains and blinds to brighten rooms and use reflectors to bounce light into darker areas.

Use ultra‑wide‑angle lenses correctly

Ultra-wide lenses (16–24 mm on a full-frame camera) are essential for capturing entire rooms and conveying spaciousness, but they must be used carefully. Stick between 16 mm and 24 mm to avoid extreme distortion. Place your tripod about 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) high and keep the camera level so vertical lines stay straight.

Implement high dynamic range (HDR) photography

HDR photography combines multiple exposures to balance bright windows and darker interiors. Take several shots at different brightness levels and merge them in post-processing with software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to produce a balanced image.

Stage and declutter spaces

Staging and decluttering remove distractions and help buyers imagine themselves in the space. Depersonalize by removing family photos and collections, clear surfaces leaving only a few decorative items, arrange furniture to create clear pathways, add simple touches like fresh flowers or plants, and tidy up every corner, hiding wires and pet accessories. Staged homes often sell significantly faster than non-staged homes.

Perfect camera height and angles

Consistent camera positioning helps maintain scale and avoid distortion. Shoot from chest height (about 4–5 ft) and keep the camera level to preserve vertical lines. Shooting from corners or doorways can capture more of the space and create a sense of depth.

Blend flash and ambient light

While natural light is crucial, blending ambient light with off‑camera flash can produce bright, balanced interiors. Capture two exposures — one with ambient light and one with flash — and blend them in post‑production for a polished image that feels both natural and high‑end.

Optimize post‑processing and colour correction

Editing is the final step in producing professional listing images. Spend adequate time correcting colours, adjusting exposure and fixing perspective to present the property accurately and attractively.

By following these techniques, you’ll create listing images that captivate buyers, highlight a home’s best features and ultimately help sell properties faster and for a higher price.