By : Henri Brownell
Taking quality images with your phone
You don’t need a professional camera to capture great real estate photos—your cell phone can do the job if you know a few tricks! With some planning, attention to detail, and a little creativity, you can take impressive shots that grab buyers’ attention.
Keep Things Straight (Literally!)
Have you ever looked at a photo where the walls look like they’re falling over? Not a good look! Keep vertical lines, like walls and door frames, straight to make your photos look professional. Most phones have gridlines in the camera settings—turn them on! If your phone has a level feature, even better.
Light It Up
Bright, well-lit rooms always look more inviting. Turn on all the lights in the house, even if there’s good natural light, and let your phone’s HDR (High Dynamic Range) setting do the heavy lifting. It’ll bring out the details in shadows and highlights, giving you a balanced, vibrant image.
Pick the Right Lens
Wide-angle lenses are great for small spaces like bathrooms or tiny bedrooms. They make tight spots look bigger. But for most other rooms, stick with the standard lens to avoid distortion. You want the space to look impressive, but also realistic.
Prep the Space
A clean, clutter-free room will always photograph better. Give the homeowner a quick checklist ahead of time: clear off counters, hide the toys, and tidy up. When you arrive, do a quick scan yourself. Little details, like closing toilet seats or removing random clutter, make a big difference in the final image.
Find the Right Angle and Stay Steady
For the best perspective, hold the camera at about waist to chest height. This angle gives you a natural view of the room. If you have a tripod or a monopod, use it! It keeps your phone steady and helps you avoid blurry shots. If you pair it with a shutter release, you’ll be hands-free and ready to go.
Edit for a Polished Look
If your phone lets you shoot HDR photos—one normal, one brighter, and one darker—take advantage of it! Later, you can blend these images together for a stunning, professional-quality look. Don’t feel like editing? Hire someone who specializes in real estate photo editing to help you out.
Quick Checklist for Better Photos:
- Keep walls and door frames straight by using your phone’s gridlines or level tool.
- Turn on all the lights to brighten the space.
- Declutter! Remove items from counters, tables, and other surfaces.
- Close toilet seats (it makes a big difference!).
- Use a wide-angle lens for small rooms and a standard lens for larger ones.
- Shoot from waist to chest height for the best perspective.
- Use a tripod or monopod for steady shots (and a shutter release if possible).
- Think like a buyer—what features would catch their eye?
By following these tips, you can turn your smartphone into a powerful tool for real estate photography. With a little effort and creativity, you’ll have stunning images that show off properties in their best light!
Be sure to come back and visit Brownell Design Studios for more tips and tricks for adding to your business growth!
