High-quality images are one of the most powerful tools a realtor can use to market a property. Professional photos have the ability to captivate potential buyers, increase engagement, and ultimately sell homes faster and for higher prices. However, if budget constraints make hiring a professional photographer impossible, taking good phone photos is a must. While they’ll never match the polish of professional work, here are essential tips for capturing appealing real estate images with your phone camera.
1. Keep the Camera Level
One of the most common mistakes in real estate photography is holding the camera at an angle. Always hold the phone so that the sensor is perfectly level with the ground. A tilted camera can make rooms appear distorted, and nobody wants a house to look crooked!
Pro Tip: Use your phone’s built-in gridlines to ensure straight horizons and balanced composition.
2. Hold the Camera at the Right Height
For the best perspective, hold the phone at chest level, not eye level. This height captures more of the room without exaggerating the ceiling or cutting off the floor, giving potential buyers a realistic view of the space.
Why It Matters: Chest-level shots are ideal for showing off furniture arrangement, room dimensions, and decor details.
3. Frame the Shot Carefully
Each photo should have a clear subject—whether it’s the entire room or a specific feature like the kitchen countertops or an elegant staircase. Make sure nothing important is cropped out of the frame, and avoid cluttered or unfocused compositions.
Pro Tip: Stand in corners or doorways to capture as much of the room as possible in one shot.
4. Mind the Reflections
Mirrors, windows, and shiny surfaces can reveal more than you intended—including you! Check reflections carefully to ensure no people, pets, or private items appear in the shot. Keep the scene free of distractions to maintain a professional look.
Pro Tip: Before snapping the photo, scan the room for any unintended items reflected in mirrors or glass, such as clutter or personal belongings
5. Lighting is Everything
Good lighting can make or break a photo. Use as much natural light as possible by opening curtains and blinds. Turn on all interior lights to eliminate shadows and brighten the space.
Avoid: Using the phone’s flash. It often creates harsh shadows and unnatural lighting.
6. Declutter the Space
A clean, tidy room is more inviting to potential buyers. Remove personal items, excess decor, and anything that doesn’t add value to the shot.
Pro Tip: Less is more. A simple, staged room looks larger and more appealing.
7. Avoid Blurry Images
Blurry photos are a major turn-off for potential buyers. To prevent this, hold your phone steady with both hands and use a tripod if possible. Avoid taking photos while walking or rushing.
Pro Tip: Use your phone’s timer or a remote shutter to reduce camera shake and ensure sharp images.
The Bottom Line: Quality Photos Sell Homes
While these tips can help improve the quality of your phone camera photos, they’re no substitute for the results a professional photographer can provide. At CT Drone Source, we use top-of-the-line equipment and editing techniques to ensure every property looks its absolute best. Professional photos are an investment in your listings and your brand as a REALTOR. Let us help you stand out from the competition and close deals faster.
Ready to elevate your listings? Contact CT Drone Source today to learn more about our affordable real estate photography and videography services!
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