Property Photography Tips
Learn how to take professional-quality photos that make your property listings stand out and attract more interest.
of buyers say photos are the most important factor when viewing online listings
Listings with high-quality photos receive twice as many inquiries
Properties with professional-looking photos sell faster on average
Before You Begin: Prepare Your Property
Essential Preparation Steps:
- Clean thoroughly: Dust, vacuum, mop, and clean windows to make your property sparkle in photos.
- Declutter: Remove personal items, excessive furniture, and anything that makes spaces look smaller.
- Make beds & straighten furniture: Ensure bedding is neat and furniture is properly aligned.
- Clear countertops: Remove most items from kitchen and bathroom counters.
- Prepare exterior areas: Mow lawn, trim hedges, and remove cars from driveways.
Things to Avoid:
- Don't rush the preparation: Allow sufficient time for cleaning and staging.
- Avoid photographing on very cloudy days: This can make interiors appear too dark.
- Don't include people or pets in photos: They distract from the property itself.
- Avoid capturing reflections of yourself: Check mirrors and glass surfaces.
- Don't over-decorate: Simple, minimal staging works best.
Recommended Equipment
Smartphone with Good CameraEssential
Most modern smartphones (iPhone 12+ or Samsung S20+) have excellent cameras capable of great property photos.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
For even better quality, consider a Canon EOS, Sony Alpha, or Nikon D series with a wide-angle lens.
TripodEssential
Essential for steady shots, especially in lower light conditions. Helps maintain consistent height and angle.
Wide-Angle Lens
Helps capture more of small rooms, but avoid fisheye effects that distort the space.
Basic Lighting
A couple of portable LED lights can help brighten dark corners when natural light isn't sufficient.
Basic Photo Editing SoftwareEssential
Apps like Snapseed (mobile) or Adobe Lightroom (desktop) for basic adjustments.
Essential Photography Tips
Use Natural Light
Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Take photos during daylight hours when the sun is not directly shining into windows. Turn on all interior lights to add warmth.
Good Example
Bright, well-lit room with natural light showing true colors
Poor Example
Dark room with harsh shadows and poor visibility
Choose the Right Angles
Take photos from corners of rooms to show as much space as possible. Position your camera at chest height (about 5ft/1.5m) to provide the most natural perspective.
Good Example
Corner angle showing the full room and proper perspective
Poor Example
Awkward angle that distorts the room's proportions
Declutter and Stage
Remove personal items, excess furniture, and clutter. Add simple decorative touches like fresh flowers or a fruit bowl to make spaces feel inviting but not overwhelming.
Good Example
Clean, tidy space with minimal, tasteful decoration
Poor Example
Cluttered room with personal items and excessive furniture
Capture Key Features
Highlight special features like fireplaces, built-in shelving, renovated kitchens, and views. These unique selling points can differentiate your property.
Good Example
Well-composed shot highlighting a beautiful fireplace feature
Poor Example
Photo fails to emphasize any particular feature of the room
Show the Exterior Context
Include photos of the exterior from different angles, the garden, views from the property, and neighborhood amenities if relevant.
Good Example
Well-composed exterior shot showcasing the full property
Poor Example
Partial view of exterior with obstacles and poor framing
Edit Photos Appropriately
Use basic editing to correct brightness, contrast, and straighten horizons. Avoid over-editing that misrepresents the property's true appearance.
Good Example
Natural-looking photo with balanced colors and brightness
Poor Example
Over-edited photo with unrealistic colors and excessive filters
Essential Shots Checklist
Make sure to capture these essential areas of your property for a complete listing. We recommend taking multiple shots of each area from different angles.
Interior Shots
Exterior & Additional Shots
Basic Photo Editing Tips
A few simple edits can improve your photos dramatically. Here are some basic adjustments you can make with most photo editing apps:
Essential Adjustments
- Straighten horizons and vertical lines
- Adjust brightness and contrast
- Correct white balance for natural colors
- Crop to improve composition
Optional Enhancements
- Slightly increase vibrance (not saturation)
- Mild HDR effect for shadow detail
- Remove minor distractions
- Sky enhancement for exterior shots
What to Avoid
- Excessive saturation or HDR effects
- Unrealistic filters or presets
- Major retouching that misrepresents the property
- Excessive sharpening causing artifacts
Additional Resources
Recommended Apps
Helpful Tutorials
- Smartphone Property Photography
Learn to take professional property photos with just your phone
Watch Tutorial - Real Estate Editing Basics
Simple editing techniques for property photos
Watch Tutorial - Home Staging for Photos
Simple staging tips to make your property look its best
Watch Tutorial
Consider Professional Services
When to Hire a Professional Photographer
While these tips can help you create good quality photos yourself, consider hiring a professional for high-value properties or if you're struggling to get good results. Professional real estate photographers have specialized equipment and expertise to showcase your property at its absolute best.
Fakaba partners with professional photographers across Cameroon who specialize in real estate photography with prices starting from 50,000 XAF.
Ready to Create Your Listing?
Now that you know how to take great photos of your property, you're ready to create a compelling listing that will attract potential buyers or tenants.