1. Use the Correct Lens

I commonly see beginners asking if the 50mm or 24-70mm lens that they already own is good enough to get started in real estate photography. The answer is a very loud NO. You need a wide angle lens, at a minimum.

The most popular focal lengths are anywhere between 12mm – 30mm. I would personally recommend a 16-35mm lens as I find it to be the best focal lengths for real estate photography.

Check out our article Best Lenses for Real Estate Photography to get a good idea of what type of lens you need and the prices you might be looking at. There absolutely are cheap options that can get you started.

2. Use A Tripod

I don’t care what anyone tells you, you need to use a tripod in real estate photography. Lighting is the most important aspect of photography, and it’s extremely common for interior photos to be lacking natural light.

You’ll need to have your camera steady enough for long enough to let in the proper amount of light and the only way to do that is by using a tripod.

Check out our article Best Tripods for Real Estate Photography to see the best options and what you should consider in terms of budget needed.

3. Good Marketing is the Key to a Successful Business

Good marketing skills are essential if you want to build a strong client base and grow a successful business. A real estate photographer who can effectively market their services is far more likely to attract new clients and generate repeat business.

Marketing helps real estate photographers differentiate themselves in a crowded market as well. By effectively promoting your unique skills and services, you can stand out from the competition much easier.

The simple truth is that without a good marketing strategy, you are going to have difficulty landing clients and growing your business.

4. Stage Your Photos

Staging your photos can be accomplished as easily as decluttering the space. The first thing I do when I get into a house I’m about to photograph is a quick walkthrough. I identify how much staging will need to be done and then start to put things into place.

Sometimes this is as simple as moving a few curtains or fluffing some pillows, but other times it can mean rearranging a kitchen or even moving some furniture. Either way, properly staging a room is something that will greatly increase the quality of your photos.

Here is a Free Home Staging Checklist you can use. I give it to the realtors I work with so they know how to prepare the house, but you can use it to make sure you’re staging a home properly as well.

5. Find the Best Natural Light

Lighting a space properly can be one of the hardest things to do for beginner real estate photographers. Finding the best natural light and then using it to light your frame is a sure fire way to get great photos.

If the space you’re photographing has windows letting in a decent amount of natural light, you’ll surely be able to come away with some quality photos. Take note of where the windows are, how the light is coming through them, and where it looks the best.

Use the natural light as often as you can in your real estate photos. It won’t be possible in every shot or every room, but take advantage of it when you can.

Always remember, lighting is the most important part of photography. For a deeper explanation, read this article explaining why natural light is so important and how to best use it to photograph interiors: Comprehensive Guide to the Best Lighting for Interior Photography