Taking great bathroom photos can make a big difference, especially in real estate listings. A clean, well-lit bathroom photo makes a property look more attractive to buyers or renters. But bathrooms can be tricky to shoot because they’re small and have lots of shiny surfaces. Don’t worry. This guide will help you capture amazing bathroom photography with simple tips and tricks.
Key Areas to Focus on in a Bathroom Shoot
When doing a bathroom photo shoot, some areas need extra attention to make the space look its best. Here’s what to focus on:
- Show the Whole Space: Use a wide-angle shot to show how the bathroom is laid out. Stand in the doorway or a corner to capture the entire room in one frame.
- Vanity & Sink Area: The vanity is often the most eye-catching part of a bathroom. Make sure it’s clean, clutter-free, and well-lit. Highlight stylish features like fancy faucets, mirrors, or lights.
- Shower & Bathtub: A bright, clear shot of the shower or bathtub adds a touch of luxury. Focus on details like glass doors, rainfall showerheads, or stylish tiles.
- Flooring & Tiles: Bathrooms often have beautiful floors and tiles. Capture their textures and patterns to give potential buyers a better feel for the space.
Best Camera Angles for a Bathroom Photo Shoot
Angles matter a lot in bathroom photography. Here are some of the best ones to try:
- Wide-Angle Shots: A wide-angle lens helps capture more of the bathroom, making it look bigger. It minimizes distortion and allows you to include more details in a single frame. This angle is great for highlighting the full layout, giving potential buyers a better idea of the space.
- Corner Shots: Shooting from a corner makes the room look more spacious and balanced. It helps capture multiple elements of the bathroom at once, such as the vanity, bathtub, and flooring. This perspective provides depth and makes even small bathrooms appear larger.
- Level Shots: Holding the camera at eye level gives a natural and pleasing look. This angle avoids extreme distortions and presents the bathroom as someone would see it in person. It’s particularly effective for capturing the vanity, mirrors, and decorative elements and make them look their best.
- Close-Ups: You must zoom in on cool details like taps, showerheads, or tiles to add depth to your bathroom photoshoot. These shots highlight textures, finishes, and unique features, such as intricate tile patterns or high-end fixtures. Close-ups add visual interest and give viewers a better sense of the bathroom’s quality.
- Mirror-Aware Angles: Avoid capturing yourself or unwanted objects in mirrors by adjusting your position. Instead of shooting directly at the mirror, angle your camera slightly to the side. This technique removes distractions and keeps the focus on the bathroom’s design elements.
- Doorway Perspective: Taking a photo from the doorway gives a welcoming view of the bathroom. This angle offers a natural and inviting look, allowing viewers to see how the space flows. It’s an excellent choice for setting the scene and making the bathroom feel accessible and open.
- Low-Angle Shots: Shooting from a lower angle can add depth and a unique perspective to your bathroom photography. This technique works well for focusing on floor textures, bathtub details, or stylish vanity designs. Just be mindful of unwanted reflections and clutter in the background.
- Overhead Shots: Taking a shot from above can give an interesting top-down view of the bathroom layout. This is especially useful for showcasing patterned floor tiles, decorative rugs, or well-arranged bathroom essentials. Overhead shots work best with a steady hand or a tripod to maintain clarity and balance.
Must-Have Equipment for Bathroom Photography
Using the right tools makes a big difference in capturing high-quality photographs of bathrooms. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Camera: A high-resolution DSLR or mirrorless camera ensures that you have sharp and professional-quality images. These cameras offer better control over lighting, focus, and image clarity. The higher dynamic range allows you to capture both bright and shadowed areas effectively, which is essential for bathroom photography where lighting can be tricky.
Recommended: Canon EOS R6, Sony A7 III, Nikon Z6 - Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens is crucial for capturing the full scope of a bathroom. With a focal length of 14-24mm or 16-35mm, it allows you to showcase more of the space without distortion. This is particularly useful for small bathrooms, helping them appear larger and more inviting.
Recommended: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM, Nikon 14-30mm f/4 S - Tripod: A sturdy tripod is a must-have for achieving sharp, well-composed images. It prevents camera shake, which is especially important in low-light conditions where longer exposure times are required. Using a tripod also allows you to experiment with different angles and compositions more effectively.
Recommended: Manfrotto MT055XPRO3, Benro Travel Angel, Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB - Lighting Equipment: Bathrooms often have mixed lighting conditions, with natural and artificial sources creating uneven brightness. Soft LED lights or an external flash help maintain balance and avoid harsh shadows or overexposed areas. If you use proper lighting, it enhances details, making fixtures and textures more visually appealing.
Recommended: Godox SL60W, Neewer 660 LED Panel, Yongnuo YN560 IV Flash - Smartphone with Pro Mode: If you are using a smartphone, choose one with a high-quality camera and manual controls. Smartphones with Pro Mode allow adjustments to exposure, white balance, and shutter speed, providing more control over lighting and composition. This feature is useful for quick shots where a DSLR might not be practical.
Recommended: iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro - Lens Filters: Bathrooms contain reflective surfaces such as mirrors, tiles, and glass shower doors. A polarizing filter helps reduce glare and unwanted reflections while enhancing color contrast. This will give you better results in terms of clearer and more visually appealing photos.
Recommended: B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer, Hoya HD3 Circular Polarizer - Remote Shutter Release: A remote shutter release is useful when shooting with a tripod. It eliminates vibrations caused by pressing the shutter button, ensuring crisp, blur-free images. This is especially beneficial in low-light conditions where slower shutter speeds are used.
Recommended: Canon BR-E1, Sony RMT-P1BT, Nikon ML-L3 - Editing Software: Post-processing is essential for fine-tuning brightness, contrast, and color balance in your images. Editing software allows you to correct distortions, enhance lighting, and remove unwanted reflections, ensuring your photos look polished and professional.
Recommended: Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Snapseed (mobile)
Make Your Bathroom Photos Stand Out with Styldod
Want your bathroom photography to look even better? Styldod offers professional editing services to make your real estate photos pop.
Styldod Services Include:
Great bathroom photography is all about using the right angles, good lighting, and simple editing. Whether you’re using natural or artificial light, these tips will help you take stunning bathroom photos that impress buyers and renters. Follow these tips and you can start clicking great pics right away.
Shital Gohil
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Styldod