Taking flawless real estate photos is extremely crucial for selling a property in today’s competitive real estate market. Buyers these days are more attracted to visually appealing properties, and if they are viewing it online, they need to see the best of the property they wish to buy. To do so, you need to learn how to take the best real estate photos.
Now, we are not saying that the best photos can only come with a professional camera. You can take the best real estate photos with an iPhone as well! But how to take real estate photos with an iPhone? This guide will help you get started!
Before we dive into how to take real estate photos with an iPhone, you should be equipped with the right gear to get the perfect property shots. This does not mean that you have to carry an entire photography kit everywhere you go. Here are just some of the most important equipment needed when taking iPhone real estate photography:
Here are nine best tips to take great real estate photos from your iPhone:
The iPhone’s HDR feature has always been impressive, and it got even better with the iPhone X and 11. When HDR is enabled, your camera takes multiple shots, adjusting the exposure (how much light enters the lens) with each one. Some shots may be overly bright, while others are too dark—none of them are perfect on their own. But when these images are combined, the final result is a well-balanced photo that captures details beautifully.
To activate HDR on your iPhone, simply go to Settings > Camera and make sure Smart HDR is switched on. Keep in mind the steps may vary for older models.
While you can take amazing real estate photos from your iPhone, it alone won’t be able to do much if you don’t put physical effort into making the property free of any mess. Capturing stunning images is crucial for sealing a successful real estate deal, and tidying up any distracting elements before sending photos off for editing is just as important.
Imagine taking a shot of a bedroom with socks draped over the bed—definitely not the best way to entice potential buyers. Thankfully, digital decluttering can fix those little oversights.
The aim of real estate photo editing is to make viewers feel happy, relaxed, and secure, creating an inviting atmosphere that makes the property more attractive and trustworthy. When rooms are well-organized, potential buyers are more likely to feel confident about the home—even before you snap photos on your iPhone.
The next best tip to take great real estate photos with an iPhone is to stage the property. While home staging includes decluttering any mess in the room, it also involves covering up any defects in the walls and floors, allowing more natural light inside the property, and making the space appear larger by removing unnecessary furniture.
Note that staging does not mean making the property look like it’s unlived. It simply means to make the home more appealing to your potential buyers.
Lighting plays a huge role in determining the quality of your real estate photos.
When using your iPhone, aim to capture as much natural light as possible. It brings out vibrant colors, sharp details, and depth in your shots. Choosing the right spot and the perfect time of day is key. Windows are your best friends here, especially before sunset when they flood rooms with warm, natural light. This gives you stunning, inviting photos that make the property feel like a dream home.
If natural light is limited, fluorescent lights or your iPhone’s flash are alternatives, though they require more adjustments and don’t offer the same appealing look. A better option might be using an external LED lighting system, which gives you more control over brightness and creates a more polished result.
When taking real estate photos with your iPhone, composition is key. This simply means arranging the elements in your shot to make the space look its best. One of the most important aspects of composition is having a strong foreground object, like a stylish table, cozy couch, or antique chair, near the camera.
A well-placed foreground object grabs attention and guides the viewer’s eyes through the entire frame, leading them from the front to the background. It also adds depth and contrast, making rooms appear larger and more inviting, helping viewers imagine themselves living there.
Another helpful tip is using the rule of thirds. This technique involves placing key elements in the left or right third of the frame, leaving the rest more open. It creates a more balanced and professional-looking photo. Thankfully, your iPhone can make this easier with its grid feature. By enabling it in the camera settings, you'll see a nine-section grid that helps you align everything just right.
When shooting real estate photos with your iPhone, keep it low and level for the best results. If you’re not using a tripod, try holding the phone around belly height or kneeling down to capture the shot from that angle. To ensure the phone is perfectly aligned, you can use a spirit level or turn on the iPhone’s built-in leveling feature.
Finding the Level app can be tricky, especially on newer iPhones:
For older iPhones:
Using a tripod is especially helpful when shooting HDR photos. Since HDR requires longer shutter speeds in low light, keeping the phone still is crucial to prevent blurry images caused by even slight movement—something that’s common in interior shots.
Variety is key when shooting with an iPhone, especially for real estate photography. While it might seem repetitive to take multiple shots, doing so gives you more options to choose the best one for editing.
Capturing the property from different angles is crucial—it highlights unique features and adds depth, bringing out different emotions and details. While selecting the ideal shot with the right perspective may take time, it’s worth the effort, as it can significantly elevate the final image and make the property stand out.
If you expect to capture the perfect shot of a property every time with your iPhone, you might want to think again. HDR technology can be a game-changer, but there are still challenges—like the stark contrast between bright exteriors and darker interiors, resulting in underexposed photos.
That’s why both amateur and professional photographers often turn to editing software to enhance their images. Programs like Adobe Lightroom, Photomatrix, and Exposio are all excellent choices for real estate photo editing.
No matter which app you choose, there are a few key aspects of iPhone photo editing to keep in mind:
Editing plays a pivotal role in transforming real estate property photos, taking them from ordinary to eye-catching. It can turn a dull, uninviting image into one that grabs attention and sparks interest, making the property stand out in a crowded market. For real estate photographers, outsourcing photo editing can be a game-changer. It frees up valuable time and ensures that every image looks sharp, polished, and ready to impress potential buyers.
When it comes to real estate photo editing, Styldod stands out as a top choice. Combining automated processes with manual refinement, each image receives careful attention to ensure it looks its best. Styldod's fast turnaround times—from as little as 2 hours to a maximum of 24 hours—mean you won’t have to wait long to get your edited photos, and the speed never comes at the expense of quality. Whether handling large batches or smaller orders, Styldod maintains a high standard of excellence.
Our services are customized to fit various needs, offering specialized editing like sky replacements, lawn enhancements, twilight edits, and even object removal. By tapping into Styldod’s expertise, you can elevate your brand with professional, visually stunning images that captivate and resonate with your audience.
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