Taking photograph of your rental property can make the difference between attracting the right tenants or being left with the “looking for a tenant” sign for longer than you want. Photos are the first impression potential tenants will have of your property, so it is crucial to present it in the best possible light. A well-done photo can pique their interest and generate an emotional connection with the space, which increases the chances of receiving inquiries and bookings.

‍

In this article, we’ll present you with a detailed guide to five tips for photographing your rental property, from general advice that applies to any landlord to more advanced techniques for those who want to elevate the quality of their images. From the importance of cleanliness and natural light to the use of composition techniques and professional equipment, we’ll explore every aspect necessary to capture the essence and appeal of your property in photographs.

‍

Whether you’re advertising an apartment share, studio, residence or coliving, these tips will help you highlight the best features of your home and present it in an irresistible way to potential tenants. Let’s start with the five general tips every landlord should keep in mind when photographing their rental property.

‍

Cleaning is key

‍

Before you take out your camera or phone, make sure every nook and cranny is spotless. Spend time thoroughly cleaning each room, paying special attention to details that might go unnoticed in everyday life but will jump out in a photograph. Here are some key areas to consider:

‍

• Surfaces: from kitchen counters to bathroom shelves. Remove unnecessary items and store personal items to create a neater, more appealing look.

‍

• Floors and carpets: Vacuum or sweep all floors and carpets to remove dust and dirt and pet hairs.

‍

• Windows and mirrors: Clean windows and mirrors to allow the maximum amount of natural light to enter and avoid distracting smudges in photos.

‍

• Bathrooms: Make sure tiles are shiny, faucets are sparkling, and mirrors are spotless. Remove personal hygiene products to create a neater, more neutral appearance.

‍

• Details: Don’t forget the small details, such as light switches, door frames and baseboards.

‍

Take advantage of natural light

‍

Natural light is one of the most powerful resources at your disposal when photographing your rental property. Not only does it make spaces look larger and more inviting, but it also brings out details and colors in a natural and appealing way. Here are some strategies to make the most of natural light in your photographs:

‍

• Plan your photo shoots during the times of day when natural light is softer and more diffused. This is usually during early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low in the sky and does not produce harsh shadows.

‍

• Observe how natural light enters each room and how it affects the overall atmosphere. If there are areas that receive too much direct light, consider using curtains or decorative elements to soften it.

‍

• When photographing each room, look for angles that make the most of the natural light available. This may mean positioning yourself near a window to capture the incoming light or taking photos from corners that show how the light illuminates different areas of the room.

‍

Frame correctly

‍

Proper framing is critical to highlighting the best aspects of your rental property and showing it off in the most attractive way possible. Here are some tips to make sure your photos are perfectly composed:

‍

• Use the rule of thirds: imagine that the scene you are photographing is divided into nine equal sections by two imaginary horizontal and two vertical lines. Place the most important elements of the composition at the points where these lines intersect, as this is usually more visually pleasing than placing them in the center.

‍

• Pay attention to lines and shapes: Notice how the lines and shapes in the scene guide the viewer’s eye and affect the overall composition of the image. Look for diagonal lines, curves or interesting patterns that can add dynamism and depth to your photographs.

‍

• Eliminate distortions: If you are shooting at a wide angle, watch out for distortions that can occur at the edges of the image. To avoid objects appearing tilted or distorted, be sure to keep the camera level and use lens correction if necessary during the editing process.

‍

• Frame to Show Space: When photographing rooms, it is important to show the spaciousness and flow of the home. Frame your photographs in a way that allows the viewer to easily visualize how the different spaces are connected and how the layout flows.

‍

Use a tripod

‍

When it comes to photographing your rental home, stability is key to ensuring sharp, professional images. Using a tripod allows you to keep the camera perfectly still while shooting, resulting in clearer, sharper images. This is useful in low light conditions where a slower shutter speed is needed.

‍

• Even the smallest hand movements can cause blurred images, especially in low light conditions or with long exposure times. By mounting your camera on a tripod, you completely eliminate this problem and ensure that every detail of your home is captured with maximum clarity.

‍

• In low light situations, such as when shooting interiors at night or in dimly lit rooms, you may need longer exposure times to capture enough light and detail in the image. Using a tripod allows you to increase exposure time without worrying about camera shake.

‍

Use the right lens

‍

Selecting the right lens is critical to getting high-quality photographs of your rental home. Each lens has its own characteristics and capabilities, and choosing the right one will allow you to capture details accurately and clearly.

‍

• Wide-angle lenses for large spaces: these lenses have a shorter focal length than the human eye, allowing you to capture a wider field of view. They are ideal for photographing living rooms, dining rooms and any other area you want to highlight for its spaciousness and brightness.

‍

• Normal focal length lens for a natural perspective: they offer a perspective similar to human vision. They are ideal for photographs of bedrooms, bathrooms and other areas where you want to convey a sense of intimacy and comfort.

‍

• Telephoto lens for highlighting details and textures: These lenses have a longer focal length, allowing you to get closer to details without compromising image quality. They are ideal for detailed photographs of specific features of the home you wish to highlight.

‍

• Macro lens for detailed photography: These lenses are designed to focus at very short distances, allowing you to capture incredible detail with amazing clarity. They are ideal for detailed photographs of decorative elements and unique features of the home.

‍

Pro tips for photographing your home

‍

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move on to more professional tricks for homeowners who want to take their photos to the next level.

‍

Control exposure

‍

Learning how to manage exposure is critical to obtaining high quality photos. Experiment with ISO to control the camera’s sensitivity to light, shutter speed to control exposure time, and aperture to control the amount of light entering the camera. A good balance between these three elements will allow you to get sharp, well-exposed photos in a variety of lighting conditions.

‍

Use the depth of field

Depth of field refers to the area of the image that appears sharp and in focus. Playing with the aperture allows you to control the depth of field, which can be useful for highlighting certain elements of the room while blurring the background to create a more artistic effect.

Regardless of the type of lens you choose, adjusting the aperture allows you to control the depth of field in your photographs. A wide aperture (lower f-numbers) creates a shallower depth of field, which blurs the background and highlights the main subject. On the other hand, a narrow aperture (higher f-numbers) increases depth of field, which keeps both the main subject and background in focus. Experiment with different apertures to find the desired effect in your photographs.

‍

Use professional equipment

‍

If you are willing to invest in equipment, consider using a DSLR or mirrorless camera instead of a cell phone. These cameras offer higher image quality and allow you to have more control over camera settings for more professional results.

‍

Learn how to edit in post

Post-production editing can make a big difference in the final result of your photos. Learn how to use editing programs like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to retouch your photos and make fine adjustments to exposure, color and sharpness.

With these professional tips, you will be well equipped to photograph your property and attract the right tenants. Always remember to showcase your property in the most attractive way possible and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and photographic styles to stand out from the competition.