Q: Do you guys have any tips for photographing your rooms? I’m actually listing my house for sale and thinking of snapping some photos (for memories and also to help with the flier) but I want them to look great. Any and all tricks, tips and suggestions are appreciated! – Leslie
A: We totally understand. When we started sharing photos on our blog, our early images were far from flattering. Over time we learned simple, practical techniques—mostly through trial and error—that dramatically improved our room photos. We’re not professional photographers and we don’t use an expensive camera; most of our images were taken with a compact point-and-shoot. The important part is learning a few basics that anyone can apply to make rooms look their best.
Tip #1: use natural light and turn off the flash. Open blinds and curtains and turn on lamps during the day so the room has even, warm light. Avoid using the built-in flash—flash often blows out the foreground and leaves the background in shadow. Sunny days are ideal, but watch for direct sunlight that casts harsh shadows on furniture or floors; if that happens, wait until the light softens or shift the shoot by a couple of hours.
Tip #2: tidy and style before you shoot. Take a moment to tweak the room—fluff pillows, clear toys or clutter, light candles, or make a small vignette like a dishcloth by the sink or a bowl of fruit on the table. Small touches such as lit candles or a warm fire (or pillar candles in place of logs) give the room a welcoming glow. These quick adjustments lift the overall feel and prevent you from discovering minor distractions after you’ve already shot dozens of images.
Tip #3: take a test shot first. One quick image often reveals details you can’t see while standing in the room—imbalanced curtains, a missing pop of color, or a distracting object in the frame. Use that test shot to make adjustments before committing to a full shoot. For example, after a test shot of a kitchen, adding a colorful cutting board or a dishcloth can balance the composition and introduce visual interest.
Tip #4: experiment with angles. Take many photos from different positions—corners, the center of each wall, higher up on a chair, or lower to the ground—to find the most flattering perspective. Squatting slightly can make ceilings appear taller; standing on a stool can show the layout more clearly. If your hands are unsteady, use a tripod or steady the camera on a surface to avoid blur, especially with lower light and no flash.
Tip #5: try vertical as well as horizontal. While wide horizontal shots often capture more furniture, vertical shots can emphasize height and sometimes create a more compelling composition. Shoot both orientations and pick the best ones—vertical images frequently become favorites for their sense of scale and balance.
Tip #6: photograph zones and function. Instead of always trying to capture an entire room, focus on specific functional areas when appropriate. If you’re highlighting a small office nook inside a larger room, move in closer and frame the desk rather than including half the TV area, which can look cluttered or disconnected. Emphasizing zones helps communicate how a space works and makes photos clearer and more purposeful.
Tip #7: capture the details. Use your camera’s macro or close-up setting for detail shots—textures like a jute rug weave, the veining in stone countertops, or decorative hardware. These images preserve memories and add variety to a listing or flier. Keep the camera steady and focus carefully to make close-up shots crisp and appealing.
Tip #8: practice regularly. Photography improves with experience. Don’t wait for an important event—practice taking photos in different rooms and lighting situations so you build confidence and an eye for good angles and compositions. We weren’t great at first either, but consistent practice quickly improved our results.
Those are our straightforward, non-professional tips for photographing rooms. Give them a try and you’ll likely see a big difference. We’d love to hear your tips too—what works for you when shooting rooms for sale or for memories?
Psst—The original article mentioned an affiliate link to the camera used; no external links are included here.