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 get it. When we first began sharing photos on our blog we had no idea how to make rooms look their best, and our early images show that. Over time we learned several practical tips—mostly through trial and error—that make a big difference. We aren’t professional photographers and we don’t use an expensive camera; the photos on our site were taken with a simple compact camera that offers manual controls and image stabilization. The key is technique and preparation, not gear.
Tip #1: Use natural daylight and avoid the flash. Turn on lamps and open blinds so the room feels bright and even, then shoot during the day without the flash. Flash often flattens the scene and creates harsh foreground highlights with dark backgrounds. A softly lit room feels inviting and photographs more naturally. Sunny days are ideal, but avoid shooting when direct sunlight produces strong shadows on floors or furniture—wait until the light is more even if needed.
Tip #2: Tweak the room before you shoot. Spend a few minutes arranging the space. Fluff pillows, tidy blankets, clear toys and clothing, and light candles or the fireplace if it’s safe to do so. Small touches such as a lit candle or a neatly folded throw create a warm, lived-in look without appearing cluttered. Remove distracting items that don’t add to the composition; polished, simple styling tends to read better in photos and saves you time later when editing or selecting images.
Tip #3: Take a test shot and make adjustments. One quick photo can reveal things your eyes don’t notice in real time—uneven curtains, awkward furniture placement, or a bland corner that needs a pop of color. Use that single test image to tweak the scene: reposition art, add a colorful pillow or a simple prop like a dishcloth and cutting board in the kitchen, or place a bowl of fresh fruit on a table. These small changes can dramatically improve the final images.
Tip #4: Explore angles and shoot a lot. Don’t expect to get the perfect image on the first try. Move around the room, shoot from corners, vary your height—stand on a chair for a different perspective or crouch down to emphasize ceiling height. Capture many frames from different viewpoints so you can choose the most flattering composition later. A tripod is useful, especially with no flash, to keep shots sharp and consistent.
Tip #5: Try vertical as well as horizontal shots. While wide horizontal images show more of a room, vertical photos often highlight ceiling height and create a sense of scale that can be surprisingly appealing. Take both orientations for each composition; sometimes the vertical crop becomes your favorite for listings and social shares.
Tip #6: Focus on zones and function. When a room includes multiple areas—like a workspace in a living room—decide what you want to emphasize. Instead of trying to include everything, frame the specific zone to tell a clear visual story. Highlighting function makes images more compelling and avoids cluttered compositions that confuse the viewer.
Tip #7: Capture details with the macro setting. Use your camera’s close-up or macro mode for texture and detail shots—show the weave of a rug, the grain of wood, or veining in stone countertops. These images add depth to a listing or memory album and highlight the quality of finishes. Keep the camera steady for crisp close-ups.
Tip #8: Practice regularly. The more you shoot, the more comfortable you’ll become with composition, light, and camera settings. Practice photographing rooms in different light and at different times of day so you’re ready when it matters—whether listing a home, documenting a renovation, or capturing family moments. Over time you’ll develop an instinct for what works and how to stage quickly and effectively.
These are the practical, non-professional tips we use to get better-looking room photos. Preparation, careful composition, and patience go a long way. What tricks do you use when photographing interiors? We’d love to hear your suggestions.