5 Ways to Improve Your Property Photography
Discover how professional techniques and simple adjustments can transform your property photos
By Agents Aperture - 1st November 2025
Quick tip:It’s not all about the equipment — what you already have is probably more than enough!
1) Keep the camera straight
This is tip number one for a reason! We subconsciously process visual information every day, and our minds expect buildings to appear level — both vertically and horizontally — because that’s how they’re constructed.
Sounds obvious, right? Yet it’s one of the most common mistakes in property photography. Just take a look on Rightmove and you’ll see countless images where the walls or horizons are noticeably off.
When photographing a building, pay close attention to the lines — especially the vertical edges of doors, windows, and walls. Align your camera’s sensor so those lines appear straight in your viewfinder or on-screen. Keeping your shot level instantly makes your photos look more professional and trustworthy.
2) Wait for the sun
When photographing property, the one thing you can’t control is the sun. Indoors, we can adjust lighting, close curtains, or switch lamps on and off — but outdoors, we’re completely at the mercy of the weather.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to work around harsh sunlight. The first is simple: wait for a cloud to pass. When the sun goes behind a cloud, quickly capture your exterior shots (and don’t forget Tip #1 — keep that camera straight!). Once you’ve finished outside, move indoors and photograph the rooms that were previously flooded with sunlight.
If your timing is good — and luck’s on your side — you’ll notice a dramatic improvement, especially when shooting towards the sun. A passing cloud softens the light and reduces harsh shadows.
Still want a sunny look? If the sky is completely clear, try returning later in the day when the sun is lower or has moved to a different angle. The warmer, softer light can transform your images.
3) De-clutter
Shampoo bottles, wheelie bins, washing up, dog bowls, shoes — the list goes on. You’ve already improved your property photography by keeping the camera straight and managing the sunlight, but now it’s time to tackle the clutter!
There are countless ways to deal with it, but one of the most effective is to work with the vendor or tenant (if they’re willing). Start by photographing a room that’s already fairly tidy, while they prepare the next one. That way, you can “follow” them around the property — this method keeps things moving smoothly and works brilliantly in practice.
Bathrooms deserve special mention. Since most bathrooms are small, keep your camera low; if it’s too high, you’ll lose valuable floor space in the shot (never a good look). By keeping your angle low, you can also hide clutter like shampoo bottles or cleaning products inside the bath.
One last tip: if it’s a shower room with no bath and you’ve got a stray bleach bottle or cleaning product, don’t place it on the carpet outside the room! Instead, lay down the bath mat and put it on top as a last resort — or better yet, move it to a hard surface out of sight.
4) What's the best lens for property photography?
I’m often asked, “What’s the best lens for property photography?” It sounds like a simple question, but the answer isn’t quite so straightforward — it depends on your camera’s sensor size.
Camera sensors come in different sizes, and this affects how wide your lens actually appears. For example, a 16mm lens on a crop sensor camera will look quite different from a 16mm on a full-frame camera.
Ideally, for property photography, you’d use around a 16mm lens on a full-frame sensor, as this gives you a wide field of view without excessive distortion. But if you’re using a crop-sensor (APS-C) camera — which is common — you’ll need to adjust for the crop factor.
For instance, if your sensor is roughly 22mm wide (like many Canon APS-C cameras), the crop factor is 1.6×. To match the same view as a 16mm full-frame lens, you’d need something around 10mm instead.
So, my advice: find out what size sensor your camera has, then use Google (or ChatGPT!) to work out which lens matches the 16mm full-frame equivalent. That way, you’ll know exactly what lens gives you the perfect wide shot for interiors and exteriors alike.
5) HDR or Multiple off camera lights
The word photography actually comes from Greek and literally means “to write with light.” So the answer to this question is partly hidden in the word itself — light is the most important element of any photograph. Without it, the camera (just like our eyes) can’t see anything.
This is why the debate between HDR and off-camera lighting is such a common one in property photography circles. My opinion? It really doesn’t matter which technique you use — what matters is how you use the light.
A skilled photographer can produce stunning results with either method. HDR (High Dynamic Range) can beautifully balance highlights and shadows, while off-camera lighting gives you more creative control. Neither is inherently better; both are tools to help you shape the light in your scene.
So my advice is simple: use whichever method you feel most comfortable and confident with. Master the light, and your photographs will always shine — regardless of the technique.
Recap
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To quickly summarise the first five tips:
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Keep the camera straight – Align your shot with the property’s vertical and horizontal lines for professional-looking photos.
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Keep an eye on the sun – Time your shots to make the most of natural light and avoid harsh shadows.
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De-clutter as much as possible – Work with the vendor or tenant to keep each space tidy and distraction-free.
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Choose your lens wisely – Aim for a 16mm field of view (or the equivalent if you’re using a crop sensor).
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Choose your technique – Whether you prefer HDR or off-camera lighting, focus on mastering how you use the light.
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Want pro-level results without the hassle?
Contact us today to find out how we can take the stress out of your days by photographing your properties for you.
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Agents Aperture
Specialises in property photography, videography, floor plans, EPC's, 360 tours and drone services across the South East.