How to Take Real Estate Photos With an iPhone: Essential Tips

How to Take Real Estate Photos With an iPhone: Essential Tips

While iPhones can be convenient alternatives to DSLR cameras, the inability to use their features properly can result in low-quality photos, potentially harming the property's presentation. We're experienced in editing real estate images taken from various devices. Based on this experience, here’s our guide on how to take real estate photos with an iPhone.

How to Take Real Estate Photos With an iPhone

To take professional-looking real estate photos with an iPhone, familiarize yourself with your device's camera features and stage the home first. Next, utilize natural and external lighting, stabilize your device, and use a wide-angle lens. Lastly, execute various shooting techniques like the rule of thirds and HDR and explore third-party camera apps for enhanced control and editing options.

A person taking pictures using iPhone

Using an iPhone for real estate photography can be tricky. However, it can become an effective and convenient tool with the right techniques. We're sharing insights on how we help photographers take quality iPhone photos for better post-processing.

Tip

Actions to Take

Learn the iPhone's features

Familiarize yourself with the manual controls and shooting modes

Stage the property

Declutter and organize rooms

Modify lighting

Use natural light when possible and supplement with external lighting sources

Stabilize and level your device

Use a tripod or stabilizer and enable grid lines for level shots

Use accessories

Choose a quality wide-angle lens attachment

Use different shooting techniques

Use techniques like the rule of thirds, HDR, or panorama

1. Understand Your iPhone's Camera Features

Whether you have the latest iPhone with a 48MP camera or an older model, knowing how to utilize the features and functions can help you take better photos.

  • Begin by exploring the camera app. Make sure you know how to switch between photo modes, like Portrait and Panorama.
  • Try using ProRAW to capture images with more detail, especially in high-contrast scenes. Additionally, use Night Mode for low-light areas, allowing you to brighten images without losing quality.
  • Use the grid lines to apply the rule of thirds for balanced photos.
  • Tap the screen to adjust exposure and focus on specific spots.
  • Hold the shutter button for burst mode to capture movement smoothly.

2. Stage the Home

Staging can raise a property's sale price by as much as 20% on average. A well-staged home appears inviting and helps potential buyers imagine themselves living there.

  • Remove personal items, clear countertops, and organize any visible spaces. 
  • Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
  • Arrange furniture in a way that showcases the space and functionality of each room.

3. Leverage Both Natural and External Lighting

Combining both types of lighting can create a balanced photo. Here are some tips for effective lighting:

  • Use daylight to make your photos look natural.
  • Use HDR mode to help balance bright and dark areas.
  • Strategize and set up softboxes to eliminate harsh shadows.

4. Stabilize Your iPhone Properly

By incorporating these stabilizing techniques, you can use iPhone photography without worrying about image blur and low angles that can distort the perception of space.

  • Use a tripod to maintain steady shots and consistent framing.
  • Try a phone grip to maintain a steady hand if a tripod isn’t available.
  • Stay at level height and align your phone with the middle point of the scene.

A woman holding a white cup while using her iPhone

5. Invest in a Wide-Angle Lens for Phonese

When taking property photos with your iPhone, a wide-angle lens can let you capture more of a room in a single shot. It helps make spaces look bigger and more inviting, which is key for showcasing properties. Many wide-angle lenses attach easily to your phone, with most requiring just a clip or magnetic mount.

6. Apply Different Shooting Techniques for Real Estate Photos

To capture fantastic real estate images with your iPhone, applying various shooting techniques can make a big difference, much like what you do with a DSLR.

Composition and Rule of Thirds

On your iPhone, enable the grid feature in your camera settings. This will overlay two horizontal and two vertical lines on your screen, helping you position key elements along these lines or at their intersections. This technique helps create balanced images that draw attention to important areas.

Angles and Heights

Experimenting with different angles can bring out distinct perspectives of the property. Try getting low to the ground for an intriguing view, or use an overhead angle to showcase room layouts. Focus on the property's most desirable features, such as fireplaces, unique architecture, or custom-built cabinets.

Using HDR for Better Exposure

HDR mode enhances the dynamic range of photos by combining multiple exposures into one image. To use HDR on your iPhone, make sure it is enabled in your camera settings. Keep the camera stable when photographing, as HDR captures multiple shots simultaneously.

Burst Mode

Burst mode allows you to take multiple images in quick succession. To use burst mode on your iPhone, hold down the shutter button, and it will capture a series of photos rapidly.

Panoramas

Select the panorama mode, then follow the on-screen guide to maintain stability and alignment as you shoot. As editors, we usually prefer editing RAW shots to stitch together to form a panorama while eliminating distortion. While you would usually get warped shots, you can try this technique to practice panoramas.

A spacious and bright living room

Related Questions

Can I Use Third-Party Camera Apps for Shooting Real Estate Images?

You may use apps like Photomatix Real Estate Camera to use shooting features that are often necessary for photographing houses. Third-party camera apps offer options like HDR effects, which can beautifully capture interiors and exteriors despite lighting challenges. Experiment with different apps to find what works best for your style and needs.

When Is It Okay to Use an iPhone When Photographing Properties?

It's okay to use iPhones when photographing properties for quick listings, social media posts, or when capturing supplementary images to complement professional shots. iPhones are also suitable for smaller properties or when time and budget constraints make professional photography impractical.

How Can I Enhance Property Photos Taken Using an iPhone?

To enhance real estate images taken with an iPhone, use editing apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance. Alternatively, we can professionally edit the images for you, especially for additional edits like replacing furniture, removing cables, or fixing lens distortion.

Conclusion

Capturing real estate photos with your iPhone can be both practical and effective. This tool allows for great versatility, making it a handy option whether you're a professional or a beginner. As you master taking property images using an iPhone, you can diversify your services and get more clients while providing quality imagery.