When you score a new listing, your first priority is likely to be the photos. But with a marketing budget that may already be stretched thin, hiring a professional photographer just might not be in the cards. Believe it or not, it is possible to take your own listing photos that still embody a level of quality and professionalism.

Use a tripod

Almost everyone has a smartphone in their pockets, allowing you to have access to a camera at all times. However, try to avoid taking listing photos with your smartphone. If possible, utilize a tripod. It will help you take the appropriate time needed to line up a shot and avoid any type of motion blur for shots that need longer exposure. Just remember—neither the sellers nor potential buyers will appreciate warped and fuzzy pictures.

Find the sun

When taking exterior house photos, the best practice is to shoot on sunny days. Not only are blue skies more aesthetically pleasing, but the bright light is also more ideal for bringing out the detail in architecture.  Although waiting for pleasant weather may seem time-consuming, the end result will be worth it.

Pay attention to lighting

For interior shots, lighting is key. Open all curtains and blinds to ensure that the room is receiving as much natural light as possible. Although most modern cameras are capable of low-light shooting, this generally tends to alter a photo. If there aren’t many windows available and the setting still seems dark, turn on lights throughout the house (even accent lights) to help illuminate the space. Whether natural or artificial, the more light, the better to see angles.

Look for angles

Speaking of angles, when setting up for your shot, search for interesting angles to highlight specific features and spaces. Try to refrain from shooting straight on, as that can seem mundane and make it harder to gauge the depth of a room. Crouching down and shooting from a lower angle can keep vertical lines straight and make the room appear larger, two important aspects in architectural photography. Finding the right angles can make a world of difference.

This season, use the above guide to take high-quality pictures that maximize both the traffic on listings and your marketing budget.