Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

alfredo

(60,065 posts)
Sun Apr 21, 2013, 01:29 PM Apr 2013

My niece wants me to take photos of her house for listing. Do you have

any pointers for the interior shots?

The widest lens I have is an effective 28mm (14~42). That lens is slow at 3.5 at 14mm (28mm). The next widest is an effective 38mm 2.8 prime.

Which lens would be best?

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My niece wants me to take photos of her house for listing. Do you have (Original Post) alfredo Apr 2013 OP
Use the widest lens you can without distortion NV Whino Apr 2013 #1
Thanks. The kit lens takes advantage of in camera compensation. I might take both lenses. alfredo Apr 2013 #2
The 14 is the only choice. Use a tripod and make sure the camera is level. flamin lib Apr 2013 #3
Great advice. alfredo Apr 2013 #4
Eye level isn't bad because, well, that's where our eyes are. flamin lib Apr 2013 #5
Thanks, I was wondering about lower aspect. alfredo Apr 2013 #6

NV Whino

(20,886 posts)
1. Use the widest lens you can without distortion
Sun Apr 21, 2013, 01:54 PM
Apr 2013

Turn on all the lamps. If there is a fireplace, light a fire. Adjust curtains so you don't get blasted with hot spots. Buy flowers. Set the table. Use magazines and books as props.

The key is to make it look cozy and inviting.

flamin lib

(14,559 posts)
3. The 14 is the only choice. Use a tripod and make sure the camera is level.
Sun Apr 21, 2013, 02:17 PM
Apr 2013

Your Oly also has high quality video capability. Do a panoramic of each room ending in the door/entry to another area and stage them so the viewer feels like they are walking through the house.

Avoid as much personal identification as possible; portraits and that sort of thing. The prospective buyer will want to be able to see themselves living there.

Pay attention to detail! Can't emphasize enough the importance of straight horizons and vertical walls, hidden dust bunnies and smudges around light switches.


Do not post process past exposure and contrast. There are serious ethical issues in "moving" a fire hydrant or power line. It's ok to "tell the truth attractively" but you must tell the truth.

Above all, think like a buyer; what about the property would make someone fall in love with it? Your pictures have only one purpose: to pique the interest of a prospect enough to call the Realtor. The decision to buy is made in the first 2-3 minutes, the rest of the time is spent talking yourself into or out of making an offer. I had one couple where he hated it, she loved it. It was a long awkward ride to the next showing.

Suggest your niece visit a a new construction model home--they're professionally prepared--and make her home look like that.

flamin lib

(14,559 posts)
5. Eye level isn't bad because, well, that's where our eyes are.
Sun Apr 21, 2013, 03:26 PM
Apr 2013

If you lower the camera a bit, say chest level, the rooms will appear a bit larger and it may be easier to keep the horizontal and vertical references intact.

alfredo

(60,065 posts)
6. Thanks, I was wondering about lower aspect.
Sun Apr 21, 2013, 04:17 PM
Apr 2013

I will do glamour shots and panos.

The owner will provide some shop lights if needed.


They want to pay, but I'd be happy with dinner at a nearby Tex-Mex restaurant.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Photography»My niece wants me to take...