If you have ever wondered why some real estate photographers can turn even the smallest of rooms into an invitingly bright and open space, it’s not because of magic; it is due to the use of the wide shot. Wide photography is able to capture the ‘feel’ of the space while also allowing potential home buyers to have a better sense of the flow and dimensions of the room. However, a good wide shot is not just about having the right lens but knowing how to balance the light, perspective, and composition.
As a professional real estate photographer, I know firsthand that a wide shot could make or break a listing, and finding the right best practices for wide shots takes some practice. Here is an easy guide to advance your wide shots; you can get the best composition every time.
1. Start with the Right Lens
When you are approaching real estate photography, your lens is everything. A wide-angle lens (somewhere in the 14-24 range on a full-frame camera) allows you to take in the room as a whole and minimize distortion. And if you are using a cropped sensor camera, look at something like 10-18 mm. Personally, I love my Tamron 16-35mm lens with an f2.8 aperture. It is wide enough to deal with tight spaces but produces a natural perspective shot. On a side note, try to avoid going ultra-wide unless you have to. The wide angle can create extreme perspectives that result in some unrealistic representation of the room.
2. Keep the Camera Straight and Level
This is one of the most common errors I see from new photographers. When the camera angle is tilted up or down, you start leaning the walls, and the image warps. A tripod is essential, and you need to make sure your camera is completely level. Even the slightest tilt will throw off the image, so take a second to double-check your camera level! Straight vertical lines are what make your photos appear clean and very professional.
3. Locate the Right Spot Within the Room
The best wide-angle photos provide depth as well as context. I typically find a corner or doorway to create as much dynamic layout as I can. In an open floor plan, try to include interconnecting spaces—a view from the kitchen into the living room so that viewers can understand the connection. Make sure to walk around the room and take test shots on your way to finding the final angle. A few inches to the left or right may completely change the feeling of the room!
4. Light Is Everything
Lighting can make or break your shot. Natural light is your best friend—it provides context and an inviting, realistic look. Open all the blinds, turn on the light bulbs in the interior lamps, and shoot during the daytime when the light is soft but bright.
If you’re working in darker rooms, use a flash or external light source. I like to bounce my flash off the ceiling to create an even, natural glow without harsh shadows.
5. Edit for Balance, Not Perfection
Editing is the point when your photos start to actually come alive. Use Lightroom or Photoshop to straighten lines, adjust exposure, and fix any lens distortion. Keep the colors true to the real space. Buyers need to feel like the photos they see match what they will really experience.
Be sure to avoid over-saturating or over-sharpening your images. The best edits are the ones that make people forget that the image has had editing done at all.
6. Think About Composition
A wide-angle photo is not just for getting more into the frame; it is also about telling a story. Make the space feel like it is balanced. Think about using furniture, doorways, and windows as natural framing elements.
I like to keep my camera about 4 to 5 feet off the ground (about eye level when standing) because it gives a more natural perspective.
Summary: Wide-angle shots will be your bread and butter of real estate photography. When done correctly, they show off the true character of a property and instantly make it stand out. But quality wide-angle photography is not misleading. Great wide-angle photography facilitates everyone imagining what it would feel like if they were there.
