Informational Guide
Getting Started in Real Estate Photography

Cameras:

Although cellphone technology has advanced significantly over the years. We still recommend the use of a professional camera with interchangeable lenses. With at least 20 megapixels and the ability to shoot HDR images (HDR images 40+ megapixels) for exterior photos. From full-frame cameras to Micro Four Thirds, they are all great and usable for real estate photography.

Lenses:

Ideal camera lenses for real estate photography involve wide-angle lenses. Most commonly on the lower measure of millimeters. For full-frame cameras, 14mm to 35mm is ideal (12 mm to 25 mm for Micro Four Thirds cameras). With each end of the spectrum offering its own qualities for real estate. The 14mm lens offers a wider angle at the expense of exaggeration in the bend of light. The 35mm provides more of a realistic view, ideal for architecture. The 14mm can be better suited for inside the home for smaller spaces. With a wider view for the display of the whole room. The 35mm lens is better suited for the external shots of the house. Providing a less exaggerated bend of light in the image perspective. Be wary of lenses that offer a range between focal lengths (e.g., 12mm-50mm). As they tend to come with larger f-stops, not great for use in low light conditions.

f-stop - aperture:

f-stop is how wide the opening of the lens is, where a wider lens (smaller f-stop number, e.g., f-0.9) allows more light in and a tighter lens (larger f-stop number, e.g., f-18) lets less light in. With lower f-stops ideal for low light conditions, such as nighttime photography and indoor low light real estate. Keep in mind, the f-stop is specific to the lens. For shooting indoors, a lower f-stop is ideal. Also, keep in mind that a smaller f-stop also produces a lower depth of field (More blur in the background).

ISO:

ISO is the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light. This can be changed within the camera. However, it comes at a cost. Low ISO (specifically the native ISO for the camera) is ideal for a crisp image. However, in low light conditions, higher ISO is required, even with a low f-stop and shutter speed. But the higher the ISO, the higher the artifacts of grain in your image, and the sacrifice of clarity and sharpness. Ideally, the photographer uses their experience and judgement to choose the right ISO for the low-light setting and how much lighting to edit in post.

Shutter Speed:

1/225

1/60

2 seconds

Shutter speed is the speed of the sensor. Specifically, how much time the sensor is exposed to light. A slower sensor speed (2 seconds) is better for artistic motion blur (Not ideal for real estate photography). Whereas a faster sensor speed (e.g. 1/250th of a second) is better suited for movement (including from handheld photography). However, faster shutter speeds come with a drawback. The faster the shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000), the less light is able to get to the sensor. Making for darker images. Ideally, the photographer uses their experience and judgement to choose the right shutter speed. In real estate photography, a shutter speed of around 1/125 is considered a good shutter speed for handheld photography. Although with a tripod, you might be able to get away with a slightly slower shutter speed.

Tripod:

Tripods can be very helpful. Providing stability and to images and reducing motion blur. It is recommended to use a tripod for HDR photos, expected in external photos of real estate.

Summary:

In summary, we recommend a professional camera of at least 20 megapixels (No cell phones). With a 14mm (12mm for 4/3) and a 35mm (25mm for 4/3) lens and a tripod. Ideally capable of producing HDR images. The setting is varied based on the lighting conditions. But generally, with lenses with a low f-stop (e.g., 2.0 or smaller). Settings of ISO native or low (100). Shutter speed around 1/125 and use on a tripod.

Floor Plan Digital Mapping