2025 Real Estate Photography Tips

High-quality photos are key to selling properties in Southern California's competitive market, from Orange County beaches to Los Angeles luxury homes. As Christopher Hysell from HighSellHomes, I share these 2025 tips for agents and photographers. If you're outside our area or trying DIY, use this guide. For pros handling it, we offer packages starting at $325.

1. Use Wide-Angle Lenses (14-24mm)

Capture full rooms to make spaces feel open. Stick to 16-24mm to avoid distortion. Keep lines straight with a tripod at chest height. Correct in post-processing with tools like Lightroom.

2. Master Lighting and Golden Hour

Shoot during golden hour for warm, soft light. Blend natural and interior lights. Use exposure bracketing for HDR to balance bright windows and dark corners.

3. Shoot in RAW and Use AI Editing

RAW files give flexibility for adjustments. Tools like Luminar AI or ImagenAI automate enhancements, saving time on color correction and object removal.

4. HDR and Exposure Bracketing

Combine exposures for balanced shots in high-contrast scenes. Use 3-5 brackets on a tripod, merge in software for natural results.

5. Stage and Declutter

Remove 40-50% of items for a clean look. Depersonalize and add neutral touches like fresh flowers. Highlight smart home features or green elements in 2025 listings.

6. Composition Rules: Rule of Thirds and Leading Lines

Position key features off-center. Use hallways or paths to guide eyes. Frame shots through doorways for depth.

7. Effective Exterior and Drone Shots

Capture exteriors at magic hours. Vary angles and use FAA-compliant drones like DJI Mavic for aerial views of large Orange County or LA properties.

8. Virtual Tours and VR

Create 360 tours with Matterport for immersive experiences. Add virtual staging to show potential, boosting engagement by up to 83%.

9. Day-to-Dusk Conversions

Edit for twilight glow without shooting at dusk. This adds luxury appeal for high-end Southern California homes.

10. Smartphone Tips for Quick Shots

Use pro apps for clear images on the go. Great for small LA projects, but pros beat it for quality.

These tips can transform your listings. For hands-off results, let us handle photography starting at $325, with add-ons like tours. As clients grow, consider subscriptions from $500/month for ongoing marketing support.

Disclaimer: HighSellHomes is independent of brokerages. We protect data privacy and comply with equal housing. No solicitation.