You're in your new home and want to show it off - but how do you capture it all in a photograph? We have outlined some simple tips that you can use to take beautiful photos of your home! All you need is a smartphone camera and a few minutes out of your day.
Tip 1: Let Your Settings Set You Up For Success
Any smartphone made in the past few years has a camera that's built for higher-quality photography than ever before. Navigate to your camera settings and use these features to help take the perfect pictures:
- Turn on the "Grid" feature and use the visual guide to keep the object of the photo straight
- Unless you need it, make sure the flash is turned OFF
- Do not use the crazy filter settings offered - a simple filter that brightens up the photo is usually best (if you use a filter at all!)
Tip 2: Perspective
One of the most important aspects of a photo is making sure the perspective looks clear and natural. Follow these steps to ensure the best possible perspective:
- Instead of zooming in, try stepping back as far as you need/can to get the subject in theframe
- Hold your camera at chest or eye level for the most commonly-used perspective
- Avoid tilting your phone too far up or down - position yourself in a place that your camera can be straight-on when pointing at the subject of the photo
Tip 3: Environment
Environmental conditions like light, weather, and surrounding objects can make or break a photo. Follow these tips to get a clear photo:
- Take your photo when the natural light is best. For exterior shots, the sun should be at the front of the home. For interior shots, it is best if natural light can come through the windows. If the natural light isn't available, use interior lighting to make sure the space is well-lit.
- For both interior and exterior photos, a thunderstorm or blizzard wll not be the best conditions. Try to take your photos in the daytime when the sun is shining or it's partly cloudy.
- For both interior and exterior photos, the home itself should be the focus. People wandering around, vehicles in the frame, and personal clutter are the biggest culprits of creating distractions in a photo. Home decor and natural landscaping add a nice touch to a home photo, but just remember to check what is in the frame before taking the photo.
