The Complete Guide to iPhone Real Estate Photography

Your iPhone is a professional-grade camera that fits in your pocket. Real estate photographers charging $200+ per shoot don't want you to know this, but modern iPhones take better photos than DSLRs from just a few years ago.

Camera Settings

Before you start shooting, make sure your settings are optimized:

• Use the 0.5x (ultra-wide) lens: This captures more of each room, making spaces feel larger
• Enable HDR: Go to Settings → Camera → Smart HDR and make sure it's on
• Turn off Live Photos: They reduce image quality and you don't need them for listings
• Clean your lens: A quick wipe with your shirt removes smudges that cause haze

Shooting Each Room

For every room, follow this pattern:

• Shoot from corners: Stand in the corner and aim diagonally. This shows the most space
• Hold at chest height: Not eye level. Chest height shows more floor and feels more natural
• Keep it level: Use the grid overlay (Settings → Camera → Grid) to keep vertical lines straight
• Take multiple shots: Take 2-3 of each angle. Pick the sharpest one later

Lighting Tips

Good lighting makes a huge difference, but don't stress too much—we can fix most lighting issues in editing:

• Turn on all lights: Every lamp, every overhead light
• Open blinds and curtains: Natural light helps, even if windows blow out
• Avoid shooting directly into windows: The contrast is too extreme
• Cloudy days are better: Direct sunlight creates harsh shadows

What to Shoot

For a complete listing, capture:

• Living room: 2-3 angles
• Kitchen: 2-3 angles (include appliances)
• Each bedroom: 1-2 angles
• Each bathroom: 1-2 angles
• Backyard/patio: 1-2 shots
• Front exterior: 1-2 shots

A typical 3-bedroom home needs about 15-25 photos for a comprehensive listing.

Don't Worry About

Things you don't need to stress about—we fix these in editing:

• Clutter and personal items
• Dark rooms
• Furniture arrangement
• Minor color casts