Time it with the sun
Shoot when the sun is behind the camera or to one side, so the facade is lit and not in shadow. Check which way the house faces before the appointment. A bright overcast day also works well; it gives soft, even light, and a blue sky can be added in editing.
Two angles to always take
- Three-quarter angle: from a front corner, showing the facade and one side. It gives the house depth and shows its size.
- Straight-on: centered and symmetrical, good for houses with a strong, balanced front.
Step back and use a moderate focal length rather than the widest lens. Very wide lenses make the house look small and the driveway huge.
Camera height
For single-storey homes, shoot from about chest height. For two-storey homes, raise the camera on a tall tripod or a pole so you look slightly more level with the house; this keeps the roofline from leaning back. Keep verticals straight either way.
Prepare the site
- Move cars off the driveway and away from the curb.
- Hide bins, hoses, garden tools and toys.
- Open the garage door only if the garage is tidy; otherwise close it.
- Turn on the porch and entry lights; they add warmth, even in daylight.
Anything you cannot move, such as a parked car across the street, a stray bin or a sign, can be removed in editing.
What editing adds
A typical front-exterior edit balances the exposure, straightens verticals, replaces a grey sky with a clear one, and can green up a tired lawn. Ask for the look you want in your order notes. Keep it honest: the edit should show the house on a good day, not a different house.
Key takeaways
- Shoot with the sun behind you, or on an even overcast day.
- Always take a three-quarter angle and a straight-on angle.
- Clear cars and bins; the rest can be removed in editing.
- Sky replacement and lawn fixes are routine edits.
Common questions
What time of day is best for exterior real estate photos?
When the sun lights the front of the house, which depends on which way it faces. Check the orientation before the shoot. A bright overcast day also works well, since a clear sky can be added in editing.
Can editing replace a grey sky?
Yes. Sky replacement is a standard part of exterior editing. The new sky is matched to the direction of the light and the reflections so the result looks natural.
Should the garage door be open or closed?
Closed, unless the garage is clean and a selling point. An open garage full of boxes draws the eye away from the house.
