Property Photo Tips

Great photos sell properties faster. You don't need a professional camera — just your smartphone and these tips. Properties with good photos get 3x more views.

Phone Camera Setup

Clean your lens with a soft cloth

Use the wide-angle lens (0.5x) for rooms

Turn on HDR mode

Turn off flash — always use natural light

Set to highest resolution

Use grid lines (rule of thirds)

Hold phone landscape (horizontal)

Tap the screen to focus on the room, not the window

Do's

Shoot during the day — natural light is your best friend

Declutter every room before photographing

Shoot from corners to show the full room

Include the garden, pool, and street view

Take at least 10-15 photos per property

Clean windows, counters, and floors first

Turn on all lights, even during the day

Photograph the kitchen and main bathroom first — buyers look at these most

Show the view if you have one

Take landscape (horizontal) photos, not portrait

Don'ts

Don't include people, pets, or cars in driveways

Don't shoot with messy beds or full laundry baskets visible

Don't use filters — buyers want to see reality

Don't include toilets with the lid up

Don't photograph at night with only artificial light

Don't use a dirty phone lens

Don't shoot into mirrors (you'll appear in the photo)

Don't skip the exterior — it's the first impression

Recommended Photo Order

Arrange your photos in this order for maximum impact. The first photo is your "hero" — make it count.

Exterior / street view

First thing buyers see — kerb appeal matters

Kitchen

The heart of the home, most viewed photo after the hero

Main living area

Shows the lifestyle and space

Main bedroom

Buyers imagine themselves waking up here

Main bathroom

Renovation cost fears — show it's in good condition

Garden / outdoor area

SA buyers love braai areas and outdoor living

Other bedrooms

Important for families

Garage / parking

Security and practicality

Special features

Pool, view, flatlet, solar panels — what makes you unique

Budget Staging Tips

Small changes that make a big difference. Total cost: under R500.

Fresh flowers on the dining tableR50-100

New white towels in the bathroomR80-150

Remove personal photos from wallsFree

Clear kitchen counters completelyFree

Mow the lawn and trim hedgesFree-R200

Put out fresh fruit in the kitchenR30-50

Open all curtains and blindsFree

Hide bins, pet bowls, and charging cablesFree

Best Time to Photograph

Morning (8-11am) gives the best natural light for interiors. For exteriors, golden hour (30 min before sunset) creates warm, inviting photos. Overcast days actually work well — the clouds act as a natural diffuser and reduce harsh shadows.

Ready to list your property with great photos?

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