Undoubtedly, the pivotal element of any real estate listing lies in its photographs. Exceptional images attract throngs of potential buyers, sparking competitive bids. Conversely, subpar photos can lead to a stagnant property, irrespective of its price.

Yet, what goes into creating the enchanting allure of listing pictures? To unravel the mystery, we engaged in discussions with seasoned real estate photographers to gain insights into the intricate process behind the scenes.

Spoiler alert: It's far more complex than one might imagine!

To substantiate this claim, consider this interview with Kaitlin Kent, who was recently commissioned to photograph a 4,154-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath residence in Phoenix.

*This gorgeous home was just relisted for the first time since 2014.*

Anticipating a smooth and aesthetically pleasing shoot due to its prime location, Kent remarked, "I was expecting it to be updated and easy to shoot, with white walls and excellent lighting—a real estate photographer’s dream."

However, her seasoned perspective reminded her that properties seldom align with such ideal conditions. "You truly never know what surprises are waiting inside," she conceded. "I’ve encountered peculiar pets like potbellied pigs and giant tortoises, as well as homes that perhaps should have been demolished rather than listed on the market."

In preparation for potential challenges, Kent conducted online research, discovering "poorly lit, grainy pics from the last time it was listed in 2014."

*This old photo from the 2014 listing was cluttered and dark.*

These listing photos were taken almost ten years ago. It is reasonable to assume that the condition of the house has improved since then, right? Continue reading to discover what she observed and learn important lessons that all home sellers should consider.

*The 2023 version of this living room definitely looks sleeker.*

The entrance: Show off tall ceilings

*This stunning entryway definitely deserved to be highlighted.*

“I knew when I walked in that the ceilings, archways, and pillars were going to be a point of interest,” Kent says.

“Typically, real estate photos should be level. However, here I had to get creative and throw in some artsy tilted shots to show the ceilings.”

*The archways made for some eye-catching listing photos.*

However, as the shoot progressed, it became increasingly challenging.

*To capture the interesting ceilings, photographer Kaitlin Kent had to get creative.*

The living room: Clear the clutter

*One of many rooms on this shoot that had to be decluttered before it could be photographed properly*

"The size of this home is a little over 4,000 square feet, and under normal circumstances, I can complete the photoshoot in about an hour and a half if everything is prepared and the lighting is adequate," Kent explains. "However, in this case, I encountered low lighting and a cluttered house that was not at all ready to be photographed."

Although the homeowners were considerate enough to leave the premises during the shoot, Kent believes it would have been better if they had been instructed to clean and organize their belongings beforehand.

“The real estate agent and her assistant were scrambling to make beds, hide trinkets, and stuff things in closets. Honestly, I would rather shoot a hoarder house than have real estate agents trying to stage a home as I am shooting. This house was chaotic, with the agent going from room to room in a zigzag frenzy while moving pillows and blankets and knickknacks and chairs.”

*This angle makes this living room look cozy.*

After successfully clearing the living area, the next hurdle was to capture what Kent refers to as "lifestyle shots" - creating an inviting ambiance. While these shots are typically associated with vacation rentals, they can be applied to any home, especially if it boasts vacation-worthy elements like a cozy fireplace.

*Who doesn’t want a fireplace in their new home? It was smart to play up this feature.*

The kitchen: Clean all shiny surfaces

In the kitchen, which is another crucial shot for a successful listing, Kent faced additional challenges. "There were crumbs and various small objects scattered across the countertops, and even leftover coffee in the coffee pot," Kent recalls.

While these may seem like minor issues to the untrained eye, Kent explains, "Even the smallest imperfections like smudges and streaks can be noticeable in photos." This is especially true for the kitchen, with its numerous shiny surfaces made of stainless steel and chrome.

To overcome this, Kent found a clever solution: "I adjusted the angle of my tripod to hide the countertop grime, lowering it to a position that concealed the imperfections."

Nevertheless, it is always preferable for kitchens to be impeccably cleaned prior to a photoshoot. The same principle applies to mirrors and windows.

"There are several important steps to take in preparing your home before the arrival of the photographer," Kent clarifies. "While it is primarily the responsibility of the real estate agent, homeowners can greatly assist by decluttering and arranging for a professional cleaning service beforehand."

*The kitchen really needed a good cleaning, so Kent worked the angles to hide any grime.*

For home sellers who may be short on time or energy to clean and declutter, an alternative option is to consider virtual staging. "In the past, I have photographed homes that were in disarray, but the real estate agent had plans for virtual staging," Kent explains. "Opting for virtual staging can be a convenient solution that reduces stress for everyone involved."

The bedroom: Make your bed

Attention, home sellers: Even if you find it difficult to muster the energy to make your bed every morning, it is advisable to do so before a real estate shoot. In this particular home, Kent was dismayed to discover that the beds were left unmade. Fortunately, the real estate agent took charge and made the beds, even adding a more luxurious comforter and additional pillows for an enhanced look. Another oversight that occurred was regarding the lighting. "I noticed that one of the bedside lamps was not functioning," Kent recollects. "The agent had to leave momentarily to obtain a replacement lamp."

*This bedroom photographs beautifully, but it also had to have new linens.*

Although the primary bedroom was eventually transformed into a "beautiful" space after making these adjustments, the other bedrooms presented a challenge due to their cluttered state. Achieving the desired minimalist and Zen-like ambiance in these rooms proved to be tricky. "This particular bedroom required a complete overhaul," Kent explains while referring to the photo below. "As I moved around the room, the agents and I had to rearrange a box to ensure it was out of the shots. However, there were still some items left on the nightstand that couldn't be moved."

*This bedroom had to be completely remade during the shoot.*

Bathroom: Keep it light and bright

Lighting plays a crucial role in bathrooms, and for the photographed bathroom below, Kent noted, "all three lights were out." she added. "Fortunately, there was a skylight that provided some natural light."

*Natural light saved this bathroom shot.*

Outside: Lighting matters here, too

Kent was delighted to discover that the backyard boasted impressive amenities such as a large pool, outdoor kitchen, and batting cage. However, he understood that these features would not be showcased effectively without proper lighting. Fortunately, the sun was positioned favorably, illuminating the backyard in all its glory. Home sellers should take note of the timing of their photoshoot. Typically, it is advisable to avoid scheduling the shoot during times when long shadows may be cast, such as in the morning or evening. However, if the house has artificial lighting in the outdoor areas and in the pool, twilight shots can create a magical ambience.

*The gorgeous pool was a major selling point of this house.*

*Not only is there a pool, but there is a palm tree and a batting cage in this pic.*

So what happened to this house?

Despite being listed at a significantly higher price of $1,389,000 compared to Phoenix's median price of $469,838, this particular property managed to attract an offer in just 22 days on the market. While the final sales price and specific details of the deal remain unknown, Kent is not surprised by the relatively quick offer. In today's slow real estate market, it is even more crucial for a home to be presented at its best in order to stand out. Although this particular home had a successful outcome, Kent hopes that her experiences serve as a reminder to home sellers that achieving beautiful photos requires ample preparation on their part.

Kent emphasizes the importance of being fully prepared when getting a home ready for a photoshoot. Even if homeowners believe they are ready, there is likely something they have overlooked. Kent often finds something that needs to be moved or hidden during a walkthrough, but it is not their job to clean or organize the space. With a busy schedule, photographers appreciate when homeowners are already prepared, as it makes their day much more efficient.