Before you start taking real estate photos, you need to set up your camera properly to get the best possible photos. These camera settings will determine the success of your photo shoot and the quality of the photos you take. The camera settings your real estate photography chooses will also affect how you take your photos. In this article, we will guide you through the camera settings in detail. 

Things to know for camera settings for real estate photography

Capturing stunning real estate photos isn’t just about having a high-end camera; it’s also about knowing the right camera settings for real estate photography so that you can achieve sharp, well-lit, and visually appealing images.

Aperture

Think of aperture as your camera’s eye—wider means more light, narrower means less. For real estate photography, keep it between f/8 and f/11 to ensure sharpness and a deep depth of field.

ISO

ISO determines how sensitive your camera’s sensor is to light. For real estate shots, aim for an ISO between 200-400 to keep noise levels low while still capturing enough light.

Shutter Speed

Since homes don’t move (hopefully!), use a shutter speed of around 1/125 to maintain crisp details without introducing motion blur. Pair it with a tripod for stability.

Exposure & Metering Mode

Balancing aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is key to achieving the right exposure. Use Matrix or Center-weighted metering to help your camera analyze lighting conditions and make necessary adjustments.

Shoot in RAW

If you want maximum control over exposure, highlights, shadows, and white balance in post-processing, always shoot in RAW. However, if you prefer a faster workflow, JPEG can be a decent alternative.

Composition & Camera Height

Framing is crucial. Try a mix of 1-point perspective (center-focused shots) and 2-point perspective (angled shots) to showcase the space effectively. Keep vertical lines straight using a tripod, and adjust the camera height accordingly:

• Living rooms & family rooms: 36″ – 48″ (focus on features, not furniture).
• Kitchens: 15″ – 20″ higher than the counter.
• Bedrooms: 15″ – 20″ higher than the bed.

Best camera settings for real estate photography in different lighting conditions

Getting the right settings for real estate photography depends on the lighting conditions of the room. Whether you’re shooting in a bright or dark space, here’s how to adjust your camera settings for the best results.

Rooms that are not dark

For well-lit rooms, use the following camera settings:

• Aperture – f/8
• Exposure Mode – Aperture Priority
• ISO – 400
• Shutter Speed – Determined by the camera
• Metering Mode – Matrix
• Focus Mode – Single-Shot Autofocus

Need adjustments?

• If the image looks too dark, widen the aperture to f/7.1 or increase ISO to 800.
• If the image appears too bright, narrow the aperture to f/11 or lower ISO to 200.

Rooms that are dark

For dimly lit spaces, the settings remain mostly the same, except for the metering mode:

• Aperture – f/8
• Exposure Mode – Aperture Priority
• ISO – 400
• Shutter Speed – Determined by the camera
• Metering Mode – Spot (for better light measurement in dark areas)
• Focus Mode – Single-Shot Autofocus

Best camera settings for real estate photography outdoors

Shooting exterior real estate photos requires adjusting your settings for real estate photography based on the time of day. Here’s how to set up your camera for different outdoor lighting conditions.

Camera settings for a sunny day

• Aperture – f/11 (for sharp details and depth of field)
• Exposure Mode – Aperture Priority
• ISO – 100 (to reduce noise and maintain clarity)
• Shutter Speed – Determined by the camera
• Metering Mode – Matrix (for balanced exposure across the frame)
• Focus Mode – Single-Shot Autofocus

Camera settings for night-time photography

• Aperture – f/8 (to allow more light into the lens)
• Exposure Mode – Aperture Priority
• ISO – 200 (to brighten the image while keeping noise low)
• Shutter Speed – Determined by the camera
• Metering Mode – Matrix (for an even exposure in low light)
• Focus Mode – Single-Shot Autofocus

 

Some real estate photography tips

Photography is all about capturing light

Real estate photography isn’t just about taking pictures of properties—it’s about mastering light to create visually compelling images that attract buyers. Since photos are flat and non-adaptive, we, as photographers, must manipulate light to add depth, contrast, and visual appeal.

One of the best ways to do this is by increasing dynamic range through bracketed exposures or, even better, shooting in RAW. This is because RAW format captures millions of color variations, making it the closest thing to what the human eye perceives. As a result, it allows for greater flexibility in post-processing, which ensures a balanced exposure between highlights and shadows.

With just a few tweaks in exposure and framing, you can transform an ordinary image into a striking visual masterpiece. Use light to emphasize key details, create silhouettes for dramatic effect, or guide the viewer’s eye toward architectural highlights.

At the end of the day, photography isn’t about replicating reality—it’s about reimagining it. So go ahead, experiment, and let your creativity shine. The best real estate photos don’t just show a house; they tell a story.

You should invest in a DSLR camera for real estate photography

If you’re serious about real estate photography, a DSLR camera is a must-have. Unlike smartphone cameras, DSLRs deliver high-quality images with superior depth, sharpness, and detail—making your property photos stand out in a competitive market.

One of the biggest advantages of using a DSLR is the ability to customize settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing you to adapt to different lighting conditions and capture properties in the best possible way. Whether you’re shooting a bright, sunlit exterior or a dimly lit interior, a DSLR gives you full creative control to achieve professional results.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your real estate photography portfolio, investing in a good DSLR camera is a decision that will pay off—literally. 

Use a tripod for stability & Precision

When shooting real estate photography, a tripod is your best friend. It eliminates camera shake, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds for crisp, well-exposed images. Plus, it lets you capture multiple shots from different angles—chest level, eye level, knee level, or even overhead—without losing consistency.

A tripod is also essential for bracketed exposures and window masking, techniques that require identical framing to create a polished final image. With a tripod, getting flawless results is easy peasy.

Invest in a wide-Angle lens

A wide-angle lens is a game-changer for interior photography. It allows you to capture entire rooms, from corner to corner and floor to ceiling, making spaces look bigger and more inviting.

Not only is a wide-angle lens great for real estate, but it also works beautifully for landscapes, group shots, and live events. If you want to take your property photography to the next level, this is one investment you won’t regret.

Add an external flash for better lighting

Built-in camera flashes just don’t cut it for real estate photography because they’re too weak to provide even, professional-looking lighting. That’s why an external flash comes in handy—it allows you to brighten up interiors, balance exposure, and eliminate harsh shadows so you can achieve a more polished look.

For example, a great option is the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT, which delivers powerful performance in a compact design, making it easy to carry to shoots. If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out our blog post on the best flashes for real estate photography!

Take your shots to new heights with aerial photography

Drones are game-changers for real estate photography because they capture stunning aerial views of the property, showcase its surroundings, and provide potential buyers with a bird’s-eye perspective of the neighborhood. This not only enhances the overall presentation but also helps buyers visualize the property in its entirety.

Before you take off, make sure you’re flying legally! Use apps like B4UFLY to check for airspace restrictions in your area and avoid any issues.

FAQs

What Makes a Great Real Estate Photo?

If you want to capture stunning real estate photos, you need to focus on three key characteristics:

• Lighting: The best real estate photos have plenty of natural light, making spaces look bright and inviting. Warm, vibrant colors help create a welcoming atmosphere that attracts potential buyers.
• Angle: Using a wide-angle lens and the right shooting angle ensures that every detail of the room is visible. The goal is to make spaces look spacious, well-proportioned, and aesthetically appealing.
• Details: A great real estate photo captures the small yet impactful details—like the reflection of a breathtaking window view in a mirror or the intricate design of a built-in feature. These subtle touches add depth and character to your shots.

What do you need for perfect real estate photos?

• DSLR Camera – Whether full-frame or cropped sensor, a high-quality DSLR is a must.
• Sturdy Tripod – Set it at eye height for consistent and stable shots.
• Wide-Angle Lens – Use a 16-17mm lens for full-frame cameras or a 12-15mm lens for cropped sensors to capture entire rooms effortlessly.
• External Flash System – A powerful flash helps balance indoor lighting—use it at the lowest setting for the best results.

When is the best time to shoot for perfect real estate lighting?

Getting the perfect lighting in real estate photography is all about timing. Here’s when you should schedule your shoots for the best results:

• Indoor Shoots: The best time to capture interiors is when the sun is bright and shining. Natural light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making the space look its best.
• Outdoor Shoots: The ideal time for exteriors is at dusk, also known as the golden hour. This soft, warm light enhances the home’s curb appeal and adds a professional, magazine-worthy glow.

Avoid: shooting on rainy, cloudy, or overcast days—they create uneven white balance and poor lighting, which can make photos look dull.