Interior photography – how to take pictures of rental apartments?

Interior photography is a crucial element of marketing and effective sales. Accommodation facilities need high-quality photos to attract guests, who now more than ever carefully assess the appearance of rental spaces before making a reservation. In this article, you’ll find out how to present your guesthouse, house, or apartment in the best possible light.

How to prepare a property for a photo shoot?

Once you familiarize yourself with your camera’s capabilities, it’s time for the first photo shoot of your rental property. Interior photography should create a positive impression on potential guests, so it’s worth paying attention to every detail of the photographed space. If you’re capturing a bedroom, simply taking a picture of the bed won’t be enough. Enhance the look of the room with accessories such as cozy blankets or decorative pillows. You can take it a step further by placing a book or candles on the bedside table. A well-styled space evokes a sense of relaxation and encourages guests to book a stay.

The same approach can be applied to other areas of the rental. Add fresh herbs or fruits to the kitchen, decorate the dining table with seasonal flowers, or place a bottle of wine with glasses or a cup of coffee on the living room table. The only limit is your imagination. Don’t forget to remove unnecessary items, hide visible cables, and neatly arrange bedding and rugs.

Home staging – preparing interiors for photography

This practice is widely used by real estate agencies and home staging companies that specialize in preparing properties for quick and effective sales. You can successfully apply the same techniques when organizing a photo shoot for your rental property, increasing guest interest in your offer just like professional companies do. If you’re considering renting out your property for long-term stays, especially to remote workers, it’s a good idea to set up a workspace for the photos. A simple desk and a few office accessories can make a difference. Even if these items aren’t a permanent part of the interior, showcasing them in pictures can attract potential guests looking for a workation-friendly place.

How to take a good photo – remember composition

It’s often said that lighting and composition are the two most important aspects of photography. If you’re not familiar with manual camera settings, you can still take well-lit photos using the automatic mode available on every digital camera. However, while your camera can handle lighting, composition is entirely up to you. For amateur photography, focus on framing and keeping lines straight. While a crooked image can be adjusted during post-processing, it takes extra time for each photo. Before taking a picture, consider the main subject and focal point of the composition. When you have time, learn about key composition rules, such as the rule of thirds and effective framing techniques for interior photography.

Post-production – how to enhance interior photos?

Now that you know how to take a good picture, it’s important to refine each one during post-production, or digital editing. However, you don’t need expensive or complex editing software. There are many free applications available that allow you to adjust photo parameters such as contrast, white balance, and exposure, as well as crop your images to achieve the perfect composition.

Is a professional camera necessary for interior photography?

Becoming your own interior photographer is a challenge – both in terms of time and finances. Not everyone can afford it, so what are your options?

Equipment isn’t everything

If you decide to invest in a camera for interior photography, don’t forget to educate yourself on how to use it properly. You don’t necessarily need to take expensive courses or training sessions. A great place to start is the user manual that comes with your camera. It typically provides essential information on how to use the camera’s features effectively and will teach you how to shoot in manual mode – one of the best ways to improve your photography skills.

Take photos with your phone

Modern smartphones come equipped with highly advanced cameras. With a little practice, you can take clear and attractive photos of your rooms. Follow the same photography tips as you would when using a professional camera_pay attention to lighting, composition, and framing.

Hire a professional interior photographer

If you want truly exceptional results, consider hiring a professional photographer who specializes in interior photography. While this option can be costly, it ensures that your images will be of the highest quality – far superior to those taken by an amateur. Are you thinking about creating a website for your rental property? Professional photos can be used alongside a booking calendar on your site or in your social media marketing. When choosing a photographer, be sure to review their portfolio and check their experience with interior photography. Keep in mind that a photographer who excels at portrait or event photography may not necessarily have the expertise needed for capturing interiors effectively.

A few key steps to better rental property photos

Photography isn’t easy – it requires knowledge, the right equipment, and plenty of practice. However, it plays a crucial role in effective marketing for rental properties. If you want to take attractive photos that encourage bookings and boost sales, make sure to follow these key steps:

• Prepare the space before taking photos.
• Choose the right time of day for the shoot (avoid harsh sunlight).
• Capture the entire room in a single shot – take photos from the corner of the room or from a distance.
• Don’t forget the details – small touches help create a unique atmosphere.
• Include photos of the kitchen and bathroom – these are important for potential guests.
• Showcase scenic views from the windows if your property offers them.
• Take exterior shots of the property and surrounding area.
• Consider a lifestyle photo session – show guests how they can enjoy their stay in your rental.
• Think about 360-degree photography – this allows potential guests to explore the space more thoroughly before booking. You can find online tutorials on how to create such images.