This document provides photography tips for real estate agents. It discusses camera basics like using the viewfinder instead of LCD screen, knowing your camera settings like aperture and ISO, and using larger light sources to reduce harsh shadows. When photographing interiors, it recommends using a wide-angle lens, small aperture, turning on lights, and composing with a key interior element in mind. For exteriors, it suggests considering the best lighting conditions and photographing from various angles. Post-production software options and useful iPhone photography apps and techniques are also outlined.

1. Karen’s Photo Tips for REALTORS
Camera and Lighting Basics:
1. Hold the camera close to your body if you aren’t using a tripod. Use the viewfinder whenever possible instead
of the LCD screen.
2. Get to know your camera
a. Landscape setting is your friend! Not only will it make colors more vibrant (saturated) but it keep the
lens opening smaller which allows for more detail in the photo.
b. Don’t be afraid of the exposure compensation settings. Compensating for too little or too much light
can help you in tricky light situations
c. Know how “hot” your flash is. In some cases, you are better off increasing the ISO (speed) to 800 or
even higher than using flash. You can change the ISO in the settings of your camera. NOTE: higher the
speed, the grainier or noisier the picture becomes.
3. The bigger the light source the softer the light. A small flash will produce more harsh light than a large flash
bounced off the ceiling. The ceiling then created a LARGER source.
REMEMBER THE GUIDELINES: What is my subject? How can I emphasize my subject? How can I remove any
distractions?
Photographing Interiors
1. Use a wide angle lens. Most point and shoot cameras have about a 35mm lens. Digital SLRs will have a variety
of lenses. Choose one that works best for you. 14-24mm is a great range for interiors.
2. Use a tripod and make sure the camera is not tilted up or down. This helps with minimizing any tilt in the
vertical lines of the room. Be sure that door frames are straight.
3. Get rid of clutter
4. Use a small lens opening (aperture) around F/11 or f/16
5. Turn on lights. Unless the lights are fluorescent, which gives a green cast, lights will help to add warmth to the
photo and give more fill. If outside light is too bright, draw the curtains to keep the light more even.
6. Try various angles, some from higher up, or place yourself in a corner.

2. 7. Minimize the ceiling in the photo, unless it is of interest.
8. Find a key element and compose with the key element in mind.
Photographing Exteriors
1. Consider time of day. When is the light the most flattering to the structure? For
exteriors, stronger light can create better contrast (early morning or before sunset)
2. Photograph key elements. Railings, an interesting door, window frames can become the focal point.
3. Wide angle lens and small lens openings apply here as well.
4. If you don’t have a wide angle lens, carefully back up and take the photo from further away.
5. Angles are important. Taking a photo straight on may not do the home justice. You may have to position
yourself at a diagonal to get a better photo. Remember to hold the camera straight.
Post Production:
1. Photoshop Elements vs. Photoshop CS4
a. $80 vs. $700 - Free trials available on Adobe.com
2. Lightroom
a. $300
3. GIMP – www.gimp.org
a. Free
iPhone Apps & Tips (tips apply to most phones)
1. Apps
a. Photogene – fix up photos, crop, etc
b. Autostitch – take multiple photos and
software will create a stitched photo
c. Photoshop – mobile version of editing software.
2. Tips:
a. Forget resolution – only matters if you are enlarging
b. The camera needs the right amount of light and is pretty sensitive. Back lighting confuses the sensors.
c. Hold the phone as still as possible and be patient with the shutter button. BOTH HANDS
d. Take a number of photos at various angles.
More Resources:
Active Rain Groups for Photography
Photo.net - camera reviews, tips, articles
Guide to camera symbols: http://photonotes.org/cgi-bin/view.pl?letter=!
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