Ground Photography for Residential Properties

Photography of Residential Properties is different from other types of buildings. With this guideline, we want to give you all the tools you need to create outstanding images. We will show you all the essential aspects, motifs and rules of real estate photography for creating interior and exterior shots. Guideline as of May 2024

What is different about Residential Properties? 

In the photography of residential buildings, the focus is on highlighting the property's advantages and location, distinguishing it from standard architectural photography. Below, you will find a checklist and example images of key motifs, as well as the most important rules of real estate photography.

Perspectives and Motifs 

1- The Building 

It is important to photograph the entire building from all sides and angles so that the viewer gets a good overview. For this, it is essential that the building is not cropped from the sides and, especially, from above (if possible)! Leave some space above. You can use both landscape and portrait formats for these types of properties. 

2- Outdoor Areas and Green Spaces 

The outdoor areas and green spaces are also important and should be photographed from all sides. This demonstrates that the property is well-maintained. Therefore, it is particularly important to avoid photographing trash bins or unkempt areas. 

3- Entrance Area and Stairwell 

The entrances, both inside and outside, as well as the stairwell, are important motifs as they demonstrate how well-maintained a property is. Since access to the apartments is not always possible, these photos are particularly crucial. Entrance areas also include the mailbox system and elevators. 

4- Underground Garage and Parking Facilities 

Parking spaces and underground garages are often a decisive factor for potential buyers, especially in urban areas or heavily populated residential neighborhoods where parking is limited, making them a strong selling point. 

5- Apartment 

Capturing images of an apartment is an important motif, as it gives potential buyers an overview of the apartment's layout. Use central and two-point perspectives for this purpose. 

5- Details and Facade 

To add a personal touch to the listing, presentation, or online advertisement, detail shots of the facade or other attractive features are a popular motif. 

The Rules of Architectural Photography 

1- The Central Perspective 

The central perspective is the most important perspective for real estate photography. It is crucial to position yourself centrally in front of the subject (entrance, building, etc.). In this position, the vertical lines of the building appear parallel and converge at a point in the middle. This perspective can be used outside and inside.

To illustrate this, we have marked these lines in color below. The red circle in the middle marks the vanishing point. The blue lines mark the vertical axis. The red lines mark the parallel lines in the picture that run towards the vanishing point. This perspective only works if you position yourself centrally in front of the subject! 

How does it look on site? 

When photographing the room, position yourself centrally against one wall. Make sure that your position and camera are aligned so that the vanishing point is in the center of the image.

It's sufficient to choose two sides of the room and take one photo from each. Depending on the conditions on site, the most advantageous sides may vary. For example, it’s always nice to capture the view from the window as well.

2- The Two-Point Perspective 

In addition to the central perspective, there is also the two-point perspective. In two-point perspective, two vanishing points are used to realistically depict architectural structures. These vanishing points create an effect of depth in the image and emphasize architectural details by bringing parallel lines together in the distance. 

To illustrate this, we have marked these lines in color in a few sample images. The two red circles again mark the vanishing points. The blue lines mark the horizontal and vertical axes. The red lines mark the parallel lines that can be seen in the image and which run towards the vanishing points. 

How does it look on site? 

Use the corners of the room or the most prominent corner of the subject to position yourself. Align the camera so that you are photographing into the room.

It's sufficient to choose two diagonal corners of the room and take one photo from each. Depending on the conditions on site, the most advantageous angles may vary.

3- The Rule of Thirds 

The Rule of Thirds divides the image into nine equal squares by drawing two horizontal and two vertical lines. By placing important elements or contrasts along these lines or at their intersections, you achieve a balanced and visually appealing composition. 

On-Site Notes

Here we summarize the most important rules for taking pictures and instructions on site. 

Notes for the shots: 


General instructions on location: