![\"JPbombalesPhotoTipsHeader3b\"](\"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/JPbombalesPhotoTipsHeader3b.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPhotos: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re selling your home or want to show off a newly decorated space to friends and family, you need to take sharp, well-composed photos that show your home\u2019s appeal. Hiring an experienced professional is always an option (especially if you\u2019re selling a pricey property) but if you\u2019re on a tight budget or just want to share your space on Instagram, you may want to tackle the task yourself. To help you get started, we\u2019ve compiled 8 simple tips to follow to capture the perfect Instagram-able home photo.<\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing worse than taking the perfect photo of your space only to notice a distracting object in the foreground or background after your shoot. Spend some time on decluttering and organizing to save yourself a headache and having to retake the shot. Some things to look out for while prepping include remote controls on the coffee table, crooked lampshades, children\u2019s toys on the floor and electrical cords.<\/p>\n Beyond removing objects and decluttering, you should add some decorative elements to create a sense of style and visual interest. This doesn\u2019t mean you have to go out and purchase a new couch or coffee table. Little things like filling a bowl with fresh fruit, adding a vase with flowers or turning on a fireplace can add warmth or vibrancy to a scene.<\/p>\n Before you press that shutter release, take a few minutes to carefully plan and compose your photo. Think about what you want the photo to say or the mood you want to convey. Use simple photography techniques like the rule of thirds by visually dividing the scene into two horizontal lines and two vertical lines. Then position the subject(s) along those lines or at the points where they intersect. This creates a composition that\u2019s more interesting and pleasing to the eye compared to having the subject directly in the centre of the frame. And don\u2019t be afraid to move furniture or position yourself in various spots to get the composition you want.<\/p>\n Blurry photos caused by camera shake are a photographer’s worst nightmare. No matter how steady you think your hands are, indoor light conditions are rarely ideal for handheld photos. At first glance the image on your camera\u2019s small LCD screen might look sharp, but zooming in may reveal motion blur caused by a slower shutter speed that allows more light to hit the sensor. To make sure your photos are always clean and sharp, use a tripod or place your camera on a flat, sturdy surface. And make sure to activate your camera\u2019s timer as even the slightest movement — like your finger pressing the shutter release — can cause a little bit of shake.<\/p>\n Indoor lights can cast unwanted shadows and create white balance issues caused by incandescent light bulbs so it\u2019s best to use natural light whenever possible. Make sure to open up curtains, raise blinds and try to shoot during the day. If it\u2019s still too dark, you may need to use a flash. But beware of using the on-camera flash; they\u2019re not powerful enough to properly light a room and often create unattractive shadows. In these cases, try to use fixtures like LED pot lights that emit a cooler (less yellow) color temperature or an inexpensive LED light panel to fill in dark corners.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re taking a photo, your natural inclination is to take it from eye level while in a standing position. But when you\u2019re shooting an interior scene, a standing position will cause you to tilt the camera down which skews the verticals and creates image distortion. Instead, lower your tripod and use your camera\u2019s level to shoot straight and even at the subject.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to spend a lot of time on scrolling through home listings to find some bad real estate photography. A common mistake is seeing the photographer\u2019s reflection in a bathroom mirror or glare from a camera flash. To avoid this, try shooting from a different spot in the room or kneel down to avoid the mirror above a bathroom vanity.<\/p>\n1. Declutter your space<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Stage the scene<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3. Compose your shot<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n4. Use a tripod<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n5. Use as much natural light as possible<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n6. Shoot at a lower height<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n7. Mind your mirrors (and other reflective surfaces)<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n8. Use a wide angle lens but don\u2019t be afraid to get up close<\/h2>\n