Lights, Camera, Sold! The Power of Professional Photos to Sell Your Home for More

Lights, Camera, Sold! The Power of Professional Photos to Sell Your Home for More

A picture might speak a thousand words, but it can also be worth tens of thousands of pounds when it comes to selling your home.

We live in a time of short attention spans, and, much like the ruthless culture of dating apps, if your photos don’t catch a buyer’s eye right away, they’ll simply swipe left and scroll on.

So, what’s the secret to stopping them in their tracks? Beautiful, eye-catching images taken by a qualified professional using high-grade equipment—an estate agent with a smartphone doesn’t come close.

There’s also plenty you can do to amplify that expertise behind the camera, and our handy guide is packed with tips on:

• Quick Tidying Tips for Perfect Pictures
• Essential Photos for a Winning Listing
• Maximising Space with Wide-Angle Photography
• Highlighting Details with Close-Up Shots
• Your Shopping List for Showstopping Staging

Ready to make your home a standout success? Then let’s unlock the secrets of perfect property photos.

QUICK TIDYING TIPS FOR PERFECT PICTURES

Even if you know that tidy homes look better on camera, you may not have the time for a full declutter before the photoshoot, so try these quick fixes and sneaky cheats for marvellous shots in minutes.

• Outside order: Move your wheelie bins out of view and get your car off the driveway to keep the camera’s focus entirely on your home.
• Prim and proper: Open blinds and curtains to boost natural light. Make the beds and fold back duvets at the pillows. Plump cushions. Straighten rugs and throws. Drop the loo seat lid down.
• Surface sweep: Clear kitchen counters, coffee tables, sideboards and night stands. A bowl of fruit or a stylish book stack keeps things polished without feeling bare.
• Clever concealment: Got any remote controls, bathroom products, bins, laundry baskets, or pet bowls? All should be tucked away before the camera clicks.
• Last-ditch dash: If time is super tight, stash odds and ends in boxes or bin bags and hide them in a large cupboard, garage, the back of a car… anywhere to get them out of shot.

Now then, it would be a shame to put all the clutter back, so if you’re really busy with life, rent a storage unit for everything you can manage without, then deal with it when you pack (or even after you move).

ESSENTIAL PHOTOS FOR A WINNING LISTING

A strong listing isn’t about how many photos you have—it’s about having the right ones. Hero shots stop the scroll, and it’s wise to have a few in the bank so you can rotate your images and keep things fresh.

• The view from the street: First impressions matter, so the front of your home should be captured with a tidy entrance at the right time of day to take advantage of the sun.
• The heart of the home: Whether it’s a designer kitchen, a delightful living room, or a sociable family hub, highlight the areas buyers will love most.
• A higher perspective: For homes with lots of land or remarkable surroundings, aerial shots can reveal seriously saleable qualities that can’t be captured with a regular camera.

A good estate agent will not only make firm recommendations over which hero shots to take; they’ll also work with you to capture the features that make your home special and put them centre stage.

MAXIMISING SPACE WITH WIDE-ANGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Wide-angle lenses are a photographer’s best friend, offering a fuller view of each room while making spaces feel open and inviting. But used incorrectly, they can distort reality, so we always:

• Keep it natural: Cameras should be set at eye level, rather than too low or too high. Windows usually look their best when vertically centred for a balanced image.
• Frame with care: Showing as much of a room as possible without warping its perspective. Making spaces look falsely large isn’t clever marketing – it’s the road to disappointed buyers.
• Mind the edges: Walls and corners should remain straight. Wonky angles make spaces look odd, so professionals use equipment with built-in spirit levels.

In a nutshell, a wide-angle lens in expert hands can show off the true character and style of your rooms – without creating unrealistic expectations – to target the right buyers and reduce wasted viewings.

HIGHLIGHTING DETAILS WITH CLOSE-UP SHOTS

Wide-angle photos are great at showing the big picture, but close-up detail shots capture the finer details of your home and create emotional appeal by focusing on things like:

• Texture and quality: Wood grain, stone countertops, and soft furnishings—these subtle details communicate warmth and craftsmanship.
• Character features: From traditional fireplaces and intricate cornicing to contemporary materials and joinery, they all add personality and perceived value.
• Lifestyle moments: A sunlit breakfast nook, a roaring fire, or an open book in a cosy reading corner—it’s all about selling the dream, not just the bricks and mortar.

As a final point, keep your close-ups selective and thoughtful. The idea is to create an arresting and irresistible carousel that still saves a few nice surprises for when buyers come to view.

YOUR SHOPPING LIST FOR SHOWSTOPPING STAGING

You don’t need to reinvent your rooms to turn them into photogenic spaces. Adding a few well-placed props can transform its look, and you can take everything with you when you move.

• Textiles and layering: Fabric makes spaces feel more inviting, whether it’s cushions, throws, and rugs for texture, or a runner over a well-worn table to glam up a dining room.
• Greenery and florals: Fresh flowers, plants, glass vases, and ceramic pots combine nature and design, not just for your rooms, but also as a special welcome by the front door.
• Layered lighting: Table lamps, ceiling pendants, hidden LED strips and flickering candles all create a cosy and welcoming warmth.

For a swift and successful retail mission, whether online or in store, walk around your home and make a list of where pops of colour or stylish accessories could elevate your look – then get shopping!

Are you prepping for your photoshoot?

Professionally taken pictures aren’t just about marketing your home—they’re about making buyers fall in love, and that’s where instructing an agent with outstanding photography will ensure your listing shines.

Looking for expert advice on getting your home market-ready? Call us on 01565 318 622 or email enquiries@lordandporter.com—we’ll help you showcase your home in its