Hey there, aspiring real estate photographers! Today, we’re diving into one of the most important aspects of capturing stunning property photos—camera settings. Getting the right settings can make all the difference between a lacklustre shot and one that truly wows potential buyers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills, mastering your camera is key. This guide will walk you through the settings I personally use to get bright, crisp, and professional-looking real estate photos every time.

The importance of shooting in manual mode:
In real estate photography, consistency is critical. Shooting in manual (M) mode gives you complete control over your images, unlike auto mode which can make inconsistent decisions about exposure and focus. Taking control with manual settings is essential for achieving professional results.
Aperture:
Aperture controls the amount of light entering your lens and influences depth of field. For real estate, we generally want everything in the room sharply focused. Therefore, a smaller aperture (larger f-number) is ideal.
- Interiors: f/8 to f/11 for maximum sharpness from foreground to background.
- Exteriors: f/5.6 to f/8 allows more light while maintaining acceptable sharpness.
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to open the aperture widely in low light. Instead, use a tripod and maintain a smaller aperture for optimal sharpness.

Shutter speed:
Shutter speed determines how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. Since homes don’t move, we can use slower shutter speeds indoors to let in more light.
- Indoors: 1/60 to 1/4 second (depending on lighting). Always use a tripod if slower than 1/60th.
- Outdoors: 1/100 to 1/250 second, especially on bright days.
Pro Tip: A tripod is your best friend in real estate photography, especially with slower shutter speeds. It prevents blur from hand movement.

ISO:
ISO controls your camera’s light sensitivity. Higher ISO means brighter images, but it also increases the risk of noise (grain).
- Indoors: Aim for ISO 100 to 400 to minimize noise.
- Outdoors: ISO 100 is usually ideal on bright days.
Pro Tip: Only increase ISO if necessary and try to keep it below ISO 800 to avoid excessive grain.

White Balance:
White balance affects colour accuracy. We want whites to appear white, so accurate white balance is crucial.
- Auto White Balance (AWB): A convenient default, especially when moving between rooms with varying lighting.
- Daylight (5200K): Ideal for naturally lit rooms and sunny outdoor shots.
- Tungsten (3200K): Suitable for rooms lit by warm, incandescent lighting.
Pro Tip: Always review your images on-site. Adjust white balance manually if needed, and further refine it during post-processing.

Focus settings:
Sharpness is essential. Use precise focus settings instead of relying on auto-focus.
- Single Point AF: Allows you to select a specific point for focusing, such as a central feature.
- Manual Focus (MF): Offers complete control, especially beneficial for interiors.
Pro Tip: Zoom in on your camera’s display after taking a shot to verify that everything is sharply in focus.

Recap and final pro tips:
- Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for sharpness.
- Shutter Speed: Slow (1/60 or lower with a tripod) for well-lit interiors.
- ISO: Keep it low (100-400) for clean images.
- White Balance: Adjust based on the lighting.
- Focus: Use manual or single-point focus.
Always review your images on-site to check sharpness and exposure. Adjust settings as needed—real estate photography requires adaptation to each unique space.
Let us know your questions and don’t forget to come back for more tips and tutorials! Happy shooting!
Are you a Real Estate agent in need of photos or videos? Capture the attention of potential buyers with professional real estate photography and videography. Contact me today to schedule a shoot and elevate your property listings.