I’ve written this post because I find it frustrating and annoying seeing interior images shared on social media that are of a poor quality. They are often posted by property investors and estate agents and interior designers who don’t have an understanding of photography and lighting and colour. I’m here to educate and help.

The first image was taken using available light only. The colors are washed out, and the windows are blown out, causing a haze and bloom that is very unattractive. Sometimes the owner requests I don’t show the outside space and in that case I will leave the windows blown out. I use this image as a blend with the flashed image. This is the main type of image I am seeing being posted on social. It’s extremely poor and doesn’t do justice to a smart property! It shows inexperience.

The second image was lit solely by flash. It has that flash light look but I take it because flash corrects colors within the room. Look at the image again. It may well be a flat flashy image but colours are corrected. White flash was bounced off the ceiling which neutralises any colour casts from the outside and indoor furnishings.

The third image you can see a correctly exposed and color-corrected living room interior. I combined the first image for tones and the second image for colour in photoshop which is a common method used by professionals in the property photography industry.

I'm a member of many different property groups on social media, and I see lots of images there and on estate agents' pages that are poorly lit, often using photos like the first image. It seems estate agents don't understand the importance of showing properties in a pleasing way. Quite a few seem to think it’s enough to just whip out their phone and do it themselves but they’re not photographers and it unfortunately shows.

As a property photographer, it's essential to gather relevant information from the property owner before starting the photography session. Here are some key questions you should ask:

1. What are the main features of the property? Ask the owner to highlight the key selling points, unique features, and any renovations or upgrades they want to showcase.

2. Are there any specific areas of the property they want to emphasize or avoid? Inquire if there are particular rooms, views, or exterior areas that the owner wants to be the focus of the photos or if there are areas they prefer not to include.

3. What is the target audience for the property? Understanding the potential buyers or renters can help you tailor the photography to suit their preferences and needs.

4. Are there any specific angles or shots they want? Ask if the owner has any specific preferences or ideas for how they want the property to be portrayed in the photos.

5. Will the property be staged or cleaned before the shoot? Ensure that the property is presented in the best possible condition for photography. Discuss staging or cleaning arrangements with the owner.

6. Are there any time restrictions for the shoot? Check if there are specific time frames or days that work best for the property owner, especially if they need to prepare the property or coordinate other activities.

7. Is there anything in the property that should not be photographed? Some owners may have personal belongings or sensitive items they prefer not to include in the photos.

8. Will there be access to all areas of the property during the shoot? Confirm that you will have access to all the rooms and spaces needed for the photography session.

9. How will the photos be used? Discuss the usage rights and permissions for the photos, especially if they will be used for advertising, listings, or promotional purposes.

10. What is the deadline for delivering the final images? Establish a timeline for delivering the edited photos to meet the owner's needs.

By asking these questions, you'll ensure that you have a clear understanding of the owner's expectations and preferences, allowing you to capture the property in the best possible way and provide a satisfying photography experience for the property owner.

I often work with a home stager, Judith Todd owner of https://homestyle4u.com who stylises properties before I photograph them.