The Best Time to Take Real Estate Photos | Tips for Your Listings

What’s the secret to stunning real estate photos that attract buyers? It’s all about timing. A picture is worth a thousand words – and in real estate, the timing of that picture can be worth thousands of dollars. When marketing your listings, the right moment can make all the difference in your listing photos. We’ll guide you through the best time to take real estate photos that maximize your property’s appeal and attract more potential buyers. From the best time of day to the best time of year, Square Foot Photography is here to help you market your listings in their best light!

Why Does Timing Matter?

The time of day and year significantly impact the quality of your listing photos. Lighting is the key: it affects brightness, shadows, and how realistically colors are represented. Dark, shadowed rooms make a home look smaller and less appealing. While our editors are talented experts, the end result is so much better when you start with high-quality images. Choosing the best time to take real estate photos for each specific property ensures it looks its absolute best for marketing purposes.

Best Time of Day

A property’s location is crucial for determining the best time to take real estate photos, especially for the all-important “hero shot.” Eastern-facing homes benefit from morning light, while western-facing homes shine better in the afternoon sun. This ensures the front of the house is well-lit and welcoming. North and south-facing homes offer more flexibility, as they generally receive consistent light throughout the day.

When it comes to the interior, consider the windows in the main living spaces. If there’s a particular time of day when it’s naturally brightest, be sure to tell your photographer. This helps photographers capture interior spaces at their most inviting and are more likely to catch the eye of interested buyers.

The Best Time for Twilight Photos

Twilight photos, taken at sunset or dusk, add a touch of magic to your listings. For the best photos, begin the shoot a couple of hours before sunset for that day. This allows the photographer to capture the transition of light and create truly stunning images from different perspectives. However, especially during long summer evenings, scheduling a real-time sunset shoot can be challenging. In these cases, our virtual twilight add-on is perfect! We’ll create beautiful twilight effects in post-editing, regardless of the actual time of day in the photo.

Best Time of Year

The time of year also matters – spring and summer are typically ideal for real estate photography. Lush green grass and vibrant landscaping naturally enhance a property’s curb appeal. However, you can’t always wait for the perfect season. If you need photos in fall or winter, try to schedule your shoot on a sunny day. Our expert editing team can work wonders, enhancing the greenness of the grass with our virtual sod add-on and even guaranteeing a blue sky (virtually) in your photos, regardless of the weather.

Timing is everything when it comes to real estate photography. By understanding the impact of light and working with a skilled photographer, you can capture stunning images that showcase your property’s best features and attract potential buyers. Whether it’s the golden hour glow or the magic of twilight, the right moment can make all the difference.

Contact us today to schedule your next photo shoot, and let us help you figure out the best time to take real estate photos for each property you list!