According to websites that specialize in real estate, posting photos in your ad will increase the chances of it being viewed by 10! Choosing the best shots of your place will set your apartment or condo apart from those of the competition and get the attention of potential renters and visitors.

Get your place ready

Before you start taking pictures, you should prep your apartment or condo the same way you would if you were expecting guests. Here are a few tips on home staging:

• Depersonalize the space: Remove personal photographs and any other personal items.
• Don’t feature your pets in your photos.
• Tidy up the space, and make room by moving around or removing bulky pieces of furniture.
• Opt for neutral colours when it comes to slipcovers for your sofa and bed; same goes for the walls if you plan on repainting them.
• Make the space look cozy by putting a flower bouquet or bowl of fruit on the dining table, by laying out plants, displaying an open parasol on the patio, etc.

The rooms to photograph

• About 10 photographs should be enough to put in your ad, depending on the size of your home.
• Not all rooms should be treated with the same importance or have the same kind of interest. For example, it’s useless to photograph a broom closet. However, when it comes to the living room, kitchen or bedrooms, don’t hesitate to take shots from various angles and viewpoints.
• If you live in a sought-after neighbourhood or your apartment affords a spectacular view, take a panoramic shot.
• For the main thumbnail: Choose the best photo of a large room, like your living room or bedroom.

Angles, lenses and props

• Stand in a corner of the room you’re ready to shoot, so as to benefit from a greater angle. Or, use a wide-angle lens and make sure that the ceiling appears in the upper part of the frame.
• When taking pictures of a large room (like the living room), frame the image horizontally. Take vertical shots of smaller rooms (like the washroom).
• Take shots of a room from different angles and viewpoints. Don’t hesitate to climb onto a chair or position yourself at the top of the stairs to take bird’s-eye  view shots.

The right lighting

• Photograph your place when the light is as its best.
• Even if it’s daytime, use the flash and turn on all the lights to highlight the cozy aspects of the place.
• An external flash and tripod will help you to avoid any motion blur and benefit from optimal light conditions.
• When it comes to rooms with a window, use the flash and adjust the exposure so you can shoot against the light without backlighting problems.

Touch-ups!

• Touch-up your photos with an image editing software; enhance the lighting and make the colours brighter. 
• Before you post your ad online, make sure your pictures are the biggest they can be, while reducing their file size.