I read this great article about taking better photos of your house at Digital Photography School. I thought it may be helpful to those of you who, like me, enjoy taking photos of your home. It could also be good for anyone putting a house up for sale by owner.
Almost everything was new to me. I always take outdoor photos of the house from the same angle in full sunlight. The article suggests trying new angles and shooting closer to dusk. So, I tried it out.
This is my normal angle for house photos. It’s fine, but the trees are really blocking the house, it’s a little boring and the windows look dead. And, holy moley… those are some crazy shadows.
Let’s try a shot when it’s a little darker outside. Much better without the harsh shadows. The sky isn’t as pretty, but the house looks prettier.
Let’s try a new angle instead. I like that the house seems to have more depth and the other tree is showing. I also like the look of the landscaping a lot better in this photo. But, I need to crop out the window unit upstairs. Ick.
Now, let’s get closer to dusk. Looks like there may be life inside that house.
I don’t have Photoshop, so I’m sure that using a program could clean these up even more. But, I think the last two are the best.
What do you think? Do you like the new angle and the idea of evening shots?
My neighbor did. She asked me to take some of her house, too.
Happy weekend!
I just figured out white balance on my camera and it made all the difference for inside shots – so now I can move onto house shots in my self taught photography class. Thanks for the link – and can I say just one more time how much I LOOOOVE your house? From all angles.
Wow it is amazing what a difference a different angle and lighting make. I am definitely checking out that article. I always spend a lot of time thinking about lighting and staging on my interior house shots, but so much on the exterior. Obviously I need to put a little more thought into it!
I like the one second to the bottom, also perhaps try messing around with your white balance to get the colors to stay consistent with changing light.
I agree, the close up shots are the best esp the next to last one where the windows are glowing and the red door really pops again the color of the siding. Looks so inviting. I love the red flower pot idea with the house numbers on them. Cute.
When I was in college, the photo instructors always said “overcast” skies give you the best shots, but I think the dusk shots look pretty damn good!
Wow! Who knew dusk was our friend in house shots? I totally need to try this. Do you use a tripod? I find that my snappy doesn’t like the dark very well if it’s not completely still. Maybe I’ll put an SLR on my Christmas list….along with drywall and kitchen lights. 😉
This such a great idea, I too try and take my pics of our house in full son from the same angle. I’m going to try what you suggested and shot our exterior shots from the evening light .
your house is so pretty!
I’ve experimented a lot with what angle, time of day, etc…. it’s tough!! I found for our house that noon on a non-overcast day was the best time to photograph. I’d get no shadows and a blue sky. As for the trees… I actually like the first angle better because you don’t see anything but your house and the pine tree is awesome! Have you tried stepping a few steps to the right and getting less of the tree? You’d still be on an angle, but not quite straight out from the front door. As for photoshop — I love it and use it for photo editing constantly. Photoshop Elements is it’s inexpensive friend that you can get for $150 (sometimes cheaper if you shop around) and it will do all the photoediting you need! You could remove telephone wires, a weed you forgot to pull… pretty much anything can be retouched. That said, your pictures are fantastic without editing — you rock the house photography in my book!! Have a great weekend!! 🙂
Oh absolutely, this is a great little tutorial. I’ll have to take some good shots of my house too!
Dude, you should totally get Photoshop, it’s SO worth it!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Good shots! I worked with a Realtor for 7 years, and learned a lot about photographing houses. Shooting in Spring or early summer is best (duh) b/c you don’t have dead foliage, and you were spot on with seeing those shadows. Of course, you want to make sure there are no cars in the driveway and that you do your best not to get neighboring houses, etc. in the shot.
Interesting! Thinking about it, I have heard the term “sweet light” when referring to dawn and dusk for photos. And walking my neighborhood in the evening, I’m always exclaiming to my husband how pretty everything looks in that light. But, I have never once thought about applying that to taking pictures of our house. DUH! I’m going to give that a try this weekend. And great tip on taking pictures on a cloudy day (I never would have thought to do that–I always run out when it’s super sunny thinking I’m going to capture a great shot, haha!). Thanks so much for sharing this and experimenting on your house. So helpful!
The house really does look so warm and cozy in that one picture. Your home is an inspiration to me…it is so well maintained. I love a well maintained home and hope to get there soon. I do like the pictures at this angle and at dusk. I like that the bigger tree is out of the picture because it allows for more focus on the house…great job!
I like the second photo best because you can see all pops of red. To me, that color and style makes the house look “lived in”. It’s amazing how getting closer makes such a big difference. Thanks for sharing!
I love the next-to-last one. But your house is fabulous and warm and homey in any shot. 🙂
Looks really great! I will definitely be reading that article. 🙂
Your house is just too freaking cute, I love it. And can’t wait to show up on your front door. ha. Anyway, I like the new angle best, I know nothing about photography but I think shooting up from below really makes it look better. And it’s amazing how the color of your house changes with the lighting.
Anyway, this is too weird because I just spent yesterday early evening shooting the nursery. And now I can’t decide if I want to wait til this weekend when I can get the morning light too and compare. I clearly have too much time on my hands 🙂
kim – great shots. i’ve discovered this too as i’ve tried to take photos of the b&b. for me … morning is actually best. at the right time i get this great light that comes across the front of the house. it brightens everything up and i still get the beautiful blue sky.
have you tried a shot in the morning?
i actually like the second photo the best. it looks more inviting as the sidewalk sorta welcomes you. in the other photos, you can’t really see the sidewalk. i also like that the pine tree is in that shot too. such a pretty tree!
you have a beautiful home!