CAPTURE STUNNING HERO SHOTS: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY
Taking a standout hero shot in real estate marketing involves capturing an image that showcases the property in its best light, both physically and conceptually. Here are seven essential tips to create a spectacular hero shot!
1. Timing and Lighting
Shoot during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—to capture warm, soft light that enhances the property's appeal. If you're short on time and can't wait for ideal lighting, consider using our Day to Dusk edit for a mesmerizing skyline effect.

2. Composition
Frame the shot to highlight the property's best features, whether it's the front facade of a house or a compelling view from a condo.
3. Prepping and Staging
Before shooting, ensure the property is clutter-free and well-staged. Use our Item Removal & Virtual Clean services to tidy up and enhance visual appeal if needed.

Arrange furniture and decor to invoke a welcoming atmosphere that potential buyers or renters can envision themselves in. If staging is not feasible, you can use Virtual Staging to dramatically improve your hero shot.

4. Camera Settings
Use a wide-angle lens to capture more space but be careful not to distort the perspective. Shoot at a small aperture (around f/8 to f/11) for sharpness throughout the frame. HDR bracketing can also enhance your photos by capturing a range of exposures. If you are unsure how to capture bracketed photos, you can use our photo app SnapSnapSnap – it will automatically shoot different exposures for you.
5. Angles
Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering view of the property. Shooting slightly from above ground level can often make the property appear more spacious and inviting.
6. Highlight Unique Features
Showcase standout features like pools, gardens, or architectural details that make the property unique. Incorporate natural elements to enhance its appeal.
7. Editing and Post-Processing
After capturing the shot, edit it for color balance, contrast, and clarity. Avoid over-saturating to maintain natural aesthetics. Consider using our Image Enhancement service for a polished yet realistic final touch.
Follow these tips to capture a hero shot that effectively showcases your property, attracting more potential buyers or renters. Sign up at BoxBrownie.com for four free edits—no credit card needed—to see how we can elevate your hero shot to perfection!
RELATED ARTICLES
Eager to experiment with 360-degree virtual tours but are nervous about spending too much time and money getting started? In this blog, we put three of the best 360-degree budget cameras to the test to understand if it's possible to produce professional-quality virtual tours for real estate without breaking the bank.
READ MOREAre your attempts to attract new real estate clients coming up empty? Maybe you need to sprinkle in a little synergy. In this post we share some secrets to this vital component of client generation.
READ MOREWinter, spring, summer, fall – this edit has it all! Our Season Change edit is back, now part of our Virtual Renovation service. Digitally swap seasons in your property photos to boost curb appeal, keep listings fresh and more. See how your listings can shine in any season!
READ MORELove the idea of a virtual property tour but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on expensive equipment or waste hours on the photoshoot? In this tutorial, we take you through our brand new 360° Virtual Tour service and look at how it can revolutionize your property marketing.
READ MOREDiscover the best disclaimers to use in real estate marketing and when to use them. Find out why disclaimers are often essential for real estate professionals to ensure transparency, meet requirements, and manage expectations for potential viewers.
READ MOREWe just picked up the brand new iPhone 14 and one thing is abundantly clear – it is insane at taking high-quality photos! In this video, we shoot an apartment using Apple’s latest tech to showcase how much of a weapon the iPhone 14 is. Check it out now!
READ MORE