SHOOTING REAL ESTATE: OPEN OR CLOSED DOORS?
For many real estate photographers, it’s a burning question: to open the doors or not to open the doors? Some may think it’s a futile conundrum, but whether or not you open the doors in a home can actually make all the difference in the outcome of the photos.
The Short Answer...
Yes, you should open the doors.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Doors that hide clutter, personal belongings, or toilets are best kept closed, but otherwise, the simple act of opening a door can enhance the look and feel of a photo in a huge way.
Keep reading to find out why you should open those doors nice and wide at your next photo shoot.
Give a Sense of the Layout
Real estate photography should always aim to showcase the home to its full potential, but it can also provide useful context for potential buyers. Shooting a property with open doors can give the viewer a sense of how the rooms connect with each other. Closing them cuts off the important stuff.

Create an Open and Spacious Feel
Take any room from feeling closed off and stagnant to spacious and enticing by simply opening the doors. Doors to outdoor entertainment areas and backyards should be opened to add depth and give the impression of that desirable indoor-outdoor living flow.

Make it Warm and Inviting
In both real life and real estate photography, an open door is essentially an invitation to look further. Opening doors works wonders to extend a warm welcome, particularly for external shots of the home where you can see the front door. With the front door wide open, viewers can envision themselves entering the home after a day at work.
Level Up Your Photos
Opening doors is a simple action that is sometimes so easily overlooked while on a busy photo shoot, but it can make a lasting impression on potential buyers. It’s one of the first steps you can take to make your images go from run-of-the-mill to unforgettable.
For more tips on taking your own listing photos, learn how to shoot a property for under $20 and the 9 items that are hurting your listing.
New to BoxBrownie.com? Sign up now and receive 4 edits free. No credit card is needed.
RELATED ARTICLES
This 10-step guide will help you in selecting the best shot to represent your listing so that you can capture hearts and close deals fast with a standout hero image.
READ MOREWant personalized property marketing training for your team? The property market is evolving fast—stay ahead with our exclusive virtual training sessions tailored specifically for your team.
READ MORECapturing that perfect drone real estate image might seem like a daunting task, particularly if you’re new to the property photography game, but don’t let that scare you off. In this tutorial, we will walk you through each step of the process from choosing the right drone and taking the perfect shot to having your images professionally edited.
READ MOREIn our latest video, Brad shares essential photography tips while reviewing images taken by real estate agents with SnapSnapSnap. Find out what works and what can be improved. With Brad’s insights – you can maximize every shot you take!
READ MOREExplore seven essential tips to capture an impressive real estate hero shot. From perfect timing and lighting to staging and post-editing, implement these strategies to make a lasting impression on house hunters and close more deals.
READ MOREReady to stand out and get more leads? Explore five free BoxBrownie.com resources designed to help you capture better photos, streamline your workflow, and create standout listings that drive faster results.
READ MORE