The Best Time of Day for Listing Photos
5-minute read for Realtors, Vacation Rental Owners, & Brick & Mortar Businesses
Lisiting photo for Cristina Zalavarria, Windermere/North
If you’re like us, you’re still adjusting to daylight savings time here in the PNW. Suddenly we’re all acutely aware of what time the sun rises and sets, and it’s reminded us of a question we’ve been asked many times.
What is the best time of day for listing photos?
You want to hire a professional photographer because you know how important amazing photos are for listings. Other factors do come into play, though. To make the photographer’s work as good as possible, you also need to take into account lighting conditions.
Lighting makes a BIG difference when it comes to photography, as we’re sure you’re aware. The amount and angle of sunlight matter for both exterior and interior shots. That means the time of day plays a big role in how your house will look in the final photographs.
We understand that realtors have to coordinate multiple parties when it comes to photos. There are often cleaners and stagers involved, all on top of the photographer’s and home owner’s time restraints. These guidelines will help you understand when a house will look its best, but it will be impossible to capture every area in the most optimal conditions. That’s okay! Consider which features you want to highlight in your marketing visuals and do try to schedule around those.
Exterior Photos
The general rule for exterior shots is that you want the sun behind the camera. We want as much light on the house as possible and as few shadows as possible. This will help brighten colors and keep interesting details from being hidden. Remember to take into account tall trees or other buildings that might block sunlight.
Here’s a guide that works for most homes:
North facing: late morning to early afternoon
East facing: early to mid-morning
West facing: afternoon
South facing: early morning or late afternoon
Again, to choose what time is best for your house, pay attention to when the front gets the most sunlight. During Seattle winters, the sun sits quite low on the southern horizon, so a south-facing house might have the best light at noon.
Now we’ve been focusing on the front of your house. The front photo is generally the one that will be seen first and entices buyers to click for more. Of course, if you’re choosing a time when the front looks great, your backyard probably won’t be as well lit. That might not be a huge deal for that particular house. On the other hand, if it has a phenomenal deck or pool, you’ll want to spotlight those with great pics.
To get around the lighting issues, you can schedule a second appointment (fees may apply - be sure to check with your photographer). This can also help with the same problem for interior shots.
Another option is to schedule around dawn or dusk. For many houses, these shots can add some drama and warmth to your photos from any angle. Interior and exterior lights appear brighter and give the house an inviting, cozy look.
If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to consult with clients before they schedule.
Listing photo for Tracey Kirkley Sebesta & Jason Sebesta, John L. Scott, Snohomish
Interior Photos
Interior shots will look best when lots of light comes through the windows but doesn’t shine directly into the camera (think about where the photographer will most likely stand to get the best angle of each room).
Most houses have windows facing more than one direction. One room might look best in the morning, and another will look better in the afternoon. You can either schedule a second appointment (that will help with the front vs backyard issue as well), or you can weigh which rooms are more important to highlight.
For example, a small half-bath that is more functional than anything doesn’t need to be prioritized when it comes to lighting. An expansive and gorgeous master bath with a soaking tub, double sinks, and all the works should be.
Also, take into account any stunning views your house offers. You definitely want your photographer to capture that mountainscape or view of the lake. To best do that, avoid direct, full sunlight shining into the lens.
Again, focus on what’s going to sell the house, and schedule a time when those areas are well-lit.
Listing photo for Erik Zaugg and Joe Klarman, Russell Jones Real Estate
Weather
We’ve been talking a lot about sunlight. Here in the Pacific Northwest, long stretches of cloudy days aren’t uncommon. Our weather patterns can also be erratic and unpredictable—it can be sunny in West Seattle and pouring rain in Bellevue at the same time.
So how much do you need to worry about the weather when you schedule real estate photos?
The good news for PNW clients is that clouds can actually help to diffuse harsh daylight. They create a soft and even light throughout interiors and even on exteriors. During a substantial chunk of the year, there’s a very good chance that weather conditions will be cloudy and great for photos.
But you don’t need to panic if you wake up to sunlight streaming through your windows on the day of your photoshoot. Professional real estate photographers are used to working in different lighting conditions. Sometimes the weather even shifts mid-shoot. We can adjust and still capture amazing pics.
Editing also helps with this issue. We add on complementary sky replacement for exterior shots—no matter if conditions are sunny or cloudy. It adds vibrancy to the photos and makes the house pop.
While you don’t need to worry too much about the weather, we do recommend checking the forecast for heavy rain. If the Pineapple Express is coming to town, try to pick a different day. That said, we know that most realtors are working under tight time constraints. We’ve worked under rainy conditions and are still able to produce exterior shots that look inviting and not drab and dreary.
Example of rainy day lisiting photo for Renee Pilchard, Realty One Group Orca, Pilchard Properties
Now you know when a house will look its best in a photo. Remember to prioritize areas you’d like to spotlight for potential buyers, and if in doubt, you can always chat with us before scheduling a session. By choosing the right time of day, your listing photos will look even more spectacular and generate more interest from buyers.