How can experimenting with different perspectives change the look and feel of my photos?
Taking photos during a home viewing is one of the best ways to remember a property. However, if you are just snapping pictures from chest-height in the middle of every room, those spaces will quickly start to look flat, lifeless, and identical to one another by the end of the day.
What I can tell you is that the angle from which an image is captured entirely dictates how a space feels. There is a wonderful quote by Wayne Dyer: “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.” This is incredibly true for house hunting and the photos you take along the way!
By simply moving your camera, you can reveal the true character of a potential new home. Here is how experimenting with your perspective transforms your tour photos.
Dropping Low for Depth
Most people shoot straight ahead from eye level. Instead, try crouching down.
- Showcasing scale: Shooting from a slightly lower angle makes ceilings look higher and rooms feel more expansive, giving you a much better sense of the home’s true volume when you review the photos later.
- Highlighting materials: A lower perspective draws the eye across beautiful hardwood floors or intricate tile work that might get lost in a standard, head-on shot.
Shooting Through Doorways
Instead of standing directly inside the room to take your photo, step back into the hallway.
- Creating context: Framing a photo through a doorway gives a sense of flow and layout, helping you remember exactly how the rooms connect to one another.
- Adding dimension: Utilizing a doorframe adds a foreground element to your image, which makes the photo feel much more three-dimensional and inviting.
Zooming in on the Details
Do not just focus on capturing the whole room; zero in on what makes the house unique.
- Capturing character: Get close-up shots of original crown molding, unique vintage doorknobs, or a cozy window seat. These are the emotional selling points you will want to remember.
- Documenting concerns: Perspective is also practical. Taking a close-up photo of a crack in the foundation or a water stain from an oblique angle might reveal textures or shadows that help an inspector assess the damage later.
Changing your angle changes the story of the home you are capturing.