An apartment can be clean and tidy, yet still look poor in photos. Why? Because a camera has different rules than everyday use. In a photo, what counts is:
- symmetry,
- visual order,
- clear function of the room,
- light,
- limiting unnecessary details.
Therefore, professional interior photography is not just about equipment but also about preparing the space in advance. For an ad to be effective, the photos must support the tenant's decision from the very first moment.
15 Simple Changes That Make a Difference
1. Prepare the balcony, hallway and transition areas
These are often overlooked areas, yet they create the final impression. Emphasize the balcony's function as a place of relaxation.
2. Clear countertops and work surfaces
Kitchens and bathrooms should look spacious in photos. Kettles, dish drainers, cosmetics, detergents, and random trinkets visually take up space. Leave only 1-2 decorative or utilitarian items that look aesthetically pleasing. Hide the rest, at least for the duration of the photoshoot.
3. Take care of daylight
Open the windows, raise the blinds, open the curtains, and wash the windows. It's one of the simplest things, yet one of the most underrated. Natural light makes an apartment feel larger, cleaner, and more welcoming. Dark photos reduce clicks almost immediately. Try capturing a beautiful sunset or something that captivates you about the apartment.
4. Replace burnt out bulbs and even out the light color
If one room has cool white light and another has warm yellow, the photos will look inconsistent. Before the shoot, it's worth checking all the lighting points. Ideally, the lights in your apartment should have similar color temperatures. This is a small detail that can greatly enhance the overall feel of the space.
5. Remove excess furniture
If something isn't functional or takes up space, it's worth removing it temporarily. When renting a fully furnished apartment, it's especially important to demonstrate that the space is practical and not overcrowded.
6. Iron the textiles
Wrinkled bedding, a crooked bedspread, or wrinkled curtains immediately affect the overall impression. Smooth fabrics bring order to the space and add a fresh feel to the room. They're an absolute must-have in the bedroom.
7. Arrange furniture to show the function of the room
Tenants need to immediately understand the purpose of a given space. If the room is occupied by a random armchair, a clothes dryer, and a desk placed at an angle, the frame will be unclear. It's better to present a simple layout: a place for sleeping, working, eating, or storage. Emphasizing function works better than decoration.
8. Add some neutral accents
A single plant, a folded blanket, bright towels in the bathroom, or an aesthetically pleasing pillow can add warmth to a room without overdoing it. The point is to ensure the apartment doesn't look empty or too "lived-in." It's important to adhere to the principle of moderation. Accessories should enhance the space, not distract from it.
9. Remove traces of everyday use
Photos clearly show stains on the faucets, residue in the shower enclosure, fingerprints on the fronts, and minor blemishes on the walls. In real life, these can be barely noticeable, but the camera highlights them. Before the photoshoot, it's a good idea to do a quick "critical inspection" from the perspective of someone seeing the apartment for the first time.
10. Fix minor bugs that "no one will notice anyway"
A crooked blind, a loose doorknob, a chipped paint job, or a drawer that doesn't close properly are all signs that the property isn't properly maintained. And if it's not properly maintained before the photos are taken, the tenant may assume the same will be true later. If the property requires major work, it's worth considering coordinating the renovations before the property goes on the market.
11. Show equipment
Show a shot of an open wardrobe, inviting the tenant to imagine whether they could fit their belongings there.
12. Look at the apartment through the lens of your phone
Before the photographer arrives, take a few photos with your phone from eye level and from corners of the room. This is a simple test that will immediately show what "jumps out" in the frame. Often, it's only on the screen that you'll notice that the carpet is crooked or there's something in the background you didn't notice before.
When is it worth outsourcing everything to specialists?
If you live outside of Krakow, have a tight schedule, or simply don't want to coordinate the preparation of the property yourself, remote leasing management can be a sensible solution. This includes not only publishing the listing but also preparing the apartment, organizing photos, contacting tenants, and providing ongoing maintenance. You can read more about this type of collaboration here: Remote Lease Management – What Can You Tell Your Company? This is a good solution for landlords who want to avoid improvisation and accelerate the start of the lease.