8 Real Estate Photography Tricks to Make Any Space Look Bigger

Introduction

In a real estate market where the majority of buyers begin their search online, compelling visuals are more than just a nice-to-have—they’re essential. According to the National Association of Realtors, 97% of homebuyers rely on online listings, and among them, 89% cite photos as one of the most useful features. For smaller or oddly shaped spaces, this means presentation is everything. That’s where Real Estate Photography Tricks can make a dramatic difference. These methods don’t manipulate reality but highlight the best version of a property, making it more inviting and open to buyers.

Here are eight expertly chosen Real Estate Photography Tricks to transform even the smallest room into a spacious-looking showpiece.

Open Doors to Expand the View

One of the simplest yet most powerful Real Estate Photography Tricks is to open doors before you begin photographing a space. Closed doors act as visual walls, instantly terminating the viewer’s line of sight and making a room feel boxed in. By contrast, open doors extend the viewer’s gaze beyond a single room, promoting a feeling of movement and connectivity throughout the home.

This tactic is particularly useful in older homes where layouts tend to be more segmented. An open door to a hallway or adjoining room immediately introduces depth, while an open bathroom door in a tight ensuite setup suggests the space is larger and more integrated than it might actually be. According to Zillow, listings that present visual continuity through rooms enjoy a significant increase in engagement and time spent on listing pages, with some reports showing a 20% rise in click-through rates.

And don’t forget patio doors—opening them up to a sunny backyard or balcony extends the perceived boundaries of the space in a way that closed curtains never could.

Before: Empty Room

After: Virtual Staging by Digihomestudio.com

Use a Wide-Angle Lens the Right Way

Among the most frequently used Real Estate Photography Tricks is wide-angle photography. Wide-angle lenses enable you to capture more of the room in each shot, from corner to corner and ceiling to floor, giving viewers a more complete and immersive perspective.

However, this trick can easily be overused. Go too wide, and rooms appear distorted or fish-eyed. Walls may bow unnaturally, and furniture could look stretched. That’s why professionals typically use a lens in the 16–35mm range for full-frame cameras or 10–22mm for crop sensors. These lenses strike the perfect balance between capturing more of the space and maintaining realistic proportions.

A Redfin study in 2023 confirmed that listings using properly shot wide-angle photos sold 39% faster and for higher prices than those with standard smartphone images. It’s a significant performance edge—but one that requires careful execution to avoid misrepresentation.

Maximize Natural and Artificial Lighting

When considering Real Estate Photography Tricks to make a space appear larger, never underestimate the power of light. Dark spaces feel cramped and claustrophobic. Bright spaces, on the other hand, feel open, clean, and breathable. Natural light, in particular, creates soft shadows and highlights that give dimension to surfaces and depth to corners.

Begin by opening every window covering. Sheer curtains can stay if they add softness, but heavy drapes should be pulled aside entirely. Turn on all interior lights—even those that may seem redundant during the day. The goal is to eliminate any dark zones and achieve a consistent level of brightness throughout the image.

Mixing light temperatures can introduce editing challenges, so it’s best to use daylight bulbs (around 5000 to 6500K) to match the color temperature of sunlight. Consistency in light helps prevent unnatural color casts that can make a room feel disjointed or smaller than it is.

According to a Homelight survey, bright and well-lit rooms can increase perceived value by over $10,000 in buyer estimates. Proper lighting truly pays off.

After: Virtual Staging by Digihomestudio.com

Declutter Like a Pro

A cornerstone of effective Real Estate Photography Tricks is removing visual distractions that clutter a room’s surfaces. Every object in a photograph consumes visual real estate. A toaster on the kitchen counter, shoes by the door, or toys in the living room all give the impression that the space is full, even when the square footage is not.

Before the shoot, go through each room with a minimalist mindset. Remove magnets from fridges, stow away personal toiletries, and clear off side tables. The emptier the room feels (without becoming barren), the larger it looks.

In cases where physical decluttering isn’t feasible—such as tenant-occupied properties—digital decluttering is a valuable option. Photo editing services can remove unwanted items post-shoot, helping reveal the actual space without altering its structure.

The Center for REALTOR® Development reports that decluttered images receive up to 300% more views than cluttered ones. That’s three times the attention for less visual noise.

Before: Empty Room

Virtual Staging by Digihomestudio.com

Find the Most Expansive Shooting Angles

Sometimes the best Real Estate Photography Tricks come down to positioning. The angle from which you shoot a room can drastically alter its perceived size. Shooting from a doorway or far corner is often the most effective approach, as it maximizes the viewable area in the frame.

Keep your camera at approximately chest height—roughly five feet off the ground—to create a natural and proportional viewpoint. This height avoids extreme ceiling or floor emphasis and presents the room as the human eye would see it.

Additionally, maintaining level horizontal and vertical lines is critical. Tilted camera angles may seem creative, but they disrupt the viewer’s sense of balance and scale. Straight lines make rooms appear orderly and open.

Research published by PropertyPal found that listings using consistent angles and professional framing techniques experienced 24% more inquiries compared to poorly composed images.

Use Smart Staging or Virtual Furniture

Among the most transformative Real Estate Photography Tricks is the use of furniture to define how a room can be used. Done correctly, staging suggests possibilities. Done poorly, it makes a room feel smaller and confused.

Scale matters. Avoid overstuffed sofas, large sectionals, or king-size beds in tight rooms. Instead, opt for pieces that are sleek, modern, and proportional to the space. Floating furniture away from walls can also create better flow and show off walkways.

If physical staging is impractical, virtual staging can be just as effective. It allows you to furnish a room digitally, with control over color, scale, and style—without lifting a single chair.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 82% of agents say staging helps buyers visualize a property as their future home, and virtually staged properties can command higher prices when the edits are realistic and tasteful.

Before: Empty Room

After: Virtual Staging by Digihomestudio.com

Include Outdoor Views to Extend the Room

One of the most underused Real Estate Photography Tricks is incorporating outdoor elements into interior shots. Windows and doors are gateways to light—but also to space. A shot that includes a deck, garden, or even a tree-lined street beyond the window automatically increases the viewer’s sense of spaciousness.

Make sure windows are clean and window sills are clear to frame the outdoor scene properly. Adjust exposure to prevent windows from being blown out; use bracketing and HDR techniques if needed to balance the interior and exterior lighting.

Even a glimpse of a balcony in an apartment listing can give the impression of an extended living area. Homelight’s data shows that properties with visible outdoor features in interior shots spend less time on market—up to ten days fewer than similar listings.

Enhance with Subtle, Honest Photo Editing

The final and often make-or-break Real Estate Photography Tricks involve editing. Post-processing allows you to fix white balance, brighten dark corners, and correct lens distortion—all of which can help a room feel more spacious and inviting.

However, the editing should never cross into the realm of deception. Oversaturation, digitally stretching walls, or inserting unrealistic lighting can backfire when buyers view the property in person. Keep skies blue, grass green, and walls true to tone.

Professional editing services specialize in subtle, high-impact enhancements. According to BoxBrownie’s 2022 data, listings with edited images receive 61% more online views than unedited ones. But again, the emphasis must always be on clarity, not illusion.

Suggestions for Virtual Staging & Professional Photo Editing Services

If you are looking for a professional virtual staging service at an affordable price, Digihomestudio.com is a worthy place for you to trust and accompany. You can expect to invest around $29 for a meticulously designed and lifelike final image, suitable for showcasing your home across various digital platforms.

We have a network of world-class virtual stage editors and designers in Vietnam. To ensure the best level of service, the customer service team is located in the US.
Our virtual home staging services include:

• Staging for empty or furnished rooms
• 2D and 3D floor plans
• Change the color of the walls and floors
• Virtual renovation
• Erase furniture and small objects
• And much more!

If you’re prepared to elevate your real estate marketing strategies, reach out to Digihomestudio.com now and experience the benefits of collaborating with one of the top virtual staging firms available today.

Virtual Staging by Digihomestudio.com

Final Thoughts: Small Space, Big Potential

Making a room look bigger isn’t about trickery—it’s about helping buyers see the full potential of the space. The right Real Estate Photography Tricks allow small spaces to breathe, shine, and sell without false promises. Each technique—from door positioning to digital editing—contributes to a visual narrative that welcomes the buyer in, no matter the square footage.

By applying these tricks, agents and photographers can ensure their listings don’t just look good—they stand out, perform better, and move faster in the market.