When it comes to selling or letting a home, first impressions happen online — and your photos are doing the talking. Yet time and time again, listings underperform because of simple photography mistakes that turn potential buyers or guests away before they’ve even booked a viewing.

At Cosy Home, we’ve seen it all. So here are five of the most common property photography mistakes — and how you can easily avoid them to give your listings the attention they deserve.

1. Shooting in Poor Lighting

The mistake:
Taking photos when the room is too dark, or when harsh sunlight creates blown-out windows and deep shadows.

Why it’s a problem:
Poor lighting flattens your space and makes it feel smaller or less inviting. Overexposed windows also hide views — which could be a key selling point.

How to avoid it:

Use a tripod or a flash to increase the exposure of the scene irrespective of the time of day. The flash can be used to add additional light, but make sure that another exposure is created when dealing with windows and glossy surfaces, since the flash may cause some unwanted highlights. A tripod provides the same effect as a flash, but achieves its final image through the use of multiple exposures. Combining these in post-production leads to a well-defined and evenly exposed image.

2. Not Decluttering the Space

The mistake:
Leaving washing up in the sink, cluttered countertops, or children’s toys in the lounge.

Why it’s a problem:
Clutter distracts from your property’s features and can make the space feel chaotic or smaller than it is.

How to avoid it:

• Clear surfaces (especially in kitchens and bathrooms).

• Remove personal items (family photos, toothbrushes, coats).

• Think like a guest: would this space feel clean and calm?

3. Using a Phone or Low-Quality Camera

The mistake:
Relying on smartphone photos without proper equipment or editing.

Why it’s a problem:
Even high-end phones can't match a wide-angle lens and a properly lit composition. DIY shots often feel flat or distorted.

How to avoid it:

• Hire a professional property photographer (like us!) with the right tools and experience.

• If going DIY, use a tripod and avoid digital zoom.

4. Taking Photos at Awkward Angles

The mistake:
Shooting from chest height or standing in the middle of the room.

Why it’s a problem:
Angles can make or break how spacious a room appears. Bad angles hide flow and create visual confusion. If a photo is taken too high up then the space will appear smaller, while taking it too low down will create a warped effect. A general rule of thumb would be to create a balance between the amount of ceiling and floor seen in the photo.

How to avoid it:

• Aim for a consistent height — about 1.2m from the floor.

• Shoot from corners to show depth and layout.

• Include three walls in the shot to avoid flat, unbalanced images for the widest images. When shooting straight on towards a feature, try to think of how you could achieve as much symmetry as possible.

5. Skipping the Finishing Touches

The mistake:
Photographing the space before it’s fully ready: unmade beds, wrinkled curtains, bins in shot, or lights not working.

Why it’s a problem:
Small details make a big difference. A half-prepared room sends the message that the property isn’t cared for.

How to avoid it:

• Style your space like you’re expecting a guest.

• Fluff cushions, open blinds evenly, and remove bins or cables from sight.

• Take 5–10 minutes to walk through the space with your photographer before starting.

Final Thoughts

These common mistakes can easily make a great property look average — but they’re also easy to fix. Whether you're an Airbnb host, estate agent, or landlord, professional photography will elevate your listing and help it stand out online.

Looking for stunning, hassle-free photos that get results?
📸 Book a professional shoot with Cosy Home today and let your property shine.