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How to Take Great Listing Photos Using Just Your iPhone

When you’re selling your home yourself, your photos are your first impression. They’re what gets a buyer to click, scroll, or schedule a showing. And the good news? You don’t need a fancy camera to make your home look amazing — your iPhone is more than enough.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take eye-catching, professional-looking photos with just your phone.

1. Clean, Declutter, and Prepare the Space

Before you touch your camera, prep your home.

What to do:

  • Wipe down surfaces, mirrors, and windows

  • Hide personal items (toothbrushes, laundry baskets, pet bowls)

  • Remove magnets from the fridge

  • Open all curtains and blinds

  • Turn on every light in the room (yes, even the small lamps)

Pro tip: Less is more. You want buyers to focus on the space, not your stuff.

2. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible

Natural light makes rooms look bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

 What to do:

  • Shoot during the day — ideally between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

  • Open curtains fully to let in as much light as possible

  • Avoid using your phone’s flash — it can make photos look harsh or artificial

Bonus: Cloudy days can actually be great — soft light reduces harsh shadows.

3. Use Your iPhone’s Built-In Camera Features
Your iPhone is smarter than you think — here’s how to make it work for you.

Settings to check:

  • Clean your lens with a microfiber cloth before shooting

  • Tap to focus on the main subject of the room (e.g., a bed or window)

  • Adjust brightness manually by dragging the sun icon up or down after tapping

  • Use grid lines (Settings > Camera > Grid ON) to keep your photos level

Orientation:

  • Always shoot in landscape mode (horizontal), not vertical

4. Capture Every Key Room

Focus on showing the flow of the home and its most important features.

Must-have shots:

  • Front of the house (at a slight angle)

  • Living room

  • Kitchen

  • Dining area

  • Primary bedroom

  • Bathrooms

  • Backyard or patio

Nice-to-haves:

  • Home office

  • Laundry room

  • Garage

  • Walk-in closets

  • Unique features (fireplace, custom built-ins)

Pro tip: Take 2–3 shots per space from different angles to see which looks best.

5. Use Wide Angles Wisely (But Don’t Overdo It)

iPhones have a built-in wide-angle lens (on newer models) that helps show more of a room — great for tight spaces like bathrooms or hallways.

What to do:

  • Use the 0.5x lens on your iPhone for a wider view

  • Avoid tilting the phone too much — it can distort walls or ceilings

6. Frame the Room Like a Pro

Keep it simple:

  • Stand in a corner to show more of the space

  • Keep the camera at chest height (around 4–5 feet from the ground)

  • Don’t cut off furniture awkwardly — show full beds, tables, or seating areas

  • Keep vertical lines (like door frames) straight

7. Edit Lightly (Right on Your Phone)

You don’t need fancy editing software. Your iPhone’s editing tools are perfect for small touch-ups.

What to adjust:

  • Brightness

  • Contrast

  • Shadows

  • Sharpness

  • Crop and straighten if needed

Avoid heavy filters. You want the space to look real — not like an Instagram post.

8. Final Checks Before Uploading
  • Pick your 10–25 best images

  • Double check that your photos are bright, sharp, and clutter-free

  • Name them by room (for easy uploading)

  • Upload in the order you want buyers to see your home

 

Ready to List?

Once you’ve taken your stunning photos, List With Freedom helps you upload them directly to the MLS and top real estate websites — no agent required.

You’ve already done the hard part. Now let your photos do the talking.

👉 List Your Home Now at ListWithFreedom.com

Portrait of Ralph Harvey on a landscape background
Ralph Harvey

Broker on Record

We can list in all MLS’s in Florida!

With 17+ years in real estate, Ralph is dedicated to enhancing the home-selling experience. Ranked among the top five realtors nationwide for most homes sold (2018–2020), his expertise drives List With Freedom’s success.

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