Techniques for Real Estate Photography Wilmington NC

Real Estate Photography Wilmington NC

Introduction

If you’re a real estate agent, property owner, or someone looking to up your photo game, this post is for you. At Luma 3 Productions, I have been doing Real Estate Photography in Wilmington NC for over a decade. Along the way, I’ve picked up techniques that help make homes stand out. From equipment choices to shooting tips, I will be breaking it all down in simple terms. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been shooting for years, there’s always something new to learn. So keep reading if you’re interested in Techniques for Real Estate Photography Wilmington, NC.

The Gear I Use for Wilmington Real Estate Photography

Sony A7III –  My Go-To Camera for Pictures

I use the Sony A7III for all of our still photography. It’s a full-frame camera with a 24MP sensor which is perfect for capturing wide, detailed shots of interiors and exteriors. If you’re serious about real estate photography, having a full-frame sensor makes a big difference in image quality, especially in  low-light spaces.

Sony G Master 16-35mm Lens

For lenses, the Sony G Master 16-35mm is my workhorse. Why 16mm? That ultra-wide focal length helps capture an entire room, making small spaces feel bigger and more inviting. It’s a favorite among pros for a reason, it keeps vertical lines straight and details crisp.

Monopod vs Tripod

Instead of a traditional tripod, I use a monopod. It’s easier to maneuver, especially when trying to tuck into a corner or fit into a tight space. While a tripod might be more stable, a monopod gives you flexibility without sacrificing too much stability. It’s perfect for fast-paced shoots and smaller homes.

Prepping the Property for Photos

Declutter, Light, and Adjust

Even if the agent has prepped the property, I always do a quick sweep. Decluttering is huge. I will remove trash cans from kitchens, tuck away personal items, and straighten decor. In bathrooms, I might pull down mismatched towels or reposition them if they match the aesthetic.

Use Natural and Artificial Light

Open the blinds and let in as much natural light as possible. Then, turn on all interior lights, but be cautious. Lamps and ceiling lights often have different color temperatures. A warm lamp might clash with cool daylight and make editing harder. Use your judgment to decide what stays on. Turn off all fans otherwise the fan will just be blurry (motion blur). Now when I’m shooting a highlight video, I like to keep the fans on for some movement. But this is for another blog.

Shooting Techniques for Real Estate Photography Wilmington NC

Exposure Bracketing for Perfect Light

I shoot each image with five different exposures, spaced two stops apart. This helps capture all the details in both the shadows and the highlights. Later, I will combine them into one balanced image. It’s a key step for professional-grade shots that look bright and even.

Aperture Settings

The Sony G Master lens can open wide to F2.8, but I don’t shoot wide open unless I’m going for detail shots. Most wide shots are taken at F5.6 to F6.3 to ensure everything is in sharp focus. These mid-range apertures are perfect for maintaining image sharpness while still letting in enough light. Remember that most lenses are sharpest at F8.

Shutter Speed and ISO

Because I’m not letting in all the light with a wide-open aperture, I need slower shutter speeds. That’s where the monopod comes in handy. If needed, I’ll bump up the ISO a bit, but try to stay below ISO 500 to avoid noise. The Sony A7III handles low light well, but I aim for the cleanest shots possible.

Framing the Perfect Shot

Angles Matter

I use a mix of corner shots, straight-on compositions, and doorway framing. Corner shots, while keeping 3 walls in frame, can help show off the space. Symmetry in straight-on shots gives a professional, polished look. Sometimes I push into a room to avoid obstructions or to highlight unique features.

Wide and Detail Shots

Once the wide shots are done, I will go back and capture detail shots of things that may have caught my eye. That’s when I drop the aperture to F2.8 for shallow depth of field, blurring the background to focus attention on features like light fixtures, countertops, or architectural details.

The Importance of Composition

It’s not all about the gear. Good Wilmington Real Estate Photography is about how you frame a shot. A skilled photographer knows how to highlight a home’s best features, draw attention to details, and make the viewer feel like they’re walking through the space. The little things matter like adjusting pillows, hiding cords, or getting the perfect angle from a doorway.

Tips for Real Estate Photography in Wilmington, NC

• Always declutter. Less is more.
• Use natural light whenever possible.
• Bracket your exposures for more editing flexibility.
• Don’t rely on auto settings. Learn manual mode.
• Use a full-frame camera and wide-angle lens.
• Mix up your shots—wide, detail, straight-on, and corner.
• Keep learning and experimenting. Even pros learn something new all the time.

Why Work With Luma 3 Productions?

We’re not just a photo company, we’re a storytelling business. At Luma 3 Productions, we focus on making your property shine with professional photography, video, and drone services. We work throughout Wilmington and surrounding areas, delivering fast turnaround and high-quality content to help you sell faster.

FAQs About Real Estate Photography Wilmington NC

What is the best time of day to photograph real estate?

This is tough because the best time of day may not be the best time for a homeowner. This is a reason for bracketing my shots. 

Do I need to be present during the photo shoot?

Not necessarily. As long as I have access, I can handle the shoot ourselves. I will coordinate everything with you in advance.

How long does a photo shoot take?

A standard home takes about 45–90 minutes. Larger homes or those needing video and drone work may take longer.

Do you offer drone services?

Yes! Aerial photos and videos are a great way to showcase the full property, especially for large lots or homes near the water.

How soon will I get the photos back?

We typically deliver edited photos within 24–48 hours.

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve Wilmington, NC, but we also work in surrounding areas like Carolina Beach, Oak Island, and Leland.

Who is Luma 3 Productions?

We’re a small, experienced video production and photography business based in Wilmington, NC and Northern Virginia. We specialize in real estate media, aerial photography, and digitizing tapes.

If you’re searching for Wilmington Real Estate Photography that delivers results, let’s chat. At Luma 3 Productions, we bring experience, creativity, and attention to detail to every shoot. Whether it’s a cozy condo or a luxury estate, we make it look its best.

Need help? Reach out today for a quote or to schedule your next shoot! 

Real Estate Photography in Wilmington, NC

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For gear, you could always go with B&H.