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How to take real estate photos on an iPhone

An iPhone can take good listing photos. A few settings and habits make most of the difference.

Updated on

Set up the camera

  1. 1. Save photos as JPEG

    Open Settings, then Camera, then Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos are then saved as JPEG.

  2. 2. Turn on the grid

    In the Camera settings, switch on Grid. It helps you keep walls straight.

  3. 3. Lock the focus

    Press and hold on the middle of the room until the lock shows.

  4. 4. Lower the brightness a little

    After the lock, drag down slightly so windows keep detail.

While you shoot

  • Hold it sideways

    Landscape photos fit listing sites and show more of each room.

  • Stay at chest height

    Keep the phone level so walls stay straight.

  • Use 1× first

    Save the 0.5× lens for small rooms and keep furniture away from the edges.

  • Keep it steady

    Rest your elbows or use a small tripod in darker rooms.

Send the full size file

Texted photos often arrive smaller. Move photos by cable, AirDrop or a shared folder. Our guide to MLS photo size lists common limits. Our guide to blurry Zillow photos explains what goes wrong.

Questions and answers

Are iPhone photos good enough for a listing?

Yes, for many listings. Use good light, hold the phone level and upload the full size file.

Why does HomeGlossy not take my iPhone photo?

HomeGlossy takes JPEG, PNG and WebP files. Use Most Compatible in your camera settings or export the photo as JPEG.

Should I use the 0.5× lens?

Only for small rooms. It fits more in but bends lines near the edges. Use 1× when you have the space.

Edit your listing photo, keep the original.

Start with one photo. Your original always stays as you took it.

See plans