When I started my journey as a real estate and architectural photographer, like most, I relied heavily on wide-angle shots. A 16mm focal length was my go-to. It made spaces look expansive, grand, and visually impressive. And let’s face it, agents and homeowners loved how their listings appeared larger than life. But as my experience grew, I realized something: wide doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes, it’s about creating a story, a mood, and emphasizing the essence of the space. That’s where the 24mm lens shines.
Why Wide Isn’t Always the Answer
Shooting at 16mm can do wonders for tight spaces, but it often comes with trade-offs. Wide angles can distort proportions, stretching walls and making furniture look out of place. While it’s effective for certain rooms (think small bathrooms or narrow hallways), using it across the board can strip a property of its personality and character.
Custom homes, in particular, deserve a more intentional approach. These homes are built with care—attention paid to every detail, from crown molding to the way light floods a room. Shooting everything at 16mm can miss the finer details that make a home unique. That’s where stepping back and switching to 24mm creates magic.
The Beauty of a 24mm Lens
The 24mm focal length is a sweet spot. It’s wide enough to capture the flow of a room and provide context, but tight enough to maintain realism and focus on the design. At 24mm, rooms feel natural—like you're standing in them—not stretched or exaggerated. The furniture looks balanced, lines are straight, and the lighting feels authentic.
This lens allows us to create a sense of mood. Instead of trying to showcase everything in one frame, it helps highlight key features. Imagine the soft glow of recessed lighting, the texture of a stone fireplace, or the perfect alignment of custom cabinetry. These are the details that tell the story of the home, the details that stick with potential buyers.
When and Where to Use It
So, when should you opt for a tighter focal length like 24mm? Custom homes and luxury properties are ideal candidates. These spaces are designed to be admired, not stretched. Think living rooms with vaulted ceilings, kitchens with detailed finishes, or bedrooms that evoke warmth and comfort. A 24mm lens allows us to focus on what makes the space special.
That’s not to say 16mm doesn’t have its place. For small or challenging spaces, it’s a lifesaver. But for homes where mood and design take center stage, a 24mm lens lets those elements shine.
Bringing It All Together
Real estate photography is more than just making rooms look big—it’s about showcasing the character of a home. As a photographer, my goal is to work with homeowners and agents to tell a property’s story. By using the right focal length for the right moment, we can create visuals that resonate with buyers, leading to more showings and, ultimately, faster sales.
The next time you’re prepping for a listing, think beyond “wide shots” and consider the power of focal length. Let’s create images that aren’t just functional but also captivating. If you’re curious about how a 24mm approach could transform your listing, let’s connect—I’d love to show you how I see the world through my lens.
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