Photos are the first thing a renter sees when browsing through homes or apartments for rent and can be the difference between their wanting to know more or not. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take great photos, but by keeping these tips in mind you can bring out the best in your property.

• Focus on a single key feature to draw the viewer’s eye to in each shot.
• Use wider shots to set the scene and give the viewer context for what they’re seeing.
• Take several photos of the same room from different angles.
• Use as much natural light as you can, but be sure to not let direct sunlight wash out your photo.
• Use your camera’s gridlines to improve the balance of your composition.
• Clean and tidy up each space before taking photos.
• Use editing features sparingly to avoid misrepresentation.

Be sure your rental listing gets the attention it deserves by including at least 10 to 15 high-quality photographs.

Focus the viewer’s eye

Photography is all about drawing the viewer’s eye to what you want them to remember about your property. Identify the best feature you want the viewer to see in the room, yard or other space, and direct attention to it in your photos. Don’t try to include everything in one shot. Emphasize the photo’s primary feature and omit anything that distracts from it.

Provide a complete scene

Take enough photos to figure out which angle best shows off the scene. Although the granite countertops or fine-grained cherry cabinets are selling points, don’t zoom in so close that you lose the bigger picture. A wider shot gives renters context so they can make sense of what they’re seeing.

Shoot from different angles

Take several photos of the same room from different angles — especially in small spaces like bathrooms. The lighting and frame of reference changes depending on where you stand, so take shots from different corners and heights. Corner shots add dimension to the photo, but shooting straight ahead at a flat wall makes the room appear smaller than it is.

Take advantage of natural light

Good photos are all about lighting. Without enough lighting, the room may appear blurry and gloomy. Take photos of your property during the day, and supplement the natural light by turning on indoor lights and opening blinds or curtains. Uncovering the windows also makes the space feel bigger.

But beware the glare

A clear day is ideal for photographing a home, but don’t let glare wash out the room and ruin your shot. Sunlight entering a space directly can throw off the lighting in a room — especially one painted in a deep color, making it appear darker than it is. Consider the angle of the sun when taking your photos, and judge for yourself which kind of light will best showcase the space.

Use the grids as a guide

Most smartphone cameras include a gridline option in the settings. Turn it on to get the best composition in your photos. These lines can help you improve the balance and perspective of the photo by applying the “rule of thirds”: When looking at the 9x9 grid on your camera, align the focal point of your room with one of the points where those lines cross. This puts the featured room element one third of the way into the frame (rather than in the center), which often results in a more interesting and eye-pleasing image.

Clear the clutter

Cleaning and tidying up before your shoot makes a huge difference in creating professional-looking photos. Clutter in the room distracts viewers from the main features of the property, so remove as many extra items as possible, like tissue boxes, refrigerator art, toys, stacks of mail and the like. Make the bed, clear away cords and wires, and hide countertop appliances before photographing your property. And although it seems obvious — close the toilet lid!

Don’t forget the outside

The curb appeal of your property can be one of the best ways to attract renters, and outdoor living space is a sought-after amenity. Even if you’re listing in fall or winter, an outdoor scene can be a compelling feature. For example, a blanket of snow shows off a spacious yard, and the colors of fall foliage invite renters to picture themselves using the terrace late into the year.

Stay out of the picture

When photographing bathrooms or other spaces with mirrors, avoid capturing your reflection in the shot. If the home is pet friendly and occupied during your photography session, make sure the animals don’t photobomb!

Edit wisely

Basic smartphone cameras come with easy-to-use photo editing tools, but be careful about adjusting the brightness and contrast too much. Overexposed or filtered photos can send a message to renters that you’re trying to hide less desirable features.