HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR HOME FOR FILM LOCATION WORK
How to Photograph Your Home for Film Location Work: A Guide for Prospective Location Owners
If you’re considering listing your home as a film location, high-quality photos are the first step to attracting filmmakers. Professional photography is usually the best option, as it ensures your property is presented in the best possible light. Silverstein Locations (SL) has a list of recommended photographers who specialise in shooting film locations. However, you are welcome to hire a photographer of your choosing, or shoot your location yourself (as long as it meets SL standards).
To do this, we’ve gathered essential tips from one of our busiest location photographers, to help you capture the best images.
Eco Haven, a modern film location in Hertfordshire.
1. Capture a Variety of Shots
Each submission must include enough images to capture the vibe of your location, but a full listing with SL requires 35+ photos (depending on size.) Your goal is to provide filmmakers with a comprehensive look at your home’s potential. This is different from real-estate photography, as even ‘ugly’ features are important. Make sure to capture:
Multiple angles of exterior and interior spaces
Wide shots of each room
Unique design details
Outdoor features, including gardens, garages and driveways- even where you keep the bins!
2. Prioritise Landscape-Oriented Shots
Usually, landscape-oriented (horizontal) photos work best. However, some vertical (portrait) shots can be useful, especially for features like staircases or tall windows. Just ensure the shot captures the feature effectively.
4. Best Practices for Interior Shots
Take at least one wide-angle shot per room
Stand somewhere which provides the best symmetrical, wide-angle perspective, like in a corner or against a wall
You can use your smartphone’s panorama mode to capture larger rooms - but make sure the outcome looks like a natural wide shot and not an extended runway
Avoid tilting the camera up or down—keep it level to prevent distortion
For large rooms, shoot 4-6 images from different angles. For small rooms, capture the height and depth, but keep the camera level.
5. Shoot During the Best Lighting Conditions
Daytime shots are usually best for natural lighting - but think about the mood of your space
Open curtains and blinds to brighten interiors
Avoid using artificial lighting or your flash, unless necessary (e.g. windowless basements or garages)
Check the weather forecast and shoot on a sunny day to avoid dark or dull images - Winter can prove difficult
The Print Bay, a new film location in Homerton, London.
6. Ensure High-Quality Photos
Minimum resolution: 1500x1000 pixels
Modern smartphone cameras are acceptable
No filters, watermarks or digital effects
No low-resolution or blurry images
7. Maintain a Clean and Tidy Space
A clutter-free home looks more appealing in photos. Before shooting, declutter each space and remove anything that might be distracting. If something looks out of place, the camera will pick it up too.
8. Highlight Unique Architectural Details
Filmmakers appreciate character. If your home has:
Ornate plasterwork
Vintage wooden doors
Exposed beams or brickwork
Stained glass windows
Capture close-up shots of these details to add depth to your listing.
Georgian Townhouse listing tags.
You can take inspiration from our list of tags found at the bottom of each location listing. Take some time to look at a handful of our locations and see if your space shares any of their features and photograph accordingly.
The tags on the left are for our Georgian Townhouse film location in West Sussex.
4 Essential SMARTPHONE Photography Tips
Use a tripod for steadier shots and better composition.
Take your time—consider the framing and lighting before capturing each image. If you do not have a tripod take it slow, to keep it steady.
Less is more—declutter before shooting to keep focus on your home’s features.
Natural light for better images.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way, increasing the chances of being listed by SL and ultimately being booked as a film location.
Ready to list? Start capturing those perfect shots today, reach out to SL and Wetransfer your images to ian@silversteinlocations.com.
