12 Ideas for Effective House Photography

Houses can make for striking images

Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal. © Randy Runtsch.

I photograph birds more than landscapes because beautiful and dynamic birds are everywhere. Likewise, I photograph houses more than skyscrapers because houses are everywhere.

Houses can be fascinating subjects. They offer infinite combinations of style, age, size, and setting. But sometimes, they can be challenging to photograph.

This article features twelve ideas for photographing houses. I hope you enjoy the homes shown here as much as I did visiting and photographing them.

Be Inconspicuous

Houses in Galena, Illinois, USA, photographed from the sidewalk. © Randy Runtsch.

No one likes strangers snooping around or loitering outside their private homes. So, to avoid attracting attention, I dress in dark colors, work quickly, and move along.

Also, rather than hanging a camera strap around my neck, I hang it from a shoulder, tucking the camera behind an arm. Doing so makes me feel less like a conspicuous photographer and more like a harmless pedestrian.

Never Trespass on Private Property

The author photographed this house from the public sidewalk in the King Williams neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, USA. © Randy Runtsch.

This point needs no explanation. I usually photograph private homes from public sidewalks, streets, or alleys.

Before walking onto a homeowner’s property, ask and receive permission first.

Experiment with Multiple Angles

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Stockman House, Mason City, Iowa, USA. © Randy Runtsch.

I photograph private homes from many angles whenever possible. Homes on public property offer advantages. I am less limited by time and viewing positions, so I often photograph them from many positions.