Kitchens are often the most important room in a property listing. They're where buyers spend the most time looking, and a well-photographed kitchen can make or break a sale.
Camera height
Set your camera at worktop height — approximately 90-95cm. This is critical because:
- You avoid showing the underside of wall cabinets (which looks dark and unflattering)
- The worktop becomes a leading line drawing the eye through the space
- Appliances are shown at their most flattering angle
Composition
The best kitchen shots typically show:
- The full run of worktop and cabinets
- The main appliances (oven, hob, fridge)
- Any island or breakfast bar
- The window (for natural light and views)
Shoot from the corner or end of the kitchen, looking along the worktop. The two-wall rule applies perfectly here — show the run of cabinets on one wall and the end wall or window.
Styling
Kitchens need careful staging:
- Clear all worktops except 2-3 items (kettle, chopping board, fruit bowl, or herb plant)
- Close all cupboard and drawer fronts
- Hide washing-up liquid, sponges, and dish racks
- Remove fridge magnets and notes
- Clean the hob and oven door
- Empty and hide the bin
- If the kitchen has an island, a single vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit works well
Handling reflective surfaces
Kitchens are full of reflective surfaces — glossy cabinet fronts, stainless steel appliances, granite worktops, and glass splashbacks. To manage reflections:
- Shoot at a slight angle rather than straight-on
- Use a circular polarising filter to reduce glare
- Check for your own reflection in appliances and glass
- Bounce flash off the ceiling rather than directly at reflective surfaces
The detail shot
Every kitchen deserves at least one detail shot — a close-up of a beautiful tap, a styled worktop corner, or an interesting splashback. These add variety to the listing and show the quality of finishes.
Key Takeaways
- Set camera at worktop height (90-95cm) to avoid showing cabinet undersides
- Clear worktops except for 2-3 decorative items
- Shoot along the worktop from a corner for the best composition
- Use a polarising filter to manage reflections on glossy surfaces
- Include at least one detail shot of kitchen features
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