All about Twilight Real Estate Photography
It is nothing new…compelling photographs play a pivotal role in marketing properties effectively. They serve as the first impression for potential buyers, capturing the essence of a home long before an in-person visit.
Among the various techniques employed, twilight real estate photography has emerged as a standout trend. This approach, which involves capturing images during the magical hours of dusk or dawn, infuses properties with a warm, inviting glow that showcases them in their most flattering light.
As real estate marketing evolves, the growing trend of twilight photography reflects an increasing appreciation for visual storytelling that enhances a property's appeal and stands out in a crowded market. But what is it exactly? What are the benefits of twilight photography in real estate? And how to achieve it?

What is Twilight Real Estate Photography?
Most real estate photos are taken during the day, which is perfect for showcasing vivid colors and sharp details. However, when every property photo looks similar, the result can feel a bit repetitive and lackluster. That’s where twilight photography comes in.
Shot during the "golden hour"—just after sunset—it captures a magical light that adds a touch of drama to any scene. Although the term “golden hour” might be a bit of an exaggeration since the perfect light sometimes only lasts around ten to fifteen minutes, it’s during this fleeting moment when the sun sits low and casts a soft, warm glow that truly captivating photos come to life.
And just like daytime real estate shots can showcase more than just a property, twilight photos can feature so much more—whether it’s an inviting backyard with beautiful landscape lighting, serene waterfront reflecting the orange tones from sunset, stunning landscape, or a city skyline glowing in the distance.

Reasons Why You Should Use Twilight Photography in Real Estate
Twilight photography in real estate is important for achieving a high number of clicks online. It comes with multiple benefits that can significantly impact your real estate marketing strategy. Here are some of the main reasons why you should use twilight photos with some of your Listings:
1. Adds an Emotional Appeal
Twilight photography in real estate captures a magical ambiance, wrapping a property in a warm, inviting glow that feels both cozy and peaceful. The gentle, diffused light at this hour highlights the home's best features, making it more relatable and emotionally appealing to potential buyers. This sense of connection can play a pivotal role in influencing buyers' decisions, often resulting in quicker sales at higher prices.
2. Highlights Important Property Features
One of the biggest benefits of twilight photography in real estate is that the dance between light and shadow beautifully showcases a property's unique architectural details during the twilight hour. Brightened windows, outdoor lighting, and well-lit landscaping draw attention, turning the home into a striking visual display. This dramatic presentation can elevate even a modest property, helping it stand out from the competition and attracting more interest from potential buyers.
3. Conveys Luxury
Real estate twilight photography is often linked with luxury homes, evoking a sense of elegance and exclusivity. Including twilight shots in your listings adds a touch of sophistication, appealing to more selective buyers. High-end associations can boost the perceived value of a property, increasing the likelihood of receiving higher offers.
4. Attracts More Attention Online
In the digital world, captivating visuals are key to standing out. The more visually appealing a property is, the more likely it will garner eyeballs. Unlike the usual daylight photos, real estate twilight photography offers a unique edge, making your listings more memorable. The stunning contrast and appeal of twilight shots can boost click-through rates, attracting more potential buyers and driving greater traffic to your listings.
5. Showcases Outdoor Spaces
The benefits of twilight photography in real estate also provide wonders for showcasing outdoor spaces like patios, pools, and gardens. The soft, ambient lighting creates a welcoming vibe, helping buyers imagine themselves enjoying these areas with loved ones. By presenting these features in their most flattering light, you highlight the property's lifestyle, enhancing its overall allure.
6. Builds great Reputation
High quality images raise your overall reputation and brand up - your versatility in showcasing your Listing, using all the tools available to you, makes a strong impression on potential clients.
Real estate twilight photography is more than standard real estate work; it’s a fusion of skill and artistry.
8. Displays Neighborhood Ambience
It’s not always just about the property itself — the surroundings matter too. A twilight photograph can beautifully capture the serene evening atmosphere, with streetlights softly glowing, giving potential buyers a sense of what it would feel like to live in that neighborhood.
Top Twilight Real Estate Photography Tips
Now that you are aware of the benefits of twilight photography in real estate, here are some of the best tips you can use for prepping the home you are Listing with stand-out twilight photos:
How to prepare your home for real estate photography and attract the attention of buyers, you stand out among your piers, and more potential buyers are looking at your property online.
Pre-Shoot Checklist
Following this pre-shoot checklist will help ensure that your Clients home is photographed quickly, efficiently, and with the best possible results.
Twilight Prep
If you’ve scheduled a twilight shoot the following are additional items to prepare before photographer arrives.
Note:
twilights have tight schedules to ensure optimal lighting (the window for best lighting is very limited in time), it is essential to a successful shoot that the home is fully prepared for the twilight shoot!
❑ Turn on all interior and exterior lights: All lights throughout the property need to be turned
on. Please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
❑ Turn on spas and remove covers: If you have a spa, remove the cover, and turn it on before photographer
arrives. Turn on the lights in the spa as well.
❑ Turn on pool lights: If you have a pool, turn on the pool lights before photographer
arrives.
❑ Turn on water features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please turn
them on before photographer arrives.

General Prep
❑ Prep your Home to be shoot-ready: Cleaning and staging needs to be done before photographer arrives, preferably the day before the photoshoot. Larger items need to be in place before I arrive, and staging accessories need to be in place as well.
❑ Secure or remove pets: I love pets but we can’t have them around for your photoshoot. Dogs
must be secured or off the property to ensure their safety around photo equipment. MLS rules also
prohibit people and pets from being in pictures. Cats should be secured as well, although they usually
pose fewer problems than dogs (cats often just hide). It's also a good idea to hide pet food and water
bowls as well.
❑ Plan not to be seen: All occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in
areas where they can't be seen during the photoshoot. Rooms overlap in the photos, people can
cause shadows and reflections, and there is risk of tripping over equipment that will be setup throughout the
property.
❑ Use the garage for storage: garages are normally not being shot (unless it is a super clean one), so this is a great place to store items you’d like to hide.
Exterior
Remove vehicles from driveway and away from the front of the home.
Place trash cans and anything that is not attached to the home out of site.
Cut, rake, water grass, and remove any unsightly weeds or vegetation.
Clean windows.
Organize deck furniture, uncover grill, open patio umbrella, etc.
Sweep or pressure wash driveway if necessary.
Make sure yard is free of kid’s toys, evidence of pets, unnecessary clutter etc.
Interior
Replace any burnt lightbulbs and ensure all bulbs are the same color temperature.
Remove as much clutter as possible; especially personal belongings that are not included in the sale. Decluttered and tidy makes a bigger difference than “spotless”.
Put away unsightly door mats and remove area rugs that might be hiding nice flooring like hardwood or tile.
Remove all evidence of pets.
Open up blinds and remove any fixed window coverings that block natural light.
Turn off all TVs, computer screens, and ceiling fans.
Conceal power cords; unplug them if necessary (except lights).
Put all shoes away. Put all personal or distracting items away (cell phones, iPads)
Make sure there are no clothes in the machines or hanging in the laundry room.
Make beds, straighten picture frames/artwork, organize pillows, etc.
Avoid hiding items under beds or furniture.
Remove any personal information that you wouldn’t want visible online.
Kitchen
Clear all counter tops – A few small appliances, fruit bowls, plants etc. are ok, but avoid anything tall that might be distracting or block the view.
Clear the fridge completely – Remove all magnets, photos, lists, etc.
Clean appliances – Be sure to remove all fingerprints, smudges, etc.
Put trash can away.
Make sure sink is clean and free of dishes.
Put away dish soap, cloths, etc.
Remove calendars as they can date a listing.
Straighten bar stools and table chairs.
Bathrooms
Put toilet lids down.
Clear counter of all personal belongings.
Clean mirrors.
Open shower curtains – remove all bottles, razors, soap, etc.
Place a fresh roll of toilet paper on the holder.
Remove toilet brush and trash can.
Best Practices to Consider
Feel free to do a walkthrough with the photographer upon arrival but avoid following them around during the actual photo shoot. Professional Photographers work efficient on their own, they know the best angles to take, have sometimes several appointments scheduled for the morning and are on a tight schedule.
If you have limited space, consider designating a secondary room for temporary storage ahead of time rather than trying to move items from room to room while the photographer is on site.
Make sure pets are out of the home or kenneled.
Photographers will not be staging your home so please make arrangements with your Realtor or stager prior to the shoot.
Don’t rush your photographer – Great images are critical when marketing a home for sale, so it is in your best interest to be patient and let your photographer do their thing. If you can, leave the house for a little while, it is best to let the Realtor and Photographer who are well experienced take over your house for a brief time to ensure best quality photographs to sell your home.
Comments