What’s in My Camera Bag: Real Estate Photography
When people think of real estate photography, they often picture a wide-angle lens and maybe a tripod, but there’s a lot more to creating professional property photos than just showing up with a camera. Having the right gear not only improves image quality but also helps you move efficiently through a shoot, handle tricky lighting, and deliver consistent results to clients.
This post breaks down exactly what I keep in my real estate photography bag, why I carry each piece, and how it fits into my workflow. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your setup, this guide will help you build a practical kit without wasting money on gear you won’t use.
My Camera Body
I use the Canon R6 Mark II as my main camera. It’s a full-frame mirrorless camera with excellent low-light performance and dynamic range, which is crucial for interiors where shadows and bright windows often compete. The high-resolution sensor gives me flexibility for cropping or straightening without losing quality.
Pro tip: Any modern full-frame camera will work, but prioritize dynamic range and lens compatibility over chasing megapixels.
Lenses I Rely On
16mm wide-angle lens – My workhorse for interiors, allowing me to capture full rooms without exaggerated distortion.
24–105mm lens – Used when I need flexibility, especially for detail shots, exteriors, or tighter rooms where I don’t want the stretched feel of an ultra-wide.
Tilt-shift lens (optional upgrade) – I don’t have one, but if you shoot a lot of high-end listings, a tilt-shift helps keep vertical lines straight without heavy post-processing corrections.
Tripod & Remote Trigger
A sturdy tripod is essential. Real estate photography often requires slower shutter speeds to balance natural light and ambient lighting. I keep a remote trigger handy to avoid any camera shake during long exposures. My tripod also has a quick-release bracket, which saves time when moving between rooms.
Lighting Setup
Most of my interior work relies on exposure stacking rather than heavy artificial lighting. This approach lets me capture a balanced look with natural light while keeping interiors true to how they feel in person.
That said, I do keep a flash in my bag for subtle fill if a space has tricky lighting or dark corners. I’ll often bounce it or soften it with an umbrella so it blends seamlessly with ambient light instead of overpowering the room. Or you could use a small portable LED panel for detail shots.
Pro tip: For most real estate shoots, flash should enhance, not dominate. Even when I use it, I aim for subtlety so photos look natural and inviting.
Filters & Accessories
Polarizing filter – Reduces glare on windows and shiny surfaces like countertops.
Lens cleaning kit – Smudges show up fast on wide shots, so I always keep a microfiber cloth and blower in my bag.
Extra batteries & SD cards – Nothing derails a shoot faster than running out of power or storage.
Laptop & Workflow Tools
For same-day delivery or on-site previews, it’s smart to bring a bring a laptop with Lightroom installed. This lets you check for missed shots before leaving a property. This is also where keeping a backup hard drive in you bag for data security comes in handy.
My Minimal Kit vs. Full Setup
Depending on the property, I adjust what I carry:
Minimal kit (small condos, quick shoots): Camera + 16mm lens + tripod + polarizer + spare battery.
Full kit (luxury listings, commercial spaces): Add flash setup, 24–105mm lens, light stands, and laptop.
This flexibility keeps me from lugging unnecessary gear while ensuring I’m always prepared for the job.
Final Thoughts
The best real estate photography bag is built around efficiency and consistency. Your kit doesn’t need to be complicated, just reliable and well-suited for the spaces you shoot. Start small, then add tools as your client needs (and budget) grow.
