How to Communicate with Photographers: A Guide for Real Estate Agents

By Andre McKenzie, Lead Photographer & Creative Director · September 11, 2025 · Marketing · 12 min read

Stop saying 'I don't like this photo but don't know why.' Learn the professional vocabulary and techniques to give clear, actionable feedback to your photographer.

After 17 years of working with real estate agents across Toronto, I've learned that the biggest barrier to getting perfect photos isn't technical skill—it's communication. Too often, agents know something is "off" about a photo but struggle to articulate exactly what needs fixing. This guide will give you the vocabulary and framework to communicate like a pro.

When an agent tells me "I don't like this photo but can't explain why," it's like asking a mechanic to fix your car because it "sounds funny." Specific feedback leads to specific solutions.

Andre McKenzie

Why Clear Communication Matters

Effective communication with your photographer saves time, money, and frustration. When you can precisely identify what needs adjustment, photographers can make targeted corrections instead of guessing. This leads to faster turnaround times, fewer revision rounds, and consistently better results that match your vision.

Understanding Lighting: The Foundation of Every Photo

Lighting issues are the most common source of photo dissatisfaction. Learning to identify and describe lighting problems will instantly improve your communication with photographers.

When a room feels "dark" or "unwelcoming," you're likely experiencing one of several specific lighting issues. Here's how to identify and communicate them:

• Underexposed: "The room looks too dark overall. Can we brighten the entire space?"
• Harsh shadows: "There are dark shadows in the corners that make the room feel smaller."
• Blown highlights: "The windows are too bright/white and distracting."
• Color temperature mismatch: "The light looks too yellow/orange or too blue/cold."
• Uneven lighting: "Some areas are bright while others are dark. Can we balance this better?"

Composition and Framing: Getting the Right Perspective

The way a photo is framed can make or break the viewer's perception of a space. Understanding composition terminology helps you request exactly the view you want to showcase.

Instead of saying "this doesn't look right," try these specific requests:

• Field of View: "Can we shoot wider to show more of the room?" or "This feels too wide—can we tighten the shot?"
• Camera height: "Can we shoot from a higher/lower angle to better show the space?"
• Camera angle: "Can we angle the camera more toward the kitchen/fireplace/window?"
• Vertical perspective: "The walls look tilted. Can we straighten the vertical lines?"
• Foreground elements: "Can we include/exclude the furniture in the front of the shot?"

Color and Saturation: Making Spaces Feel Inviting

Color problems can make beautiful spaces look unappealing. Learning to identify color issues helps you communicate exactly what needs adjustment.

Common color concerns and how to express them:

• Oversaturated: "The colors look too intense/artificial. Can we tone them down?"
• Undersaturated: "The room looks washed out. Can we add more color richness?"
• White balance: "The walls should be white, not yellow/blue. Can we correct the color temperature?"
• Selective color issues: "The wood floors look too orange" or "The grass looks too green."
• Contrast: "The photo looks flat. Can we add more contrast to make it pop?"

Specific Room Feedback: Kitchen, Living Room, and Bedroom Considerations

Different rooms have unique requirements and common issues. Here's how to communicate room-specific concerns:

Kitchen feedback:

• "Can we show more of the island/countertop workspace?"
• "The backsplash isn't prominent enough in this shot."
• "Can we capture the kitchen's connection to the dining room?"
• "The appliances look dark—can we brighten the stainless steel?"

Living room feedback:

• "Can we emphasize the fireplace as the focal point?"
• "This angle doesn't show how spacious the room really is."
• "Can we include more of the view from the windows?"
• "The seating area looks cramped in this shot."

Bedroom feedback:

• "Can we show the closet space in this shot?"
• "The bed should be the focal point, not the dresser."
• "Can we capture the morning light better?"
• "This angle makes the room look smaller than it is."

Exterior and Architectural Details

Exterior photos present their own challenges. Communicating about outdoor shots requires different vocabulary:

• Curb appeal: "Can we show more of the front landscaping/entrance?"
• Property lines: "Can we include more of the backyard/side yard?"
• Architectural features: "Can we emphasize the stonework/columns/roofline?"
• Lighting: "Can we shoot this during golden hour for warmer light?"
• Sky replacement: "The overcast sky makes the house look gloomy. Can we improve it?"

Technical Terms That Get Results

Using professional terminology shows your photographer that you understand the craft and helps ensure precise results:

• HDR (High Dynamic Range): "Can we use HDR to balance the window light with the interior?"
• Bracketing: "The lighting is tricky here—can we bracket multiple exposures?"
• Perspective correction: "Can we fix the keystone effect on the walls?"
• Leading lines: "Can we use the hallway/staircase to lead the eye into the room?"
• Rule of thirds: "Can we position the fireplace/island on the rule of thirds grid?"

What NOT to Say: Common Phrases That Don't Help

These vague comments frustrate photographers and slow down the revision process. Avoid them when possible:

• "I don't like it" (What specifically bothers you?)
• "It doesn't look right" (Describe what looks wrong)
• "Make it better" (Better how? Brighter? Different angle?)
• "It looks cheap" (Is it the lighting? Staging? Angle?)
• "Fix it" (What specific element needs fixing?)

Creating a Photo Brief: Setting Expectations Upfront

The best communication happens before the shoot. Creating a photo brief helps ensure you get the shots you need:

• List must-have shots: "We need to capture the kitchen island, master suite view, and backyard."
• Identify key selling points: "The original hardwood floors are a major feature."
• Specify style preferences: "We want bright, airy photos that feel welcoming."
• Note challenging areas: "The basement has low light—please plan accordingly."
• Discuss target market: "This appeals to young families, so emphasize space and safety."

Working with Photo Revisions

When requesting revisions, be specific about each issue. Number your requests and reference specific images:

Photo 3 (master bedroom): Can we brighten the overall exposure and straighten the vertical lines? Photo 7 (kitchen): The island should be more prominent—can we adjust the angle to show more countertop space?

Example revision request

Building a Long-Term Partnership

Great photographer-agent relationships are built on clear communication and mutual respect. The more you can articulate your preferences, the better your photographer can anticipate your needs on future shoots.

Keep notes on what works for different property types and share this feedback with your photographer. Over time, they'll learn your style preferences and deliver results that require fewer revisions.

Quick Reference: Common Issues and Solutions

Bookmark this quick reference for your next photo review:

• Too dark → "Can we increase overall brightness/exposure?"
• Looks unnatural → "Can we adjust the color temperature/white balance?"
• Room looks small → "Can we shoot wider or from a different height?"
• Boring composition → "Can we try a different angle to emphasize [specific feature]?"
• Distracting elements → "Can we remove/minimize [specific object] in post?"
• Windows blown out → "Can we balance the window light with interior lighting?"

Effective communication transforms your working relationship with photographers from guesswork to precision. Use this guide to articulate exactly what you need, and watch your marketing materials improve dramatically. Your photographer will appreciate the clear direction, and your clients will benefit from photos that truly showcase their properties' best features.