These days photographs that accompany online listings are a primary part of advertising. Poor quality photos that don’t flatter the property or fail to show most of it discourage potential buyers from taking a look.

Hiring a top-notch photographer can cost as much as $1,000, but a good amateur working slowly and thoughtfully can probably manage to do the job effectively.

Here are some suggestions:

• Take lots of shots. Unlike film, digital pictures have no individual cost, so shoot as many photos as possible from many different angles. The more you shoot, the more you increase the likelihood of getting some good ones.
• Avoid shooting empty rooms. While clutter isn’t good, having some furniture and even a few personal items makes the photos more interesting.
• Put away clutter. Dirty clothes on the floor and dishes in the sink are all turn-offs.
• Get the light right. Shoot an exterior when the sun illuminates it or it will look flat.
• Make sure the inside is well lit, ideally with some sunlight.
• Edit discreetly to get rid of extraneous distractions like wires.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, June Fletcher