Use natural light
- Shoot during the day using soft, natural light from windows.
- Avoid harsh sunlight and shadows.
- Turn off overhead lights to prevent yellow tones and glare.
Know your angles
- The most flattering angle for a sofa is straight-on, and centered.
- Seat-height shots create a natural, flattering perspective. Generally 3 to 4 feet off the ground.
- Avoid tilt: Keep your phone level. Use gridlines (turn them on in settings) to align furniture with the frame.
Clean the space
- Keep the space tidy and style with intention.
- Ensure the background is clean and uncluttered to keep the focus on the sofa.
Take multiple shots
- Shoot from a few different angles and distances (straight-on, 45 degree angle, side view).
- Get both vertical and horizontal shots (great for website and social media use).
Keep it steady
- Use both hands, or lean your phone against something sturdy.
- Tap the screen to lock focus and adjust exposure by sliding your finger up or down.
- Use a tripod for stability and precise alignment.
Use your phone’s camera
- Use the standard photo mode (avoid ultra-wide or portrait for full shots—it can distort shape).
- Turn off flash.
What does it mean to take photos at seat-height?
Position yourself lower, such as kneeling, so the camera is 3-4 feet above the ground. The sofa should be centered and straight-on.
Avoid placing the camera at eye level and tilting it downwards. It can make the sofa look weird, especially if you're tall.
Good examples
Photographed at eye-level, and good natural lighting.
Angled shots are great when there isn't enough space in front to capture the entire sofa in a frame.
Shows sofa in entire room, without having to zoom out and use wide angle on the camera.
Sofa is straight-on and centered in the frame.
Bad examples
Too much clutter, distracts from the sofa. Best to clear it all before taking photos.
0.5x wide angle distorts the room and sofa. Step back instead to fit the sofa in the frame.
Sofa is not centered, shows too much of the floor. Position camera so it is at seat height.
Room is too dark. Turn on more lighting or wait until daytime.