☀️ What’s the Best Time of Day for Real Estate & Airbnb Photos?

It all comes down to which direction your property faces.

If you’re preparing for a real estate, Airbnb, or commercial photo shoot, timing matters — a lot. The quality of light can completely transform how your space looks on camera. The best time of day to shoot depends largely on the direction your home or building faces.

🧭 Why Direction Matters

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Natural sunlight adds depth, warmth, and vibrancy to your photos — but only when it's working with your space, not against it. By knowing which direction your property faces, you can choose the best time to schedule your shoot and avoid harsh shadows, blown-out highlights, or dull, flat lighting.

☀️ East-Facing Homes

  • Best time for photos: Morning (8 AM–11 AM)

  • Why: Morning sunlight hits the front of your home directly, offering soft, warm lighting. Ideal for front exteriors, porches, or patios on the east side.

🌇 West-Facing Homes

  • Best time for photos: Late afternoon to sunset (4 PM–7 PM depending on season)

  • Why: The golden hour light will illuminate the front of your home and create that warm, glowing look — especially beautiful for exteriors and outdoor living spaces.

🌞 South-Facing Homes

  • Best time for photos: Midday (10 AM–2 PM)

  • Why: These homes get the most consistent light throughout the day. Great for interior rooms with south-facing windows or backyard shots that get all-day sun.

🌄 North-Facing Homes

  • Best time for photos: Late morning to early afternoon (11 AM–2 PM)

  • Why: These homes get less direct sun, so mid-day offers the best chance for evenly lit shots with fewer harsh shadows.

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🧭 What About Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, and Northwest?

If your property faces a diagonal direction, here’s a quick guide:

  • Southeast-facing homes:
    Best light is in the late morning to early afternoon — you’ll catch the soft tail end of morning light plus strong midday sun.

  • Southwest-facing homes:
    Best shot in the late afternoon to early evening, especially for exteriors and glowing golden hour shots.

  • Northeast-facing homes:
    Great light in the early morning to midday — especially for shaded porches and soft interior light.

  • Northwest-facing homes:
    Aim for late afternoon, around 3–5 PM, when the light will hit the front and side of the home.

📸 Bonus Tips for Airbnb & Real Estate Photos

  • Twilight shots (just after sunset) are ideal for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere — especially for homes with lots of windows or outdoor lighting.

  • Avoid shooting on overly cloudy or rainy days, unless your home has lots of interior lighting or you’re going for a moody, editorial look.

  • If you're unsure which direction your home faces, check Google Maps or use the compass app on your phone from your front door.


    Contact me for your Airbnb, Real Estate, Interior Design needs here!

Airbnb, Real EstateMelissa Bordeauairbnb photography, real estate photography