Is your Westlake condo getting lost next to glossy new-build listings? You are not alone. In a neighborhood with many vintage buildings and a few fresh conversions, buyers often scroll through bright, minimalist photos that make newer homes feel bigger and lighter. With the right strategy, your photos can give an older condo the same clean, move-in-ready appeal while staying true to the space. This guide shows you how to plan, style, shoot, and deliver images that sell. Let’s dive in.
Why visuals matter in Westlake
Westlake sits just west of Downtown Los Angeles. Buyers see a mix of historic condos and renovated units, with new-build imagery nearby setting a high bar. Your photos shape first impressions online. When you emphasize light, space, and lifestyle, buyers spend more time on your listing and are more likely to book a tour. Poorly lit or cluttered images send a signal that a home needs work and can extend time on market.
Different buyers focus on different cues. First-time buyers want livability and value. Investors want condition, layout, and storage. Transit-minded buyers want to see location benefits. Keep these priorities in mind as you plan your shot list and styling.
Strategy: Compete with new-build appeal
New builds are marketed with bright, neutral, wide-angle photography that feels turnkey. Older Westlake condos can compete by leaning into two themes:
- Show honest condition and clear layout.
- Elevate the look with neutral color, modern accents, and clutter-free styling.
Make these your visual goals:
- Communicate the floor plan and natural light.
- Raise perceived finish level with spotless, neutral spaces.
- Maximize brightness and depth so rooms read larger.
- Tell a location story that adds lifestyle value.
Prep and staging that photograph well
A light refresh and thoughtful staging go further than small remodels when the aim is better photos.
Declutter and quick fixes
- Deep clean windows, floors, and grout. Repair peeling paint or loose hardware.
- Remove personal items and excess furniture. Hide cables and countertop clutter.
- Replace missing bulbs and use consistent daylight bulbs throughout.
Color, furniture, and scale
- Use a neutral palette. Soft white walls with warm greige accents photograph cleanly.
- Choose smaller-scale furniture so rooms read open. A low-profile sofa and a compact dining table help.
- Keep a consistent color story across rooms. Three to four complementary tones feel cohesive.
- Add mirrors to reflect light and increase perceived depth.
Lighting for even, bright images
- Open blinds and clean windows to maximize natural light.
- Add lamps in darker corners. Turn on all lights during the shoot for even exposure.
- Match color temperature across bulbs to avoid mixed color casts.
Kitchens and baths
- Clear counters except for one or two clean vignettes like a bowl of fruit or a small plant.
- Swap dated cabinet hardware if budget allows.
- Regrout or scrub visible grout lines for a fresh, crisp look.
Textiles and greenery
- Use crisp white bedding with one throw and a couple of pillows.
- Hang fresh towels and remove personal toiletries.
- Add a few small plants for life without visual clutter.
Style for your likely buyer
- For investors, show storage, laundry, and low-maintenance finishes clearly.
- For owner-occupiers, keep lifestyle cues subtle and modern.
A Westlake shot list that wins
Prioritize clarity, space, and flow. For smaller Westlake condos, plan for 20 to 35 high-quality images based on unit size and building amenities.
Living room and main space
- Hero wide shot from a corner that shows the room’s full length and main sightlines.
- Second wide angle that connects to the kitchen or entry to explain flow.
- One detail of a focal feature like a fireplace, molding, or built-in.
Kitchen
- Wide shot from the doorway showing cabinets, counters, and appliances.
- Second angle to show workflow and storage if space is tight.
- One or two simple vignettes like the sink, stove, or a styled counter.
Bedrooms
- Wide shot from the doorway or corner showing bed, closets, and windows.
- Second angle to capture scale and natural light.
Bathrooms
- Wide shot that includes vanity and shower or tub to show condition and storage.
- Detail of updated fixtures or tile if applicable.
Flex spaces and storage
- One wide shot per secondary bedroom or office staged to a clear function.
- Hallways and closets to underline storage capacity and flow.
Building and neighborhood
- Front elevation, entry, lobby or stairs, and any shared amenities like a rooftop or patio.
- Lifestyle context: MacArthur Park, nearby transit, local cafes and retail.
- Floor plan image and a contextual map or drone view if permitted.
Lead with your best wide hero shot. Then show the kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, bathroom, other rooms, building exteriors, neighborhood context, and finally the floor plan.
Capture like a pro on any budget
You can achieve clean, consistent results with the right approach.
- Use a modern mirrorless or DSLR. A current smartphone can work if you manage lens choice and HDR carefully.
- Choose a wide lens that is not extreme, roughly the 16 to 24 mm full-frame equivalent, to avoid distortion.
- Use a tripod for sharpness and bracketed exposures to balance bright windows and interior shadows.
- Shoot at mid-range apertures for depth, keep ISO low for less noise, and set white balance consistently or shoot RAW for accurate color.
Composition and timing tips
- Shoot from about 4 to 5 feet high for a natural perspective in living spaces and bedrooms.
- Keep vertical lines straight to avoid leaning walls. Correct in camera or in post.
- Use leading lines like hallways and counters to guide the eye.
- Time interiors for late morning to early afternoon for most units. Choose golden hour for exteriors or a single twilight image to create mood.
Neighborhood photos that add value
Interior square footage in Westlake can be modest. Neighborhood context helps buyers picture daily life. Include:
- MacArthur Park and local green space.
- Transit access and major nearby routes.
- Walkable retail, dining, and cultural spots.
- A clear floor plan and a simple contextual map to anchor location.
Keep these images clean and uncluttered. Avoid crowds and identifiable faces for privacy.
Virtual staging and disclosure
Virtual staging is effective for vacant rooms or to suggest alternate layouts. Use it to show potential, not to replace all real photos. Always disclose virtual staging per your MLS rules. Many MLS systems require a clear note stating “virtually staged” or similar language. Do not add elements that do not exist in reality and do not hide material defects.
Post-production that stays honest
- Shoot RAW and correct exposure, white balance, and perspective.
- Remove small distractions like stray cords or minor stains.
- Avoid heavy retouching that changes materials or hides defects.
- Export MLS-optimized files and keep one high-resolution image for print.
- Name files clearly and upload the hero image first so it appears as your cover.
Budget priorities that pay off
If you have a limited budget, focus where it counts most:
- Professional cleaning and paint touch-ups.
- Key staging pieces for living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom.
- Professional photography with careful post-processing.
- Low-cost hardware updates in kitchen and bath.
- Selective virtual staging for vacant rooms or alternate layouts.
These steps usually deliver more online engagement than piecemeal cosmetic projects. Schedule your shoot to match the unit’s best natural light for an extra lift.
Legal and ethical essentials
Follow your local MLS rules for accurate representation, image order, and virtual staging disclosure. Do not show features from a different unit or add amenities that do not exist. If you plan drone images, confirm FAA rules for the Los Angeles area and make sure flights are allowed and operated safely.
One-week prep checklist
Use this quick plan to get from “lived-in” to “listing-ready” fast.
7 to 5 days out
- Book a photographer and confirm shot list by room.
- Purchase daylight bulbs, hardware replacements, and basic staging items.
- Deep clean and schedule any minor repairs.
4 to 2 days out
- Declutter and remove personal items and extra furniture.
- Touch up paint, regrout where needed, and clean windows.
- Set a cohesive color story with textiles and a few plants.
Day before
- Style counters, nightstands, and shelves with minimal vignettes.
- Test all lights and lamps for consistent color temperature.
- Confirm building access, elevator timing, and quiet hours for the shoot.
Shoot day
- Open blinds and turn on all lights.
- Hide cords, trash cans, and pet items.
- Walk the photographer through the unit’s best angles and any features to highlight.
Common pitfalls and quick fixes
- Rooms look small: remove one extra piece of furniture and use a lower-profile sofa.
- Images feel yellow or blue: match bulb color temperature and correct white balance.
- Windows blow out: use bracketed exposures and blend for balanced highlights.
- Wide lenses distort: step back or switch to a slightly longer focal length.
- Gallery feels cluttered: trim to 20 to 35 purposeful images and lead with your strongest hero shot.
Put it into action
Older Westlake condos can look every bit as fresh and livable as new builds when you combine neutral styling, smart lighting, and a tight shot plan. Focus on clarity, cleanliness, and lifestyle context. Show the layout, elevate the finish level you have, and help buyers imagine themselves in the space. Done right, your photos will drive more clicks, more tours, and stronger offers.
Ready to position your home for today’s buyers? Schedule time to plan your shoot and use the checklist above to move fast and stay focused. When you are ready to explore your next move, connect with Unknown Company to take the next step with confidence.
FAQs
How many listing photos should a Westlake condo include?
- Aim for 20 to 35 images based on size and amenities. Avoid filler and focus on layout, light, and key features.
What order should I use for my photo gallery?
- Lead with the best wide “hero” shot, then kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, bathroom, other rooms, building, neighborhood, and the floor plan.
Are neighborhood photos worth it for Westlake?
- Yes. Include a few lifestyle images like MacArthur Park, transit access, and local retail to add location value when interior square footage is modest.
Is virtual staging allowed and how should I disclose it?
- It is allowed when clearly disclosed per MLS rules. Label images as “virtually staged” and avoid adding features that do not exist.
Do I need a professional photographer or can I use a phone?
- A professional delivers the most consistent results. A modern smartphone can work with a tripod, careful HDR, and clean staging, but be mindful of lens distortion.
When is the best time of day to shoot interiors?
- Late morning to early afternoon usually offers balanced natural light for most units. Use golden hour or twilight for exteriors to create mood without harsh shadows.
