Have you ever clicked a listing just because the brick facade looked warm and inviting? In McKinley Heights, that first image can make a buyer stop scrolling and picture life on your block. You want photos that honor the neighborhood’s historic character while showing how livable and well cared for your home is. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly which photos to take, how to prep a brick exterior, the best timing for light, and what local rules to know so your listing stands out for the right reasons. Let’s dive in.
What buyers value in McKinley Heights
McKinley Heights is known for modest-scale, two-story brick homes with Italianate and Second Empire touches, plus a consistent, walkable streetscape near Lafayette Park and city amenities. The neighborhood’s historic status shapes what buyers look for: authentic masonry, original details, and a well-kept facade that fits the block’s character. According to national buyer research, photos are among the most useful listing features, which means strong imagery can boost interest right away. You can explore neighborhood context through the city’s overview and local association pages for accurate background when planning your photo story.
- Learn the area’s history and character in the neighborhood association’s overview at McKinley Heights Neighborhood Association.
- Review neighborhood facts and nearby landmarks on the City of St. Louis McKinley Heights overview.
- See why buyers value photos in the NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
Build your winning photo plan
Start with a hero exterior
Lead with the strongest curb image that flatters the facade at a slight angle. Include the stoop or front porch and make sure the yard is tidy and clear of cars, bins, and hoses. A dusk option can be powerful if you can schedule it.
Ideal photo count and order
Aim for 20–30 curated images. Order them to guide buyers: 1) best exterior, 2) bright living room, 3) kitchen, 4) primary bedroom, 5) period details, 6) baths, 7) backyard, 8) a few neighborhood context shots. Quality beats quantity, so skip redundant angles.
Time your shoot for flattering light
Brick reads beautifully in soft light. Golden hour works well for most facades, and overcast days can show texture without harsh shadows. For west-facing homes, late afternoon is ideal, and a quick dusk session often produces a standout image. See timing tips in this guide to the best time of day for exterior photos.
Keep images clean and consistent
Use wide angles carefully to avoid distortion and supplement with standard lenses for detail. Balance window light and interiors with HDR or blended exposures so brick, sky, and rooms are all well exposed. For delivery, provide high-resolution, web-optimized JPEGs and keep white balance consistent across rooms. Learn more about exposure and output in this overview of exterior real estate photography techniques.
A McKinley Heights shot list that sells
Essential exterior images
- Primary curb shot with a slight angle, showing stoop/porch and entry. Turn on exterior lights for dusk shots for a welcoming look. Helpful pointers are outlined in these exterior shooting tips.
- Secondary angle to show roofline, chimneys, and how the home sits on the lot. See angle and distortion reminders in these real estate exterior tips.
- Close-ups of brickwork, lintels, arched windows, cornice, and door hardware to confirm authenticity and condition. McKinley’s historic status makes these details matter to buyers.
- Context shots of the immediate street and nearby assets where visible. The city’s overview helps you plan these neighborhood context details.
- Optional twilight exterior to create a warm, high-impact thumbnail.
Interior images to prioritize
- Living room from a corner to show scale, especially if you have a fireplace or period trim. See setup reminders in these interior shooting tips.
- Kitchen with clear counters and aligned appliances for clean lines.
- Primary bedroom with made bed, minimal decor, and visible window views.
- Baths that are bright, spotless, and free of personal items.
- Detail shots of built-ins, hardwood floors, molding, stained glass, or pantry storage that signal quality and care.
Prep and staging for brick exteriors
- Tidy first. Mow, edge, sweep, and put away bins, hoses, bikes, and parked cars so architecture stands out. See quick curb tips in this list of exterior features to avoid.
- Refresh trim and front door. A classic, high-contrast door color and simple planters add pop without overpowering historic character. Get inspiration from these front door color guidelines.
- Keep original masonry intact. Historic guidance favors gentle cleaning and careful tuckpointing where mortar is failing. Avoid abrasive methods that can damage brick faces.
- Avoid painting unpainted historic brick unless already approved. Many historic standards prefer natural brick, and McKinley Heights has local review for exterior changes. General masonry care notes appear in these historic building guidelines.
Historic district rules to know before you change anything
McKinley Heights is a local historic district, and exterior changes are reviewed by the Cultural Resources Office. Before painting brick, replacing windows, or altering architectural features for photos, confirm what is allowed and whether a permit or review is required. Routine maintenance is usually fine, but design changes need approval. You can read the district page and standards on the McKinley Heights Historic District site.
Show the lifestyle and location
A few context photos help buyers imagine the setting. Consider a view down your block, sightlines toward downtown if visible, or a quick frame that suggests proximity to Lafayette Park. Keep these images factual and uncluttered so they complement, not compete with, your main house photos.
Edit, deliver, and protect your photos
Consistency builds trust. Deliver a tight set of edited images with accurate colors and straight lines, plus a twilight hero where possible. Save files with clear names like 1234-Jefferson-Exterior-Front.jpg and include basic copyright metadata so ownership is clear. With ongoing industry disputes over listing photo rights, it is wise to keep your agreements and invoices organized; recent reporting on portal photo licensing shows why documentation matters, as noted in this Reuters coverage of photo licensing litigation.
Pair photos with short, honest captions
Use simple captions to highlight what buyers care about: “original brickwork,” “restored hardwoods,” “steps to Lafayette Park,” or “within the McKinley Heights Historic District.” This helps buyers connect your images to real features and reinforces neighborhood context. For background you can reference the McKinley Heights Neighborhood Association.
Ready to list in McKinley Heights?
Thoughtful photography is one of the fastest ways to showcase your home’s character and value. If you want a curated photo plan, historic-aware prep, and marketing that puts your brick home’s best face forward, connect with The Winckowski Group. Our local team will help you prepare, photograph, and position your McKinley Heights listing with confidence.
FAQs
What should be the first photo on a McKinley Heights listing?
- Lead with a clean, angled exterior that flatters the brick facade and shows the stoop or porch, with tidy landscaping and lights on if shot at dusk.
How many photos do I need for a historic brick home?
- Aim for 20–30 curated images that tell a clear story: best exterior first, then key interiors, details, outdoor space, and a few neighborhood context shots.
Do I need approval to paint or alter exterior brick in McKinley Heights?
- Yes, exterior changes in this local historic district are reviewed; check the Cultural Resources Office page before making changes.
When is the best light for west-facing brick facades?
- Late afternoon into golden hour usually looks best for west-facing fronts, with a brief dusk window for a warm, inviting hero shot.
Can I use drone photos for a McKinley Heights listing?
- Limited aerials can help with context, but always follow FAA and local rules and be mindful of privacy and any neighborhood restrictions.
