The Weirdest Things I’ve Seen While Photographing Home

As a professional real estate photographer in El Dorado Hills and the greater Sacramento area, I’ve seen a little bit of everything. Real estate photography isn’t just about capturing stunning kitchens, bright living rooms, or dreamy twilight shots — sometimes it’s an adventure filled with surprises, laughs, and “wait, did I really just see that?” moments.

Over the years, I’ve come across some unforgettable (and often hilarious) things while photographing homes for sale. Here are a few of the weirdest — and funniest — stories from behind the lens.

1. The Inflatable Pool… in the Living Room

Okay, confession: this one I didn’t actually see in person, but it was too good not to share. A fellow real estate photographer once told me about a house with a giant inflatable pool set up right in the middle of the living room — and yes, it was full of water. Imagine scrolling through Zillow or the MLS and stumbling across that photo! Sometimes the internet is a gift.

2. The Collection of 200 Porcelain Clowns

Walking into a home office and being greeted by wall-to-wall glass cabinets packed with porcelain clown figurines is… an experience. Every angle I tried, I felt like they were watching me. Let’s just say those listing photos had plenty of personality.

3. The Bathroom Toaster

Kitchens are where you expect to find appliances, but sometimes homeowners like to keep things interesting. On one shoot, I walked into a bathroom and found a shiny chrome toaster sitting right next to the sink. Still not sure if it was for bagels… or bravery.

4. The Cat Who Wouldn’t Leave the Frame

Pets love attention, and one particular cat made sure to steal the spotlight. No matter where I aimed my camera, there he was — perched on counters, lounging in hallways, and even striking a pose on the staircase. Honestly, I think the cat could’ve closed the deal on that listing all by himself.

5. The Unfinished Halloween Party (in March)

Nothing says “timeless décor” like cobwebs, skeletons, and a giant inflatable pumpkin — especially when it’s months after Halloween. The homeowner told me they “just liked the vibe.” And hey, who am I to judge? Maybe spooky season should be year-round.

6. The Mysterious Door to Nowhere

One property had a door in the upstairs hallway that looked completely normal — until I opened it and discovered a three-foot drop into… nothing. Just a random step down to bare plywood. Definitely not up to code, but it made for one memorable story.

Closing Thoughts

Real estate photography is all about showcasing homes in their best light, but it also comes with some wild surprises. From inflatable pools to toaster bathrooms, every listing has a story — and sometimes those stories are just too weird not to share.

That’s the beauty of being a real estate photographer in El Dorado Hills: no two homes are the same, and you never know what you’ll find on the other side of the door.

Your turn: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen in a home? Share it in the comments below — I’d love to hear your stories!