The Link Between Home Staging and Real Estate Photography
For us, it’s innate, that instinctive ability to stage a home so it looks incredible in photography. However, we’re walking a fine line, one that requires a home to look swoon-worthy both online and in-person. You see, there’s a difference between real estate photography and editorial photography…and not everyone can nail it.
Purpose
Real estate photography focuses on functionality, the goal being to sell the property quickly. It’s about providing a clear, wide-angle view of the space so buyers can visualise the house and decide whether to view it in person.
Magazine or home editorial photography is shot with the goal to inspire or showcase design or lifestyle, highlighting mood and aesthetics. It’s about storytelling and emotion, and less about sales.
But what if you could combine the two?!
Style and Composition
Good real estate photography:
- Wide-angle shots to show the full room
- Light, evenly lit spaces
- Minimal distortion
- Usually shot straight on or with simple compositions
On the other hand, magazine photography provides:
- Curated vignettes and close-ups, often suitable for social media
- Creative lighting, including natural light, moody shadows and dark contrast
- Artistic compositions and angles
Audience
Who’s looking at these images? Buyers and real estate agents are the key audience of real estate photography, whereas magazine photography is likely to be viewed by readers of lifestyle publications, designers and architects, or brand followers.
Elevate Real Estate Photography with Editorial Home Staging
Every now and then, you’ll come across a home stager who can tread the tightrope between real estate photography and editorial photography, someone who successfully blends the emotional appeal of magazine imagery with the clarity buyers expect in real estate. The result offers a stronger visual impact that helps your property stand out online.
And guess what?! We’re one of those staging companies!
We strike a balance between style and simplicity, delivering timeless décor to create an atmosphere that encourages flow and allows the space to breath. Afterall, when buyers turn up to view the property, they need to experience the physical cohesion of the property, not just view some pretty pictures!
Our aim is for all properties to be inviting and aspirational, while remaining broadly appealing to a wide audience. We’ll tell a lifestyle story through our collection, an emotion-builder that helps connect buyers with the home. However, our stories are applied with care and always in proportion and to scale. We incorporate large table lamps (show me a room that doesn’t look elevated with oversize lighting) and we focus on neutral colours that complement existing schemes. Afterall, a garish cushion that ‘pops’ in a photo isn’t going to sell your home; it’s only going to draw attention to itself!
We also deliberate on our art, placing it with care so it photographs well and draws viewers through the home, making online viewers sit up and take notice, while in-person buyers are taken on a compelling journey.
Our Top Tips for Real Estate Photography
Hire a great home stager, a storyteller with a reputation for successfully blending home staging for online photography and in-person viewing, someone who understands purpose, composition and audience. Hmmmm, sounds like us!
Hire a professional real estate photographer, one who specialises in the field – a person who understands the angles and the lighting unique to real estate imagery, and knows what sells homes.
Consider drone and video footage.
Ready to Elevate Your Listings?
Blending editorial styling with real estate photography isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about creating an emotional connection that sells. Whether you’re a homeowner, an agent or a photographer, the right staging can transform a space and stop the scroll.
Do you want help creating swoon-worthy listings that move fast? Contact us today to learn more about our inspired home staging services and book your consultation.