Composition

In real estate photography, it’s important to show the entire property and to include all the important features of the space in the frame. This might involve showing the flow of the space and the layout of the rooms, as well as any notable features such as a fireplace or built-in bookshelves.

For interior design photography, it involves more stylized and artistic compositions, with an emphasis on showcasing the design and decor of the space. This may involve including only part of a room in the frame, or using creative angles and perspectives to highlight specific design elements.

Focus and Subject Matter

In real estate photography, the focal point might be a particular feature of the property, such as a view or a unique architectural element. It’s important to compose the shot in a way that highlights this feature and draws the viewer’s attention to it.

In interior design photography, the focal point is a bit more open ended and is decided mostly by how the interior designer has designed the space.

For example, it could be a piece of furniture rather than the room. Or it could be how to the light is coming through a window. Or even just something like a pattern. The subject is not as simple as it is in real estate photography.

Style and Staging

In real estate photography, the style and staging of a home is pretty straightforward. It tends to be less stylized than interior design photography. It’s less important to have everything perfectly staged than it is to just make sure the home is clean and appropriate.

Styling and staging is much more important in interior design photography however. It’s needed to convey the style and aesthetic of the space.

This might involve highlighting specific design elements or materials, which can require making micro adjustments in the angle of things like furniture, plants, or other objects in the shot.