Real Estate Photography In Staged vs Vacant Homes
As real estate photographers we’re going to photograph both completely vacant homes and perfectly staged homes. This can present two very different situations, both of which we need to understand how to photograph.
In this article I’ll discuss the differences in real estate photography for staged vs vacant homes and offer how to approach both situations.
Table of Contents
Real Estate Photography in Vacant Homes
Vacant homes present a blank canvas, allowing architectural details and the structure of the home to take center stage. The absence of furniture means there’s less to obstruct views or distract from the key selling points of the property.
However, without furnishings, these spaces can sometimes feel cold and impersonal. The challenge lies in capturing the character and potential of the space.
Focus on Architectural Details
- Character and Craftsmanship: Emphasize architectural details such as crown moldings, hardwood floors, fireplaces, or unique window designs. These elements can showcase the quality and character of the home.
- Use of Light: Pay special attention to how light interacts with the space. Use natural light to highlight textures and materials, and consider how different times of day affect the ambiance in each room.
Show the Flow of the Home
- Wide Angles: Use wide angles to capture the expanse of each room and convey a sense of space. Show how rooms connect to each other, providing potential buyers with a clear understanding of the layout.
- Strategic Positioning: Position yourself in doorways or archways to capture the depth of the home and lead viewers’ eyes through the space, painting a picture of the home’s flow.
Real Estate Photography in Staged Homes
Staged homes are expertly filled with furniture and decor to demonstrate the potential for lived-in warmth and style. The staging is designed to create appealing, relatable spaces that buyers can envision themselves in.
The presence of furniture and decor provides context and scale, making the space more inviting and easier for potential buyers to imagine as their own.
Focus on Intimate Spaces
- Highlight Lifestyle: Showcase how staging creates intimate, functional areas within the home, such as a cozy reading nook or an inviting dining area. These scenes can evoke emotional responses and help buyers envision their own lives in the space.
- Detail Shots: Include close-ups of the quality and style of the staging elements, like plush textiles, elegant table settings, or artful decor. These details can contribute to the overall allure of the property.
Use Furniture to Guide Viewers
- Compositional Elements: Use the arrangement of furniture to guide the viewer’s eye through the space. Arrange your shots so that furniture leads to focal points or frames the best features of the room.
- Interaction of Spaces: Show how different areas of the home interact with each other through the placement of furniture. For example, illustrate how a living area opens up to a kitchen or how the master bedroom flows into an en-suite bathroom.
Adapting Techniques for Each Scenario
While the foundational techniques of real estate photography remain consistent, adapting to the presence or absence of staging can make a significant difference in the final images.
Techniques for Vacant Homes
- Minimalist Approach: Embrace the minimalism of vacant spaces. Simplify compositions to emphasize space and structure.
- Post-Production: Consider using virtual staging in post-production to offer potential buyers a vision of the furnished home, especially if the property struggles to attract interest.
Techniques for Staged Homes
- Emotional Storytelling: Use the staging to tell a story about the lifestyle the home supports. Capture the warmth and appeal that staging adds to each space.
- Balancing Act: While focusing on staging, ensure that the home itself remains the star. Avoid letting overly bold or specific decor overshadow the property’s inherent features.
Understanding the Audience's Perspective
Whether photographing a staged or vacant home, always consider the potential buyer’s or renter’s perspective. Your photos should not only showcase the property’s features and potential but also help viewers imagine their lives within those walls.
In staged homes, photographs should amplify the appeal that the staging brings, creating a welcoming, aspirational image. In vacant homes, photographs should highlight the blank canvas potential, allowing viewers to project their own ideas and dreams onto the space.
Additional Resources
If you’re just getting started in real estate photography, check out our Beginners Guide. It’s full of helpful articles and tips that will guide you in the right direction as you begin your real estate photography journey.
You can check out our Gear section as well to see reviews and recommendations on the latest real estate photography gear.
If you’re more interested in other resources that can help your real estate photography business, check out our Business Resources page.
