Staging a photo shoot: Apartment photography tips & tricks

For most renters, first impressions happen online. The question is, how can you make that impression last?

It starts with engaging, high-quality photos. According to a RentCafe.com study, 49% of renters said photos of specific units would enhance their rental experience the most. A separate study showed that 73% prioritize apartment photos when searching for a new home.

With standout photos, you can meet renter expectations, build trust and drive more leases. 

This article is your quick guide to staging a successful photo shoot, featuring top apartment photography tips to put into practice. 

Start with some inspiration

When prepping for a photo shoot, consider how you want renters to perceive your community. Does your property feature contemporary styling or upscale finishes? What about pet-friendly amenities? Your photos should reflect what makes your brand unique. 

Once you’ve established those goals, look for photo inspiration online. Start by evaluating your competition and the photo marketing they’ve invested in … what works for them and what doesn’t? 

Get some ideas, but remember every community is different. Think about what will attract your prospective renters. 

Clean & prep ahead of time

Photos reveal everything. To ensure your community looks professional, inviting and reflective of your brand, prioritize cleaning and decluttering before every photo shoot. 

Each space should look neat. Make sure you’re vacuuming rugs, cleaning windows and tidying surfaces. If you have digital monitors, turn them off and remove desk clutter such as cables, trash cans and personal items.

Think about prepping the lighting, too. Replace burnt out light bulbs, turn on overhead lighting and open the blinds. And avoid mixing light bulb colors and temperatures, since that creates uneven tones and reduces photo quality.

You can also schedule photo shoots when natural light will complement the space most. Don’t forget to consider weather, especially if you’re shooting outdoor photos. 

Find more tips in our pre-shoot checklist for interior and exterior spaces.

Keep your photos honest

Deceiving photos can dissuade renters. Make sure your photos are accurate and, ideally, updated regularly. You want to show exactly what each space offers.

Quarterly media audits are a great opportunity to remove outdated, inaccurate content and capture photos of new renovations or amenities. 

One more tip: Try shooting from multiple angles, that way renters get a clear, accurate view of every space. Transparency is the best way to build trust.

Try virtual staging

Ready to bring your photos to life? Consider virtual staging. It’s an easy, customizable way to highlight vacant units, new developments and more.

Renters can see exactly what their future home might look like, and envision themselves living in your community, which expedites leasing decisions. Virtual staging is also more cost-effective and faster than physical staging. 

Want to see for yourself? Check out these virtual staging before and after photos.

Choose the right partner 

For most multifamily brands, working with a professional photographer is a no-brainer. But what should you look for when vetting media partners? 

You want professional services that maximize ROI and prioritize consistency, scalability and brand alignment.  

Once you have a partner in place, clearly communicate your photography needs. Have a shot list ready and explain which spaces and amenities you need photos of, along with inspiration ideas. 

This eliminates stress, saves time and preps your photographers for what they need to capture. 

Ready to stage a photo shoot for success

We hope these apartment photography tips are helpful. If you’re prepared for photo shoots and have a trustworthy media partner, you’re setting your marketing up for success.

Reach out below if you’re seeking professional photography services. We can capture stunning, high-quality photos that show off your brand. It’s our goal to make every photo shoot easy! We help you prepare, guide you through every step and ensure no details get missed.

Looking for a more in-depth guide to apartment photos? Read our new-and-improved photography guide with 5 simple steps.