Tips for Staging an Apartment for a Video or Photo Shoot
Staging Tips from Show My Property
As a multifamily marketing agency, we know that staging an apartment can make a huge difference in the way it looks in photos or videos. Whether you’re preparing for a virtual tour, a website listing, or a social media campaign, the right staging can help your apartment shine. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks for staging an apartment that will make your property stand out from the crowd.
Start with a Deep Clean
Before you do anything else, give your apartment a thorough cleaning. Dust the furniture, vacuum the carpets, mop the floors, and clean the windows. A clean apartment will look more inviting and spacious in photos and videos. Plus, it will give you a blank slate to work with when you start staging. Moreover, make sure blinds are clean and free of dust to evade tedious photo editing. By being proactive in the amount of cleaning, it can save you hundreds of dollars in editing and easier to get the perfect shots.
Declutter and Depersonalize
When you’re staging an apartment, less is more. Remove any clutter or personal items that might distract potential renters from seeing the apartment’s best features. You want your apartment to look as neutral and spacious as possible. That means removing family photos, knickknacks, and anything else that doesn’t contribute to the overall look and feel of the apartment. Similarly, you want to choose items that you are positive you want in the shot. Removing items from a shot can add more editing work which can add to the cost your photoshoot.
Stage Key Areas
When staging an apartment, it’s important to focus on the key areas that potential renters will be most interested in. This usually includes the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Make sure these areas are well-lit, clean, and clutter-free. If you have a balcony or patio, make sure it’s clean and inviting. Perhaps, you want to capture the best angle of each space. For example, get a perfect wide-angle shot of an open-concept kitchen by looking from the living to the kitchen.
Accessorize with Care
Once you’ve decluttered and depersonalized your apartment, it’s time to start accessorizing. Choose a few key pieces that will add interest and texture to the space. This might include a colorful throw pillow, a vase of fresh flowers, or a piece of artwork. Just make sure not to go overboard with the accessories. Additionally, you don’t want to overwhelm the space with too many items. As a rule of thumb, keep a consistent look and style as other apartment units you want to showcase.
Show off Your Storage
One of the biggest selling points of any apartment is storage. Make sure to show off your apartment’s storage options in your photos and videos. This might include a large closet, built-in shelving, or a large pantry. Potential renters want to see that there’s plenty of space to store their belongings. As a method to give future residents spatial cues, put an item or two as a reference. For example, for a closet add a couple of hangers or a hamper to show how wide the closet is.
Staging Requires Proper Lighting
Good lighting can make all the difference in how your apartment looks in photos and videos. Make sure to use plenty of natural light if possible. Open up the curtains and blinds to let the light in. If you need to use artificial lighting, choose bulbs that mimic natural light as much as possible. A professional photographer should automatically know they must take a bracketed shot to capture the perfect balance of shadows and highlights. To explain, bracketed shots are 3-9 versions of the same photos in different exposure settings that can be combined in post-production to capture extremely dark shadows and bright highlights.
Keen Eye for Details
When you’re staging an apartment, it’s the little details that can make all the difference. Make sure to straighten up the furniture, fluff the pillows, and arrange everything just so. Pay attention to the small details, like making sure the toilet lid is down and the shower curtain is pulled back. These details may seem small, but they can make a big impact on your photos and videos. Additionally, don’t leave cups on the counter, dishes in the sink, or any marketing collateral exposed. Act as if you are inviting your family over for dinner and you want to make your home nice and clean.
Stage Your Apartment
Staging an apartment for a video or photo shoot takes a little bit of time and effort, but it’s well worth it in the end. By following these tips from Show My Property, you can make your apartment stand out from the competition and attract potential renters. Remember to start with a deep clean, focus on the key areas, accessorize with care, and pay attention to the details. Happy staging!
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Multifamily Marketing Topics
How to Stage an Apartment for a Photoshoot