TL;DR: Tried out virtual staging for my real estate photography business and it’s been a total revelation. Here’s my honest take.
Alright, I’ve been browsing on this sub on hashnode.dev for ages and finally decided to post about my experience with virtual staging. I’m a real estate photographer who’s been shooting properties for about five years now, and virtual staging has totally transformed my career.
My Introduction
About a year ago, I was having trouble to compete in my local market. My competition seemed to be offering additional value, and I was getting undercut left and right.
During a particularly slow week, a property manager asked me if I could make their empty property look more “homey.” I had no idea with virtual staging at the time, so I awkwardly said I’d research it.
The Research Phase
I dedicated way too much time looking into different virtual staging platforms. In the beginning, I was doubtful because I’m a old-school photographer who believes in authentic photography.
But then, I understood that virtual staging isn’t about deceiving buyers – it’s about demonstrating possibilities. Vacant spaces can feel hard to imagine living in, but properly furnished areas help potential buyers connect emotionally.
What I Use
After trying several services, I settled on a combination of:
Software:
- Photoshop for core work
- Professional staging platforms like BoxBrownie for detailed staging work
- LR for color correction
My equipment:
- Sony A7R IV with ultra-wide glass
- Sturdy tripod – non-negotiable
- Strobes for proper exposure
The Learning Curve
Let me be real – the initial period were rough. Virtual staging requires familiarity with:
- Design fundamentals
- Matching and complementing hues
- Proportions and scale
- Lighting consistency
My first tries looked obviously fake. The furniture didn’t match the lighting, shadows were wrong, and the whole thing just looked amateur.
When It Clicked
After half a year, something clicked. I began to carefully analyze the existing light sources in each room. I realized that convincing virtual staging is mostly about consistency the existing light.
These days, I dedicate lots of attention on:
- Understanding the source of natural light
- Replicating light falloff
- Selecting furniture elements that complement the room’s character
- Verifying lighting warmth matches throughout
How It Changed Everything
Honestly virtual staging transformed my business. The results were:
Earnings: My average job value increased by about 70%. Property managers are eager to spend more for full-service property marketing.
Repeat Business: Agents who use my virtual staging packages nearly always book again. Word of mouth has been outstanding.
Professional Standing: I’m no longer competing on price alone. I’m delivering meaningful results that measurably helps my clients’ sales.
The Hard Parts
I should mention about the challenges I still face:
Serious Time Commitment: Professional virtual staging is slow work. Each room can take several hours to complete professionally.
Client Education: Some clients don’t understand virtual staging and have wild ideas. I invest effort to educate and manage expectations.
Technical Challenges: Difficult architectural features can be extremely difficult to stage convincingly.
Keeping Current: Interior design trends shift frequently. I constantly refresh my furniture libraries.
Tips for Anyone Starting
To those interested in getting into virtual staging:
- Begin Gradually: Don’t try complex scenes at first. Get comfortable with straightforward rooms first.
- Learn Properly: Take courses in both photography and interior design. Understanding visual composition is essential.
- Develop Samples: Work with your practice images prior to offering services. Create a solid collection of before/after examples.
- Maintain Ethics: Always clearly state that images are virtually staged. Honesty builds trust.
- Price Appropriately: Don’t undervalue your time and expertise. Quality virtual staging takes time and deserves to be valued accordingly.
What’s Next
Virtual staging is rapidly advancing. AI tools are making quicker and increasingly convincing results. I’m optimistic to see what innovations will further improve this profession.
Currently, I’m focusing on building my service offerings and maybe mentoring other people who are interested in virtual staging.
In Conclusion
Virtual staging represents one of the best investments I’ve made in my professional life. It’s not easy, but the results – both financial and professional – have been absolutely worth it.
For anyone who’s thinking about trying it, I’d say give it a shot. Begin gradually, invest in learning, and be patient with the learning curve.
Happy to answer any questions in the replies!
Update: Grateful for all the great questions! I’ll try to respond to as many as possible over the next few days.
This was helpful someone interested in virtual staging!