8 Top Tips to Prepare Your Property for a 360° Virtual Tour Photoshoot

So you're ready to get a 360° virtual tour, now how should you prepare for a virtual tour photoshoot? 

First impressions are important when it comes to selling property. 'A picture says a thousand words', as cliched as it sounds, definitely stands true here.

Staging is essential to ensure that your property has an inviting ambience, allowing customers to imagine what it is like to live there. A well-staged space can help photographers achieve incredible, high-quality image that make the virtual tour more attractive to potential buyers. This can make or break the sale!

As part of our virtual tour services, our team at Actsugi has conducted hundreds of photography sessions to build 360° virtual tours that cater to businesses from a wide variety of industries. We've compiled 8 things to look out when you are setting the scene for your property.  

1. Lighting is Everything

Well-lit spaces can make a room feel warm and inviting, which is why any good photographer would pay attention to lighting. Where possible, keep the curtains and blinds open so that natural light can fill the rooms. All lights should be turned on to ensure optimal lighting conditions, so replace any faulty lightbulbs. 

Lighting can be a creative tool to tell a story. Morning or evening light tend to be more diffused and has that beautiful golden hour effect. Afternoon light allows your photographer to play with contrasts, for example, intricate architectural details that tend to cast a unique shadow. It highly depends the narrative you want to show in your virtual tour, so it would be a good idea to discuss with the photography team beforehand!

Get in touch with us to own your immersive virtual tour.

2. Clean and Declutter Your Space

When it comes to staging for a virtual tour, less is more. Keep your property as clean and decluttered as possible. A minimalist environment that is not overloaded with too much furniture and personal items can really open up the space, while letting potential buyers imagine their future home. Clean the windows, mirrors and surfaces down to the smallest details. This not only enhances the visual appeal, but also creates a positive and inviting impression for potential buyers.

Remove unnecessary items on tables, sofas, shelves and beds. Simple decorative pieces can work wonders, and rarely distract from the main visual message. Unlike regular photography, 360° panoramas would display every angle of your space in stunning detail, so do make sure that you keep a lookout for even the tiniest of details in any property.

3. Set a Theme 

Establishing a cohesive theme throughout your property can elevate its visual appeal during a 360° virtual tour. Whether it is a modern, minimalist aesthetic, luxury or a more traditional charm, consistency in design elements creates a harmonious, memorable experience for potential buyers. 

Coordinate furniture, decorative items, and color schemes to convey a unified theme, enhancing the overall aesthetic and leaving a lasting impression on viewers. A thoughtfully chosen theme helps potential buyers visualize the property's potential and gives it that extra edge!

4. Focus on Functionality 

While aesthetics are important, emphasizing functionality is equally crucial in a 360° virtual tour. Arrange furniture and design elements to showcase the practicality and usability of each space. This approach makes the space relatable to your customers, while showing them that it is flexible enough for them to let their personal style shine through.

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5. Be Strategic with Furniture Placement

Effective furniture placement plays a role in how your space is visualised. Arrange the furniture to optimise the flow, and avoid obstruction of windows or doorways. 

Consider furniture scale within the camera frame as it can have a transformative impact on the presentation of your virtual tour. If you are selling a smaller property, choose furniture that are smaller in size that can fit the space better and produce a balanced composition.

6. Highlight the Unique Selling Points

Identify and showcase the distinctive features of your property during the photoshoot, as it can create a compelling 360° virtual tour. Imagine a living room that looks out on a breathtaking view, a spacious kitchen with modern equipment, a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, a long balcony, or a large garden with an outdoor patio. Draw attention to details that captivate buyers and set your property apart from others. 

The great thing about 360° virtual tours is that every angle will be presented, so it is easier for you to showcase these unique selling points (USPs) in a holistic and interactive way.

7. Get Creative with the Setup

While clearing out the clutter and functionality are important, sometimes you need a little creativity to highlight the unique selling points (USPs). Even a small vase of fresh flowers can elevate the atmosphere and evoke an emotional connection. Here are some ideas: 

• Prepare a simple dining table set-up to represent family time
• Roll out a yoga mat on the outdoor deck to convey tranquility
• Fill up wine drawers or shelves so that they do not look empty
• Have an afternoon tea decor in the garden
• Play around with fresh flowers, a fruit bowl or even magazines that your specific target market would read

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8. Find the Right Angle

Telling a visual narrative effectively begins by strategising and selecting the best angles to achieve your goal. Perhaps you want it to emphasise the open layout plan, the floor-to-ceiling windows, the extra room, or even find a way to make the space feel larger. All these can be done by positioning the camera view to the right place. 

If you have hired a professional crew to create your virtual tour, do share any key features you want them to capture. Let them propose the right viewpoints to bring out the story. Sometimes you need a fresh pair of eyes to have a look.

Hire a Professional For Your Virtual Tour Production

Prepping your space for a virtual tour is only the first step. What makes a difference in the output is also the skill and expertise of the team behind your 360° virtual tour, and the camera equipment used for the shoting. 

At Actsugi, we would typically conduct a recce to observe the lighting conditions, details and USPs. so that we can better prepare our clients for the photoshoot. During the actual photography session, our team would also be more flexible and make some calls on the spot to ensure 11K high-quality 360° imagery that tell your story.

Get in touch with us to own your immersive virtual tour.