Why Editorial Vertical Shots Are Essential for Engaging Photography and Marketing

When hiring a photographer, one of the best recommendations beyond simply choosing a skilled professional is to request editorial vertical shots. These images do more than capture a moment—they tell a story. For realtors, this approach offers a unique marketing opportunity to create visuals that truly stand out and engage potential buyers.

Editorial vertical shots fill the entire screen on platforms like Reels and Stories. This means no cropping, no blurriness from enlarging horizontal photos, and no awkward framing. Instead, you get immersive visuals that stop the scroll and highlight your listings in a fresh, compelling way. This post explores why these shots matter just as much as staging, and offers practical photography tips to help you make the most of this powerful tool.

Editorial vertical shot of a modern dining room emphasizing height and natural light

The Power of Vertical Shots in Real Estate Photography

Vertical shots are often overlooked in favor of traditional horizontal images. Yet, vertical framing aligns perfectly with how most people consume content on their phones. Since mobile devices dominate online browsing, vertical photos fill the screen naturally, creating a more immersive experience.

For realtors, this means:

• Better engagement: Vertical images grab attention because they use the full screen, making your listing stand out.

• No awkward cropping: Horizontal photos often get cropped or resized for Stories and Reels, which can cut out important details.

• Clear storytelling: Vertical shots can highlight architectural features like tall ceilings, staircases, or floor-to-ceiling windows, telling a story about the space.

  
  

Using editorial vertical shots is a marketing opportunity that complements your staging efforts. When a home is well-staged and photographed vertically, it creates a seamless visual narrative that appeals to buyers.

Why Photography Matters as Much as Staging

Staging a home is essential to showcase its potential, but photography is the bridge that connects that potential to the buyer’s imagination. Even the best staging can fall flat if the photos don’t capture the space effectively.

Here’s why photography tips matter when working with your photographer:

• Lighting choices affect mood: Don’t always say yes to having the lights on. Sometimes, natural light with lights off creates a softer, more inviting atmosphere.

• Composition tells a story: Editorial vertical shots allow photographers to frame scenes in a way that highlights the home’s best features.

• Consistency builds trust: Using vertical shots consistently across listings creates a recognizable style that helps your marketing stand out.

  
  

By focusing on these details, you create a stronger connection between the viewer and the property.

Practical Tips for Ordering Editorial Vertical Shots

To make the most of this marketing opportunity, here are some photography tips to share with your photographer or keep in mind when reviewing photos:

• Request vertical framing for key rooms: Living rooms, kitchens, and master bedrooms often benefit from vertical shots that emphasize height and space.

• Use natural light when possible: Ask your photographer if turning off artificial lights improves the mood and clarity of the shot.

• Focus on storytelling elements: Look for angles that show how spaces connect or highlight unique architectural details.

• Avoid clutter: Clean, minimal spaces photograph better and help the vertical composition shine.

• Plan for social media use: Since vertical shots work perfectly for Stories and Reels, think about how these images will appear on mobile platforms.

  
  

These tips help ensure your photos do more than just document a space—they create a visual experience that draws buyers in.

Close-up vertical editorial shot of a kitchen island with pendant lighting and natural light

How Vertical Shots Help Your Listings Stand Out

In a crowded real estate market, every listing needs to stand out. Editorial vertical shots give you an edge by:

• Creating immersive visuals that fill the screen and hold attention.

• Highlighting unique features like tall windows, staircases, or decorative details.

• Providing ready-made content for marketing channels that favor vertical formats.

• Reducing the need for cropping or resizing, which can degrade image quality.

  
  

When combined with strong staging, these photos become a powerful tool to attract and engage buyers. They also make your marketing materials look polished and professional, reinforcing your brand as a realtor who pays attention to detail.

Final Thoughts on Using Editorial Vertical Shots

Photography is more than just snapping pictures—it’s about creating a story that connects buyers to a home. Editorial vertical shots offer a marketing opportunity that realtors should not miss. They fill the screen, avoid awkward cropping, and highlight the best features of a listing in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Next time you hire a photographer, ask for editorial vertical shots and consider turning off the lights to let natural light shine. These small choices can make a big difference in how your listings stand out and attract attention.