Editing styles by genre: real estate, portraits, products and travel
Each photography genre has different editing expectations. Learn what clients expect from real estate, portrait, product and travel edits.
A warm, moody grade that suits a portrait would ruin a real estate listing. Matching the editing style to the genre is part of professionalism.
Real estate
Bright, neutral and accurate. Straight verticals, white whites, clear windows, true colors. No dramatic grades.
Portraits and weddings
Flattering skin tones are the priority. Styles range from light and airy to warm, film-like or dark and moody. Consistency across a gallery matters most.
Products and e-commerce
Accurate color, clean backgrounds and crisp detail. Customers must recognize the product when it arrives.
Food
Warm, appetizing and fresh. Slight vibrance and contrast; avoid gray or blue tints.
Travel and landscapes
More creative freedom. Enhance light and color to express mood, while keeping scenes believable.
Commercial and brand work
Follow the brand’s guidelines: palette, contrast and mood should match other campaign images.
Define your house style
Clients hire photographers partly for their style. Show it consistently in your portfolio so the right clients find you.
