Best Practices for a Real Estate Photography Session

Best Practices for a Real Estate Photography Session

As photographers, our job is to capture images of your property to ensure the best possible presentation. This guide provides a brief checklist to help ensure a quick, efficient service with the best results. The checklist applies to all Real Estate photography sessions, Walkthrough Videos, and Virtual Tours.

Before the Session

Try to arrive a few minutes before the photographer to explain to the owner how the session will go and ensure that the house is clean and organized.
Inside the house, make sure all lights are on, doors are open, and blinds are lifted. Keep the curtains closed if they provide good light; otherwise, open them. Remember: PHOTO = LIGHT. The more natural and artificial light inside, the better the photos will be.

Exterior

Remove vehicles from the garage and the front of the house, if possible.
Place bins and any other unsightly items out of view from the area to be photographed.
Mow, sweep, and water the lawn, and remove any visually disruptive items.
Clean the windows.
Arrange the furniture on the porch or patio, and open the patio umbrella, if applicable.
Sweep or pressure wash the pavement if needed.
Ensure the garden is free of toys, pet evidence, or unnecessary clutter.

Interior

Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and ensure all bulbs have the same color temperature.
Minimise clutter, especially personal items not included in the sale. Organizing makes a significant difference, even if not everything can be removed.
Remove and store rugs that may be hiding attractive flooring, such as wood or tiles.
Eliminate all signs of pets.
Open the curtains and remove any window coverings that block natural light.
Turn off all TVs, computer screens, and ceiling fans.
Hide power cables; unplug them if necessary (except for lights).
Store or hide all shoes and sandals.
Ensure there are no clothes in the washing machine or utility area.
Make the beds, straighten frames, artwork, and organise pillows, etc.
Avoid hiding items under beds or furniture.
Remove all personal information, such as photographs or other items you do not want visible online.

Kitchen

Clean all countertops. Some utensils, fruit bowls, plants, etc., can stay, but avoid large or tall items that might distract from the main focus.
Clean the exterior of the fridge thoroughly, removing all magnets, photos, lists, etc.
Clean the appliances, ensuring all dirt and stains are removed.
Hide or place a bin out of sight.
Ensure the sink is clean and free of dishes.
Remove detergent, sponges, cloths, etc.
Remove calendars, as they can date a listing.
Straighten bar stools and dining chairs.

Bathroom

Close the toilet lid.
Remove all personal items from the sink area.
Clean the mirrors.
Close the shower curtain. If the shower is a selling feature, remove items around it, such as shampoo, razors, soap, etc., and leave the curtain open.
Place a NEW roll of toilet paper on the holder (very important).
Remove the toilet brush and bin.

Good Practices to Consider

Feel free to give the photographer a tour upon arrival, but avoid following them during the photo session.
If space is limited, consider in advance having a temporary storage area for unnecessary items instead of trying to move them from room to room while the photographer is on-site.
Ensure pets are accommodated outside or in a kennel (very important).
Photographers will not tidy your home, so plan these tasks ahead of time with your agent, property owner, or a designated person.
Do not rush your photographer – great images are crucial for marketing a property for sale, and it is in your best interest to allow the photographer to do a thorough job.

Thank you once again for reading our blog. I hope I can always clarify any questions you may have about real estate photography.