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Real Estate Photography Checklist

A real estate photography assignment is a commitment of time, of resources, and of money. Creating high-quality images on location presents a complex series of challenges. Through planning and communication among the client, photographer, and homeowner can help ensure maximum efficiency and productivity.

While each assignment is unique, this information will be helpful in anticipating issues that may come up during the planning and actual production of a real estate photography project.

For photography of interiors,

  • All owners/tenants must be notified about the photography and understand the duration of the photo shoot. (Minimum 1 hour).

  • All rooms must be clean.

  • No clutter, no clutter, no clutter.

  • Homeowners must remove most of the "imprint" that they have made on their house. Having a few family pictures around is fine, but if their house is a "shrine" to their family – walls full of personal pictures – they should take some steps to depersonalize it. Buyers must be able to envision themselves in the house, which is nearly impossible if everywhere they turn they stare at you!

  • Make sure that everything is spotless. Pay particular attention to the bathrooms and the kitchen. In the bathrooms, towels should be fresh and clean, sinks and baths scrubbed, and the floor freshly cleaned. In the kitchen, make sure all dishes are put away and countertops and sinks cleaned.

  • Clean the exterior of all appliances.
    Clean cabinet faces. Make them shine!
    Remove all clutter and unnecessary items from countertops and clean all countertops and backsplashes thoroughly.

  • Keep furniture at a bare minimum, so rooms do not appear smaller than they actually are.

  • Remove bookshelves, cabinets and the like overflowing with books and knick-knacks.

  • Remove pets from the house, or at least keep them out of areas & rooms during photo shoot.

Please consider the following in deciding when to schedule the photography:

  • - Time of year and weather to be expected:
    - Natural light and the angle of the sun.
    - Which direction does the building face?
    - Sun on the main entrance.
    - The season:
    - Leaves on the trees.
    - Flowering shrubs and plants.
    - Snow on the ground.
    - Seasonal decorations.
    - The day of the week:
    - Moving automobile traffic or parked cars.
    - The best time of day for the photography:
    - Interiors. Exteriors.
    - Natural light. Sun. Shadows. Mixed lighting. Views.
    - Is it best to shoot at night?

The Client to Specify:

- Exact location of the site, description and documentation required
- Clearly describe goals: areas to photograph, number of views.
- Communicate problems or flaws that photographer should downplay/avoid.
- Delivery deadline.

At the location:

  • The owners or those at the location should be expecting the photographers.
    They should understand the level of production and length of time involved.
    Some people assume a photographer will show up with a point-and-shoot camera, take snapshots and be finished in a few minutes. Don’t surprise them.

  • WE NEED AT LEAST 1 HOUR.

  • The photographers must know how to contact:

    •

  • Client with office, home and weekend numbers for day and evening.

  • Building owner

  • Access to the home must be arranged.

  • Available parking for the photographers.

  • All rooms and areas to be photographed must be accessible.

  • If there are keys or security codes, someone should be available to provide such for access.

  • Make sure alarm systems are turned off in areas to be photographed.

  • Has all the construction been completed?

  • Trailers, dumpsters, scaffolding, fences and debris removed?

  • Construction and leasing signs removed?

  • Landscaping complete?

  • Home conditions must be reviewed before the photographers arrive.

  • Windows clean. None broken.

  • Grounds well maintained.

  • Lawns green. Gardens watered.

  • Sprinkler system turned off.

  • Request delay in maintenance/services during the shoot (mowing, house cleaning).

  • Fountains working.

  • If access is required from nearby buildings Arrangements must be made in advance.

  • All lighting must be operational and the bulbs consistent (same wattage and color) within areas.

  • Photographers must be able to adjust interior, exterior and ambient light.

  • Arrange access to circuit breakers.

  • Access for window shade controls.

  • Interior of the building must be accessible to adjust window blinds and lights.

  • Photographers must have permission for moving (and replacing) personal objects.