The Ultimate Real Estate Photoshoot Checklist

High-quality professional photography can significantly impact the marketability of real estate listings, drawing in more potential buyers through captivating images and leading to more offers. At Square Foot Photography, we understand every little detail matters, and we approach each photo with meticulous care. Before the magic happens behind the lens, there’s a crucial step often overlooked: proper preparation. This ensures you get the most out of your photos and unlocks the full potential of your shoot. Here’s our handy checklist to guide you through the process of preparing for a real estate photoshoot!

Setting the Stage for a Real Estate Photoshoot

A successful real estate photoshoot is about more than simply presenting a property in its current state; it’s about showcasing the property’s best potential. Decluttering and cleaning are essential steps to set the stage for this and create an inviting atmosphere. The goal is to remove as many distractions as possible and help buyers envision themselves in the property. We’ll break down the best practices for preparing the exterior and interior of both residential and commercial properties, addressing shared tasks first and then specific tips for each property type.

Exterior Prep

The external appearance of a property is the first impression potential buyers get, and curb appeal plays a huge role. From manicured residential landscaping to polished commercial exteriors, you can tell a story before anyone steps foot inside. 

Start by making sure all exterior lights are turned off unless you have a twilight shoot. Cut and rake grassy areas and clean any pools or water features of leaves and other debris. If there are outdoor umbrellas, dust them off and open them up. For a finishing touch, tuck away distractions like trash cans, lawn tools, equipment, and vehicles.

Additional Residential Prep

Elevate the appeal of residential properties by giving driveways, patios, and decks a thorough clean. Tuck away children’s toys for a clutter-free presentation in both the front and backyard. If garage space is limited, try to park vehicles down the street to ensure an unobstructed street view of the property.

Additional Commercial Prep

Enhance the allure of commercial properties by refreshing entrance grounds, decks, and pool areas with a comprehensive scrub, sweep, and dry. Give the same treatment to any concrete or flooring area that will be photographed. Clear any parking lots and entrances of vehicles if you can, allowing the focus to be on the building and its surroundings.

Interior Prep

Now, let’s take a step inside! The goal here is to create a neutral and welcoming ambiance through tasks like decluttering and depersonalizing while maximizing light sources. These simple steps pave the way for stunning photos, whether your property whispers “cozy home” or shouts “professional workspace.”

For interiors, turn on all lights, including lamps, and turn off all fans, TVs, and computer screens. Make up the beds, fluff the pillows (on couches, too), and open up the window curtains and blinds. Hang towels and shower curtains in a tasteful fashion, and dust the furniture and wall hangings. Remove anything hanging on fridges and wipe down the counters, cabinets, appliances, windows, and other glass objects. Hide unsightly items such as trashcans, cleaning supplies, stray paperwork, small appliances, hygiene products, power cables, and anything broken, irrelevant, or eye-catching.

Additional Residential Prep

In addition to removing the items listed above, for residential properties, you should also hide children’s toys and religious or political items. Plan for pets to be away from the home or secure them in an area that won’t be photographed. Don’t let items stored under the bed or laundry in the washing machine photobomb the property, either! Even items you may not expect can be visible in wide-angle photos.

Additional Commercial Prep

For commercial properties, conceal proprietary information or any other confidential items you don’t want the mass public to see. (These photos will be posted to your online listings, after all). Imagine sleek lines, clean surfaces, and a productive atmosphere. The primary goal here is to spotlight workspace functionality and maintain a polished and professional aesthetic throughout the property.

Elevate your listing’s visual allure and maximize its market potential by scheduling your residential or commercial real estate photoshoot with Square Foot Photography today!