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Real estate photo and video shoots follow a structured process from initial booking through final delivery. Understanding the workflow helps clients prepare appropriately and set realistic expectations. Proper preparation significantly improves final results.

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Scheduling and Booking

When booking photographer:
  • Provide property address
  • Describe property size and type
  • Specify desired services
  • Indicate preferred timing
  • Discuss any special requests or concerns
  • Confirm pricing and packages
Scheduling considerations:
  • Most photographers need 2-5 days notice
  • Rush service available with additional fee
  • Popular times (weekends) book quickly
  • Weather considerations for exterior shots
  • Seasonal demand (spring and summer busier)
Book early to secure preferred time slot.
Before shoot day:
  • Confirm date, time, and address
  • Review services included
  • Discuss property access
  • Clarify preparation requirements
  • Set delivery timeline expectations
  • Exchange contact information

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Property Preparation

Essential steps before photographer arrives:Declutter:
  • Remove personal items and excess furniture
  • Clear countertops and surfaces
  • Put away toiletries and personal care items
  • Remove small appliances
  • Store visible laundry and cleaning supplies
Clean:
  • Deep clean all rooms
  • Clean windows inside and out
  • Dust all surfaces
  • Vacuum and mop floors
  • Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
  • Wipe down appliances
Stage:
  • Arrange furniture to show space and flow
  • Add fresh flowers or plants
  • Set dining table attractively
  • Arrange pillows and throws
  • Open blinds and curtains
  • Turn on all lights
Outside the property:
  • Mow lawn and edge
  • Trim bushes and trees
  • Remove weeds
  • Clean walkways and driveway
  • Pressure wash siding if needed
  • Clear clutter from porches and patios
  • Move garbage cans out of sight
  • Hide garden hoses and equipment
  • Clean pool and spa
Additional preparation:
  • Remove or relocate pets
  • Turn off ceiling fans
  • Replace burned-out light bulbs
  • Close toilet lids
  • Hide trash cans
  • Remove visible cords and chargers
  • Straighten beds and pillows
  • Clear refrigerator front
Avoid:
  • Leaving personal photos displayed
  • Heavy air freshener or candles (can photograph poorly)
  • Leaving shoes or clothes visible
  • Cluttered garage or basement
  • Dirty dishes in sink
  • Unmade beds
  • Visible clutter anywhere in frame

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Day of Shoot

What to expect:
  • Photographer arrives at scheduled time
  • Walk through property together
  • Discuss any specific shots desired
  • Point out key features to highlight
  • Address any concerns or questions
  • Photographer assesses lighting and conditions
What happens:Photography:
  • Photographer moves through property room by room
  • Takes multiple shots from different angles
  • Adjusts lighting and settings
  • May move small items for better composition
  • Takes 60-100+ raw photos (delivers 20-40 edited)
Video:
  • Similar walkthrough with video camera
  • Multiple takes of same areas
  • Focus on smooth transitions
  • Capture detail and wide shots
Drone:
  • Pilot evaluates weather and conditions
  • Launches and operates drone from safe location
  • Captures various angles and heights
  • Records video and still images
Shoot length varies by property size and services:
  • Small property, photos only: 45-90 minutes
  • Medium home, photos only: 1-2 hours
  • Large home, photos only: 2-3 hours
  • Add video: +30-60 minutes
  • Add drone: +15-30 minutes
  • Add virtual tour: +45-90 minutes
Complex properties or multiple services require more time.
Whether to be present:Benefits of being there:
  • Answer photographer questions
  • Point out features to highlight
  • Ensure access to all areas
  • Address any issues immediately
Benefits of not being there:
  • Photographer works more efficiently
  • No people to avoid in shots
  • Less pressure and distraction
  • Photographer feels free to adjust items
Discuss preference with photographer. Many prefer owner absent after initial walkthrough.

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Post-Production

What photographers do after shoot:Photo editing:
  • Select best shots from raw images
  • Adjust exposure and brightness
  • Color correction and white balance
  • Straighten vertical lines
  • Crop and compose
  • Remove minor distractions
  • HDR processing or blending
  • Enhance sharpness and clarity
Video editing:
  • Select best footage
  • Arrange in logical sequence
  • Add transitions
  • Color grade footage
  • Add music
  • Include text or graphics if requested
  • Export in appropriate formats
Typical delivery schedules:
  • Rush service: 24 hours or same day
  • Standard: 24-48 hours
  • Slower: 2-5 business days
  • Video: Often 2-5 days
  • Virtual tours: 24-72 hours after scanning
Turnaround varies by photographer, season, and workload.
How photos are provided:
  • Download link to online gallery
  • Dropbox, Google Drive, or similar
  • Email (for small number of images)
  • USB drive (less common)
  • Direct upload to MLS or listing platform
Images typically provided in high-resolution and web-optimized versions.

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Reviewing and Using Photos

When receiving photos:
  • Review all images promptly
  • Check for any issues or concerns
  • Verify all areas photographed
  • Ensure quality meets expectations
  • Note any needed corrections
  • Confirm video playback and quality
If changes needed:
  • Contact photographer promptly
  • Specify exact issues clearly
  • Understand what’s included vs extra charge
  • Most photographers include minor edits
  • Major changes may incur additional fees
Common included revisions:
  • Adjusting brightness or color
  • Removing small objects
  • Cropping differently
Not typically included:
  • Complete re-shoot
  • Extensive retouching
  • Adding elements not present
Understanding licensing:Typical terms:
  • Client receives license to use for marketing property
  • Photographer retains copyright
  • Client can use on MLS, websites, social media, print materials
  • Client cannot resell or license photos to others
  • Photographer may use in portfolio
Duration:
  • License typically unlimited for selling current property
  • May have restrictions on continued use after sale
Review contract for specific terms.
Choosing which images to use:
  • Lead with strongest exterior or interior shot
  • Include photos of all main rooms
  • Show key features and upgrades
  • Include exterior front, back, and sides
  • Limit to 25-40 photos for most platforms
  • Order logically (exterior, then interior flow)
  • End with additional exteriors or features
Use all provided photos across various marketing channels even if limiting MLS selection.

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Common Issues and Solutions

Handling poor weather:
  • Reschedule if possible for exterior shots
  • Photographer may shoot interiors only
  • Return later for exterior shots
  • Edit to improve sky or lighting
Flexible scheduling helps avoid weather delays.
If property unprepared at shoot time:
  • Photographer may still shoot but results suffer
  • May reschedule (rescheduling fees possible)
  • Time spent waiting may incur charges
  • Client should prepare thoroughly before appointment
Equipment or technical problems:
  • Professional photographers have backup equipment
  • Weather may prevent drone flight
  • Rare equipment failure may require rescheduling
  • Delivery may be delayed by processing issues
Photographers typically resolve quickly.

Next: Costs and Pricing

What photography and video services cost

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