What to Expect During a Real Estate Photo Shoot (And How to Prepare)
You’ve made the decision to invest in professional real estate photography—smart move! High-quality listing photos attract more buyers, generate more interest, and help homes sell faster.
But if you’ve never gone through the process before, you might be wondering:
👉 What actually happens during a real estate photo shoot?
👉 Do I need to clean everything?
👉 How long does it take?
This blog breaks it all down, so you know exactly what to expect—and how to get your home photo-ready.
1. Pre-Shoot Prep: Setting the Stage for Success
Before your photographer arrives, the home should be clean, decluttered, and staged as much as possible. This doesn’t mean you need a full remodel—just a fresh, welcoming look.
📋 Here’s a quick checklist:
Make all beds and fluff pillows
Clear countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms
Hide trash cans, pet items, and personal photos
Turn on all lights and replace burned-out bulbs
Open curtains and blinds for natural light
Remove vehicles from the driveway
🎯 Pro Tip: Think "model home." You want clean, neutral spaces that help buyers picture themselves living there.
2. Arrival and Walkthrough
When your photographer arrives, they’ll usually do a quick walkthrough of the property. This helps them:
Plan the best shooting order
Check the lighting in each room
Move or adjust small items if needed (with your permission)
If you have specific features you want captured—like a new fireplace, upgraded kitchen, or outdoor space—be sure to mention it during this time.
3. The Photo Shoot Process
A typical real estate photo shoot takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the home and the media package (e.g., photos only, or photos + video + drone).
📸 What the photographer will do:
Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens
Take multiple shots of each room from strategic angles
Shoot both interior and exterior photos
Adjust lighting and camera settings for optimal results
Capture any “wow factor” features like vaulted ceilings, views, or custom finishes
They may also shoot in HDR (High Dynamic Range) to capture more depth and color accuracy, which results in bright, natural-looking photos.
4. Optional Add-Ons: Drone, Video, and 3D Tours
Depending on your package, your photographer might also:
Fly a drone to capture aerial views of the home and neighborhood
Film a video walkthrough of the property
Capture a 3D virtual tour using tools like Matterport
These media types take a bit longer to capture but are incredibly effective for online engagement and remote buyers.
5. After the Shoot: What Happens Next?
After the shoot, the photographer will:
Professionally edit the photos (adjust brightness, straighten lines, enhance sky/windows, etc.)
Deliver the final images in web-friendly and MLS-compliant formats
Provide any additional media (videos, tours, drone shots) within 24–72 hours depending on the package
You’ll receive a download link or file folder that’s easy to share with your agent or upload to your listing platform.
Final Thoughts: Preparation = Better Photos = Faster Sale
A successful real estate photo shoot is all about teamwork. When the home is well-prepared and the photographer brings their expertise, the results can be stunning.
📈 More views. More showings. Faster sales.
And it all starts with that first great photo.
📣 Ready to Book a Real Estate Photo Shoot?
We specialize in helping homes shine online with professional photography, drone media, and virtual tours.
Contact us today to schedule your shoot and get your property listing-ready.
