Preparing a property for real estate photos and video

1. Prepare the property

The camera exaggerates clutter. Before the shoot, clear kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces, hide personal items such as family photos, bins and cables, make beds neatly and remove cars from the driveway. Open curtains, turn on all lights and replace any broken bulbs. Clean windows and mirrors. Outside, mow the lawn, sweep paths and tidy the garden. A small amount of preparation produces images that look calm, spacious and inviting, and reduces the need for heavy editing.

2. Choose the right time

Natural light makes rooms look bright and welcoming. Discuss timing with the photographer: some properties look best in morning light, others in the afternoon. Exterior shots and drone footage depend on weather, so plan a backup date. Twilight exterior shots, with lights glowing inside, can make listings stand out and are worth considering for premium properties.

3. Write a shot list

Tell the photographer which rooms and features matter most: an updated kitchen, a view, a garden, storage or a home office. List must-have shots and anything to avoid, such as a neighbor's property. Say how many final photos you expect and whether you need detail shots. Experienced real estate photographers know standard angles, but your knowledge of the property's selling points makes the set stronger.

4. Video, drone and tours

Decide which extra formats will help. A short walkthrough or property promo video gives a sense of flow and space. Drone footage shows the location, plot size and surroundings, but drone rules vary by area, so your pilot must follow local regulations and obtain any required permissions. Virtual tours let buyers explore online. For properties not yet built or being renovated, 3D renderings can show the finished result.

5. Formats and platforms

List where photos and videos will be used: listing websites, your own site, social media, printed brochures or signs. Each has preferred sizes and orientations. Ask for horizontal and vertical video versions, captioned versions for social media, and photos sized for web and for print. Check any upload limits or requirements on the listing platforms you use.

6. Editing and honesty

Professional editing typically includes color correction, straightening lines, balancing window light and removing small distractions. Ask what is included. Be careful with heavy alterations: replacing a grey sky may be acceptable in some places, but removing permanent features or hiding defects can mislead buyers and may break local rules. If you use virtual staging, disclose it clearly in the listing.

7. Usage rights and delivery

Clarify who may use the images and for how long. Agents, owners and developers sometimes have different needs, and photographers often license images for a specific listing rather than unlimited use. Agree on delivery time, which matters in fast-moving markets, and the format of delivery, such as a download link with organized folders.

8. Floor plans and descriptions

Floor plans help buyers understand layout and size, and many photographers offer them alongside the shoot. A clear, accurate listing description completes the package; a copywriter can highlight features without exaggeration. Make sure measurements and descriptions match the property exactly.

If the property is occupied

If tenants or owners live in the property, give them plenty of notice, share the preparation list in advance and agree on what should be hidden for privacy. Make sure valuables and personal documents are out of sight before anyone films or photographs the rooms.

Shoot checklist

• Property cleaned, decluttered and lit.
• Shoot time chosen for light, with a weather backup.
• Shot list with key selling points.
• Video, drone, virtual tour and floor plan needs agreed.
• Formats and orientations for each platform.
• Editing scope and disclosure of any virtual staging.
• Usage rights and delivery time confirmed.