Real Estate Photography and Video Production Checklist

Please review the checklist provided below to ensure your real estate photography and video production experience runs smoothly!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know by contacting me in advance of the shoot.

General Instructions

Cleaning and Staging: Clean and stage your home before my arrival, preferably the day before the shoot. While I may make minor adjustments like repositioning small items for better composition (such as flowers or small pictures), larger items should be arranged in their desired places beforehand. Ensure staging accessories are in place as well.

Pet Considerations: I love animals, but they cannot be present during the shoot. Dogs must be securely contained or off the property to ensure both my safety and the safety of my equipment. MLS regulations also prohibit people and pets from appearing in the pictures. For cats, it’s advisable to secure them, although they typically present fewer challenges than dogs (cats often tend to hide). Additionally, you will want to conceal pet food and water bowls.

Avoid Visibility: It is crucial that all occupants plan to either leave the property or remain in areas where they won’t be visible during the shoot. The presence of people can create shadows, reflections, and potential equipment hazards that will be set up throughout the property.

Garage for Storage: I typically do not shoot garages, making them an ideal location to store items you wish to keep out of sight.

Interior Instructions

Entrance: Eliminate shoes, umbrellas, and other items from entryways to create a welcoming, uncluttered space.

Kitchen: Keep the kitchen counters clutter-free, leaving a few items at most. Ensure that dishes, sponges, and rags are put away. Remove any magnets, pictures, or other items from the refrigerator. Remove throw rugs from the kitchen floor.

Bathrooms: Conceal personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and razors. Opt for unused decorative soaps, candles, and flowers. Remove throw rugs from the bathroom floor.

Bedrooms: Make sure that all beds in the bedrooms are neatly made, and store away any scattered items.

Trash Cans: Conceal trash cans in closets or the garage to avoid distraction.

Portable Fan Storage: Hide portable fans in closets or the garage.

Cord and Remote Control Management: Hide visible remotes, game consoles, and any conspicuous cords. While electrical cords may sometimes be unavoidable, concealing them whenever possible will create more appealing photos and videos.

Blinds: Open the blinds to let in as much light as possible for your interior photos and videos. If the view is not attractive, try to maximize as much of the natural light as possible.

Lights: Prior to my arrival, ensure that all interior lights are turned on to enhance the overall atmosphere. If necessary, replace any burned-out bulbs at least 24+ hours before the shoot.

Ceiling Fan Control: When shooting photos, ceiling fans should be turned off. When shooting videos, ceiling fans should be turned on. Be sure to leave remote controls accessible in order to achieve the best results.

Exterior Instructions

Driveway and Street Parking: Ensure that no cars are in the driveway and, if possible, clear the street in front of your home for an unobstructed view of your property.

Conceal Trash Bins: Place trash bins discreetly on the side of the property or inside the garage.

Hose Storage: Store hoses the day before the shoot, as moving them can cause water drips on pavement, resulting in puddles in your photos and videos.

Yard Maintenance: Mow and trim your yard at least 24+ hours prior to the shoot.

Sprinkler Deactivation: Turn off sprinklers on the day of the shoot to prevent water puddles on the pavement.

Pet Waste Removal: If you have a dog, ensure that all pet waste is promptly removed from the yard.

Pool and Spa Preparation: If you have a pool and/or spa, ensure they are clean with their covers removed. For spas, provide instructions to the realtor on how to activate them.

Water Feature Readiness: If you have fountains, waterfalls, or similar features, clean them and provide instructions to the realtor on how to activate them.

For-Sale Sign Management: Remove the for-sale sign from the property or install it after the shoot, as visible signs violate MLS policies and may not be editable.

Patio Furniture Maintenance: Dust off and remove cobwebs from outdoor furniture. Avoid hosing down the furniture on the day of the shoot to prevent puddles.

Avoid Wetting Driveways: Please refrain from wetting your driveways, as a wet look can be achieved through editing (with photography only). Wetting driveways may lead to uneven dry spots and puddles, so editing is the preferred method.

Twilight Instructions

Illuminate Interior and Exterior Lights: Ensure that all lights within and around the property are switched on. Make sure to replace any burnt-out light bulbs at least 24+ hours before the shoot.

Prepare and Uncover Spa: If you have a spa, remove its cover and activate it before my arrival. Don’t forget to switch on the spa’s lights.

Activate Pool Lights: If you have a pool, turn on the pool lights prior to my arrival.

Power Up Water Features: If your property boasts fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please activate them before I get there.

Keep in mind that twilight shoots are time-sensitive to capture the perfect lighting, so please ensure that all these preparations are in order prior to my arrival.