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What to expect during a real estate photography session

Nick Welsch • Jan 13, 2023

So you've either booked a real estate photography session with us, or you're thinking about it, but you're not quite sure what to expect. While every property is different, here's an idea of what to expect:

  • How long will it take?

    If you're just getting photos, then you can expect the photographer to be there for 1 - 2 hours, depending on the size of the property.


    Video: 15 - 30 minutes


    Drone: 20 - 40 minutes


    Floor Plans: 10 minutes


    Virtual Tours: 30 - 45 minutes


  • How many photos will be delivered?

    We'll take roughly 3-4 photos of the living room, kitchen, and main bedroom, 2-3 photos of lesser bedrooms, dining room, etc., and 1-2 photos of smaller spaces like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and unfinished basement rooms, along with 5-8 exterior photos. We don't usually photograph non-walk-in closets and garages unless requested.

  • There's a really nice feature, will you take a photo of it?

    Of course! If there's anything we see that looks like a selling point, like a pool or hot tub, we'll make sure to get a great photo of it.


    If there's anything you think we should highlight, just let us know and we'll make sure to get photos of that, too.

  • What should I do to prepare the property?

    Clean! But seriously, we've got a whole prep list for you, which will also be e-mailed to first-time clients.

  • Will you clean? Will you move stuff?

    For the most part, we'll be shooting the property as is.


    When we arrive we'll look around the inside of the property and ensure all the lights are on, but we're not a cleaning service. We may move a lamp out of the way of a shot, or hide dish soap and sponge in the sink, but it's a liability issue to start moving stuff around.


    We've also allotted enough time for the services you've requested and sweeping and rearranging rooms could cause us to be late for our next client.

  • When will I receive my photos and videos?

    24 hours for photos and 48 hours for video, if not faster.

  • How will my photos and videos be delivered?

    Once they're ready you'll receive an e-mail with a link where you view, pay for, and then download your photos all at once for your convenience.


    For video, you can either download from the same page or receive an embed link for the video.

  • Who should be at the property?

    For most properties, we shoot all by our lonesome, but no need to tell the homeowners to vacate, we can always shoot around them. We just ask that they're ready to move around a little bit while we're there. Usually, we'll ask where the owner would be spending their time and shoot that space first. then move on to any connecting rooms so we're not bothering them too much while we're there.


    If you would like to be there as well, you are more than welcome to be.

  • What about pets?

    We never turn down an opportunity to meet a new dog or cat, but after we've gotten to pet them we do ask that they be put up so that they're not in any of the pictures.

  • When is the best time to have Real Estate Photos taken?

    We understand that you're busy doing what you love, selling houses, so we try to be very flexible and work around your schedule. However, here are some good rules of thumb. 


    The best time for West-facing homes is in the early afternoon while North and East-facing homes photograph best before noon. Twilight shoots are, of course, only available to be done at dusk. Regardless of which direction the home faces, we will make sure the photos of your property are outstanding.

  • The property is not furnished/it is over furnished.

    Properties look great when professionally staged, but we know that is not always an option. If a property is empty we can add in furnishings digitally. Conversely, if the property is cluttered we can remove furnishings digitally and present an empty room.

  • What if it's raining/snowing?

    As long as it's not a torrential downpour/blizzard we shouldn't have any issues taking photos. Interior photos won't be affected, other than window views. We can still produce great exterior photos in light rain and snow, but if the weather is particularly bad we can come back another day for exteriors or reschedule the whole shoot.

  • What if I don't like the photos?

    While this has never happened, the simple answer is don't buy the photos.


    We strive to provide the best photos of your property, but on the off chance you don't like the photos, we'll do everything we can to make it right.

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