What to Expect with Your First Real Estate Photoshoot

Booking your first professional real estate photoshoot is an exciting step—but if you’ve never done one before, you might not know exactly what to expect. The good news? A great photoshoot is straightforward, efficient, and designed to make your property look its absolute best.

Here’s what the process typically looks like from start to finish.

Before the Shoot: Preparation Is Key

Once your session is scheduled, you’ll receive guidance on how to prepare the property. This typically involves straightforward tasks such as tidying rooms, removing personal items, opening window coverings, and turning on lights. You don’t need to stage like a magazine shoot—clean, bright, and uncluttered goes a long way. Simple things like lowering all of the toilet seats can make all of the difference.

If the property is vacant or staged, we’ll tailor the shoot to highlight layout, flow, and key selling features. We also offer 360-degree virtual tours. We shoot the property to allow potential buyers or renters to see each room from multiple angles and vantage points. 

Arrival and Walkthrough

On shoot day, your photographer will arrive and start with a quick walkthrough of the property. This helps identify the best angles, natural light sources, and any features you want highlighted—such as updated kitchens, outdoor spaces, or unique architectural details. Feel free to send a list of key selling points before the shoot. If a property has a hot tub, we are showing off the hot tub!

This walkthrough ensures the shoot is tailored to the property, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

During the Photoshoot

Most real estate photoshoots take 60-90 minutes, depending on property size and services requested. The photographer works efficiently and professionally, adjusting lighting, composing shots, and capturing each space to feel open, inviting, and true to scale.

You’re welcome to be present, but it’s not required. Many clients prefer to step away and return once the shoot is complete or simply arrange access to a lockbox or digital entry. 

Attention to Detail

Professional photography is about more than just pointing a camera. Expect small adjustments—straightening chairs, aligning decor, adjusting blinds, or tweaking lighting—to ensure every image feels polished and intentional.

These details make a big difference in how buyers perceive the property online.

After the Shoot: Editing and Delivery

Once the shoot is complete, images go through professional editing to enhance brightness, color accuracy, and overall consistency—without over-editing or misrepresenting the space.

Final images are typically delivered within a few days via a digital gallery, ready for MLS, Airbnb, Zillow, social media, and marketing materials. 

The End Result

Professional real estate photography helps your listing stand out, attract more attention, and make a strong first impression. Whether you’re selling a home or marketing a short-term rental, high-quality images give buyers and guests confidence before they ever step inside.

If you’re preparing for your first real estate photoshoot, rest assured—the process is designed to be smooth, efficient, and stress-free, with results that speak for themselves.