How to Get the Most Out of Your Next Photo Shoot

Pre shoot checklist

In real estate, first impressions matter — and often, they start online. With buyers scrolling through dozens of listings in minutes, the homes with the sharpest, brightest, and most inviting visuals win their attention first. That’s where professional media comes in. But here’s the secret: as much as great photography is about the equipment and editing, it’s also about preparation.

When you schedule a listing photo shoot, your goal is to make the property shine — and our job is to help you make that happen. The more prepared a home is, the smoother the process runs and the better the results for your seller (and for you).

Declutter and Depersonalize

The most impactful step an agent can take before a shoot is guiding sellers to declutter and depersonalize their spaces. Family photos, piles of mail, or a fridge covered in magnets can make a buyer feel like they’re intruding, rather than imagining themselves living there. A clean, simple canvas lets the buyer see the home, not the current homeowner.

Maximize Natural Light

We’ll bring the right lighting tools, but nothing beats natural light. Encourage your sellers to open blinds, draw back curtains, and wash windows before the shoot. Bright, sunlit rooms feel more open, welcoming, and spacious.

Staging Touches Count

Even if a home isn’t professionally staged, small touches add warmth. A vase of fresh flowers on the kitchen island, neatly folded towels in the bathroom, or a neutral throw blanket draped over the sofa can make a room feel polished without being distracting.

Curb Appeal Matters Too

Don’t forget the exterior. Simple steps like mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, clearing walkways, and hiding garbage bins can transform the outside shots. Since exterior photos often appear first in online galleries, they set the tone for the entire viewing

experience.

Be Shoot-Ready

The best shoots happen when the home is 100% ready to go when we arrive. That means cars out of the driveway, toilet seats down, and lights on. These little details save valuable time and ensure we capture every angle while the home looks its best.

Why It Matters

Preparation isn’t just about making our work easier — it’s about helping you deliver for your sellers. When you walk into a listing presentation and can say, “My photographer and I will guide you step by step to get your home photo-ready,” you set yourself apart from the competition. Sellers feel confident that their home will be marketed at the highest level, and you’re positioned as a professional who goes above and beyond.

At Collier Ingram Real Estate Media, our mission is simple: make your listings shine so your clients are impressed and buyers are inspired. A little preparation goes a long way, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to make your next listing stand out?

Book your shoot with us today, Click Here

and we’ll send you our complimentary “Seller Prep Checklist” to share with clients.