As a real estate agent, you're juggling a lot on any given listing appraisals, vendor communication, marketing timelines, and open home scheduling. The photography shoot can feel like just another item on the list. But getting it right is one of the most important investments you can make for your vendor and your listing.
A poor shoot can mean days on market stretching into weeks. A great one can generate enquiry before the signboard even goes up. Here's your practical pre-shoot checklist.
Confirm Everything
- Book the shoot and confirm the date, time, and address with your photographer.
- Confirm if drone photography is required some Sydney properties genuinely benefit from aerial shots, but not all.
- Discuss whether floor plans or virtual tours are needed.
- Ask your photographer what their turnaround time is so you can plan your campaign launch.
Prepare the Vendor
Your vendor is your partner in getting great photos. Send them a preparation checklist (you can adapt the one in our Blog 1 for homeowners).
- The property needs to be decluttered and cleaned before the photographer arrives not during.
- They should plan to be out of the home for the duration of the shoot.
- Gardens and exteriors need to be tidied, including bins moved off the property.
- All lights should be working and replaced if blown.
The Day Before: Double-Check
- Call or message the vendor to confirm they're on track with preparation.
- Confirm the shoot time with your photographer and check for any weather-related adjustments (particularly important for twilight or drone shoots in Sydney).
- If there's a tenant in the property, make sure they've been properly notified and have agreed to prepare the property.
- Arrange key access if you won't be present for the shoot.
Morning of the Shoot: Final Preparations
- Check every room, open blinds, turn on all lights, remove any last-minute clutter.
- Move bins, cars, and any delivery boxes from the exterior.
- Check the outdoor area sweep leaves, set the entertaining space.
During the Shoot
- Be available for questions but avoid hovering.
- If you notice something was missed (an outdoor area, a special feature), flag it before the photographer packs up.
- Confirm which shots are must-haves, particularly any unique features like views, fireplaces, or bespoke joinery.
After the Shoot
- Confirm the delivery timeframe for the edited images.
- Brief the photographer if there are any specific editing requests (e.g. sky replacement, digital declutter of minor items).
- Coordinate with your marketing team so the listing goes live as quickly as possible once images are received.
One More Thing: Choose the Right Photographer
Not all real estate photographers are the same. Look for someone who understands the Sydney market, knows how to handle different property types (apartments, heritage homes, new builds), and consistently delivers bright, well-composed images that hold up on the major portals.
OpenFrame Studio works with agents, vendors, and property managers across Sydney. Get in touch to find out more about our packages, turnaround times, and what's included in each shoot.
