One of the most valuable things an agent can do for a vendor, and for their own campaign, is set clear, specific expectations before photography day. Vendors who are well-prepared deliver better properties to photograph. Better properties mean better images. Better images mean more enquiry, more inspections, and in many cases, a better outcome at auction or private sale.
Here is exactly what to communicate to vendors before the shoot.
Start with the Why
Before giving vendors a list of tasks, help them understand why preparation matters. Many vendors, especially those selling for the first time, do not fully appreciate the connection between how the property presents on shoot day and how it performs online.
A simple framing: "The photos are the first thing every buyer sees before they read the description, before they drive past, and before they attend an open home. The better the property presents in the photos, the more enquiry we will receive, and the stronger our position will be through the campaign."
Once vendors understand the stakes, they are far more motivated to put in the effort.
Give Them a Written Checklist
Verbal instructions are easy to forget. A written checklist emailed or messaged the week before the shoot gives vendors something to work from. Structure it by area:
- Exterior: mow, edge, weed, clean driveway, move bins and cars, clean windows, add a pot plant or two if the entrance looks bare.
- Living areas: remove clutter from all surfaces, vacuum and mop floors, fluff cushions, arrange throws, hide cords.
- Kitchen: clear benchtops entirely except for one or two styled items, clean appliances, remove fridge magnets and personal notes.
- Bedrooms: make beds with clean, pressed linen, remove personal photos and items from bedside tables, clear wardrobes if doors will be open.
- Bathrooms: clear all surfaces, hang fresh towels, clean mirrors and tiles, lid down on all toilets.
- Outdoor areas: sweep or pressure-wash, clean BBQ, set outdoor furniture, clean the pool if applicable.
Set Expectations About Timing
Vendors often underestimate how long a full property shoot takes. For a large family home, a professional photographer may need 1.5 to 2.5 hours. During that time, the vendor ideally should not be present, or at minimum, should be out of the way and quiet.
Tell vendors:
- The shoot will take the confirmed amount of time, and larger homes may need 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Have the property fully ready before the photographer arrives, not during.
- Plan to leave for the duration if possible, or at least be in one room and available only if needed.
- Children and pets should be out of the property for the shoot.
Address Common Vendor Blind Spots
Some things vendors miss because they have become used to them. Flag these specifically:
- Bins: wheelie bins visible in the driveway or on the street need to be moved. Council collection day is not an excuse; the photographer cannot remove a bin from the image without significant editing cost.
- Personal photographs: family photos throughout a home make it harder for buyers to imagine themselves there. They should be stored during the campaign.
- Pets and pet items: bowls, beds, toys, and litter trays should be out of sight.
- Half-finished renovations: if there are works in progress, discuss whether they should be completed, concealed, or disclosed before the shoot is booked.
The Night Before: A Final Reminder
Send a brief message the night before the shoot: just a friendly check-in confirming the time and a reminder to do a final walk-through. Something simple like: "Looking forward to the shoot tomorrow at [time]. Just a reminder to do one final tidy-up tonight and move any bins and cars off the property. Let me know if you have any questions."
This small touch often catches last-minute preparation that might otherwise be overlooked.
What to Do If the Property Is Not Ready
Despite best efforts, some shoots arrive at a property that is not fully prepared. Have a frank conversation with the vendor before proceeding. It is better to delay the shoot by one hour and get the property right than to proceed and deliver images that do not serve the campaign.
Most professional photographers are understanding about short delays, but communicate as early as possible if you anticipate a problem.
OpenFrame Studio provides agents with easy-to-share vendor preparation guides. Ask us about these resources when you book your next shoot with us.
