1. Pre-Shoot Preparation
To ensure a smooth and effective real estate photography session, the property must be prepared in advance. Real estate agents should be provided with a preparation checklist, specifying the removal of personal items and the presentation of the space. Security access, such as lockbox codes, must be acquired before arrival to prevent delays. A confirmation of property readiness should be obtained from the agent prior to the appointment.
2. On-Location Preparation
Upon arrival, a walkthrough should be conducted. Lighting fixtures and blinds should be adjusted for optimal exposure and natural light balance. Items not contributing to the decor, such as cleaning tools, personal belongings, and pet supplies, must be removed from view. Equipment bags should be stored discreetly, preferably in a closet, to ensure they are not visible during the shoot. We at Blankcanvas Production use best quality Cameras & Drones to get the best footage and pictures of the Property.
3. Essential Photography Equipment and Settings
A professional-grade full-frame camera paired with a wide-angle lens should be utilized for capturing expansive spaces. The use of a tripod with a pistol grip head is recommended for stability and efficient adjustments.
The following settings should be applied:
- Mode: Aperture priority mode for consistent exposure.
- Aperture: f/8 for balanced depth of field and sharpness.
- ISO: 400-800, depending on lighting conditions.
- Bracketing: A +2 to -4 range to capture multiple exposures.
- Delay Timer: A 2-second delay to reduce vibration during tripod shots.
4. Shot List and Composition Techniques
A structured shot list should be followed to ensure efficiency and avoid excessive shooting. Each area should be documented with minimal but impactful shots:
Exterior:
- Three front shots (direct, three-quarter, and entrance).
- Three back shots (direct, yard view, and deck/porch area).
Interior:
- Entryway shot from inside.
- Selling features such as the kitchen, living area, and master bedroom should be captured with 2-3 images each.
- Secondary rooms should be limited to 1-2 shots per room.
- Garages, hallways, and closets should generally be excluded unless they are visually appealing or serve as a selling point.
5. Shooting Techniques and Best Practices
- Vertical Alignment: Camera positioning should be level to avoid keystone distortion, ensuring walls remain straight in the frame.
- Three Walls and Two Corners: Each shot should display three walls and two corners to provide a sense of scale and space.
- Lighting: Lights should be turned on unless strong color casting occurs. Ceiling fans should be kept off to avoid motion blur.
- Focal Length: A longer focal length should be used for exteriors to reduce distortion and create a professional look.
- Camera Height: The camera should be placed at a height that balances the floor and ceiling, adjusted based on the elements present in the space.
6. Post-Processing and Editing Considerations
Post-processing requirements can be minimized by using proper in-camera techniques. Hand blending of bracketed shots should be performed to ensure both interior details and exterior views are well-balanced. Color corrections and minor adjustments for vertical alignment should be handled during post-production if necessary. We excel in high quality HD imagery and videos.
7. Time Management and Workflow
A 30-minute completion goal should be maintained for each property shoot. To ensure efficiency:
- A logical room-to-room shooting order should be followed.
- Preparation steps should be completed before shooting begins.
- Overshooting should be avoided to minimize post-processing time and file management challenges.
By following these steps, high-quality real estate photography can be achieved efficiently, delivering professional results with minimal editing required.
