Shooting checklist:shoot a property in one visit

A second visit means another arrangement with the owner or tenant and lost days before publication. Go through the list before and during the shoot, and one visit will be enough.

What to bring

• A camera or phone with a charged battery and free storage.
• A tripod, or at least a steady surface, for shots in darker rooms.
• A lens cloth — dust and fingerprints show up on every photo.
• Keys or an access pass if the owner won't be there, and the building security number.

Arrive ten minutes early: that is enough time to walk through the apartment, open the curtains and decide where to shoot each room from.

Preparation

• The time is agreed with the owner or tenant, and the property is clean.
• Personal items, papers, cables and fridge magnets are removed.
• Curtains are open and all the lights are on.
• Beds are made and toilet seats are down.

Camera

• Landscape shots only (16:9 or 3:2) — portals show them without cropping.
• Camera at chest height, wall verticals straight, horizon level.
• Wide angle, but without strong distortion at the edges.

Shot order

Shoot in the same order a client will browse the listing:

1. Building facade and entrance.
2. Living room.
3. Kitchen.
4. Bedrooms.
5. Bathrooms.
6. Balcony view and building amenities: pool, gym, parking.

Light

• The best time is morning or afternoon, with no direct sun into the lens.
• Don't shoot against a window without the indoor lights on.
• Keep the same colour temperature across all shots.

Before you leave the property

• Review the shots on screen: all six groups are there and nothing is blurred.
• Check that no personal items, documents or people got into the frame.
• Put curtains, lights and furniture back the way they were.
• Thank the owner or tenant and tell them when the listing will appear on the portal.