Having a systematic approach to shooting a property saves time and ensures you don't miss anything. Here's how I plan and execute a typical shoot.
The standard shot list
For a typical 3-bedroom house, I aim for 20-25 images:
- Front elevation (hero shot) — 1-2 images
- Hallway/entrance — 1 image
- Kitchen — 2-3 images (wide shot, detail, different angle)
- Living room — 2-3 images
- Dining room (if separate) — 1-2 images
- Master bedroom — 2 images
- Bedroom 2 — 1-2 images
- Bedroom 3 — 1 image
- Bathroom — 1-2 images
- En-suite (if applicable) — 1 image
- Garden/rear exterior — 2-3 images
- Aerial/drone — 2-3 images
- Detail shots — 2-3 images (fireplace, period features, view from window)
Shooting order
I always start with exteriors while the light is good (assuming daytime), then work through the interior systematically. I go room by room, starting from the entrance and working through the property in a logical flow. This mirrors how a buyer would walk through the home.
Time management
For a standard 3-bed house, I allow 1.5-2 hours on site. This breaks down roughly as:
- 15 minutes: Walk-through and quick staging adjustments
- 20 minutes: Exterior and drone shots
- 60 minutes: Interior rooms
- 15 minutes: Detail shots and any re-shoots
Adapting to the property
Not every property is the same. A period cottage with exposed beams and an inglenook fireplace deserves more detail shots than a modern new-build. A property with stunning views needs window shots. A home with a beautiful garden needs more exterior coverage. Read the property and adjust your shot list accordingly.
Communication with the agent
Before every shoot, confirm the following with the estate agent or client:
- How many images do they want?
- Are there any specific features to highlight (new kitchen, extension, views)?
- Is the property occupied or vacant?
- Are there any access restrictions (locked rooms, tenant schedules)?
- Do they want drone shots included?
This five-minute conversation prevents misunderstandings and ensures you deliver exactly what the client expects.
Building a mental map
When you first arrive at a property, resist the urge to start shooting immediately. Walk through every room with your eyes, not your camera. Note which rooms have the best light, which angles work, and which spaces need extra attention. This mental walkthrough typically takes 5-10 minutes and saves you significantly more time during the actual shoot.
Dealing with occupied properties
Occupied homes require more time and diplomacy. You'll need to:
- Politely ask residents to move personal items (or do it yourself with permission)
- Work around furniture that can't be moved
- Be patient with pets and children
- Avoid photographing personal documents, medications, or valuables
- Tidy as you go, restoring everything to its original position when finished
The backup shot
For every key room, take at least two compositions — your primary shot and a backup from a different angle. This gives the agent options and protects you if one angle has an issue you didn't notice on the camera's small screen (a reflection, a shadow, a crooked frame on the wall).
Key Takeaways
- A standard 3-bed house needs 20-25 images
- Start with exteriors while natural light is optimal
- Work through the interior room by room in a logical flow
- Allow 1.5-2 hours on site for a standard property
- Adapt your shot list to the property's unique features
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