Photoshoot
This page will explain how to prepare for an upcoming photoshoot, what equipment to use, how long to expect it to take, and more.
Photoshoot preparation
Host prep
The Host will review and prepare their home before you arrive using our Pro Photoshoot Prep Guide (linked below). This document provides guidance on how they should clean and style their home prior to your arrival.
Photographer prep
First, review the ‘Style Guide’ located in Navigate. Then, review the assignment details; such as, number of bedrooms to estimate how long the session will take, the location to identify travel distance, etc. Prior to the photoshoot, send the Host an email using our templates (linked below).
Photoshoot equipment
Required equipment
- Clean camera with full frame sensor*
- Zoom lens between 16-20mm
- Tripod
- Bracket Merging Software**
- Lens between 20-50mm
- Grey Card
- Door stopper (for fire-doors etc.)
- Fisheye or prime lens
- Flash or strobes
Host interaction
If the Host is onsite
- Introduce yourself.
- Ask if there’s any parts of their listing they specifically want to highlight.
- Communicate the process and how long you expect to take during the session.
- If asked, answer questions. If you don't know the answer, consult our FAQ guide linked below or direct the Host to the Chatbot in Elevate.
If the Host is not onsite
- If you have their phone number, you can text them to let them know you’ve arrived, and how long the process will take.
- Let them know when the session is complete, and that they can expect to receive their photos within a week from that date.
- If they have questions, direct them to the chatbot function in Elevate.
Photoshoot duration
On average you can expect a photo session to take between 40-60 minutes per bedroom (with bathroom), with additional time per common spaces. This can vary based on the size of the property and the common spaces included, but on average photographers typically spend approximately:
Studio & 1-Bedroom
40 - 60min
2-3 Bedrooms
80 - 180min
4-5 Bedrooms
160 - 300min
6 Bedrooms+
240 - 360min
Tips and tricks
Use these articles in combination with our guidelines to get the best quality out of your assignments.
Lighting and Bracketing
Get the most out of your exposures through the correct bracketing and lighting techniques, described here.
View guide
Improving Composition
Learn how to achieve the best results with your compositions through a few simple techniques.
View guide
Photos we love
These curated galleries illustrate strong examples of a diverse collection of homes.
Around the world
Apartments, huts in the tropics, to beachside cottages, we’ve curated homes that were captured beautifully around the world.
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Difficult spaces
Whether they are small or dark, this curated collection highlights how to capture difficult spaces.
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Unique structures
The quirkiest places are often fun but they can also be challenging. Here's a collection of unique spaces captured in their best light.
View CollectionUploading & payment
This page will explain our expectations of deliverables, such as merging your bracketed DNGs, how to prep your files for upload, and how to use the uploading tool.
Quick navigation
If you know what you’re looking for, click the button below to quickly navigate to that section, or you can continue to browse at your own pace. Otherwise, we suggest starting at the Navigate set-up section.
