Real Estate Client Prep Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Your Shoot
Why Pre-Shoot Communication Matters
Every successful real estate shoot starts with clear communication. Understanding the scope, expectations, and key details of the property ensures smooth sessions, accurate delivery, and satisfied clients. A pre-shoot checklist is a simple but powerful tool to avoid surprises and ensure your clients get exactly what they need.
Whether you’re shooting residential or commercial properties, asking the right questions ahead of time saves time, improves your workflow, and enhances client satisfaction.
Essential Questions for Residential Real Estate Shoots
Property Details:
Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Age of the property and unique features.
Scope of Photography:
Are interior shots, exterior shots, and neighborhood photos required?
Any specific angles or features to highlight (kitchen, landscaping, amenities)?
Staging and Preparation:
Will the home be staged, or should you capture it as-is?
Are there any areas that are off-limits or require special attention?
Timeline & Delivery:
When are the photos needed?
Preferred file formats and sizes?
Client Preferences:
Style: bright and airy, moody, cinematic?
Do they prefer twilight shots for exteriors?
Essential Questions for Commercial Real Estate Shoots
Property & Tenant Details:
Type of property (office, retail, industrial).
Key tenants or areas to feature.
Scope & Purpose:
Interior, exterior, aerial/drone shots?
Focus on leasing, marketing, or portfolio documentation?
Access & Safety:
Are there restricted areas or safety requirements?
Do you need to coordinate with building managers or tenants?
Timeline & Deliverables:
Deadlines and preferred formats.
Special requirements (panoramas, wide-angle shots, floor plans).
Style & Branding:
Clean, corporate, or lifestyle-focused images?
Any branding or signage that should be included or excluded?
Client Prep Checklist
To make it easier, make sure your checklist includes:
Property type and details
Scope of photography (interior/exterior, angles, drone)
Staging or prep instructions
Timeline and delivery expectations
Client preferences on style and branding
Contact info and coordination notes
Having this checklist ensures nothing falls through the cracks and sets clear expectations for both residential and commercial shoots.
Final Thoughts
Clear communication leads to smoother real estate photography sessions and happier clients. Use this prep checklist to ask the right questions ahead of time and streamline your workflow.
Looking for a residential or commercial real estate photographer in Cleveland? Visit my Real Estate Photography Services page.
