How to Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography and Video

Jul 30

Immediately Before Photography Begins

Turn off televisions and ceiling fans
Silence phones and alarms
Remove people from the frame
Confirm priority features with the photographer
Allow the photographer to evaluate the best shooting sequence

Professional Listing Media for Bay Area Realtors

Preparing the home is only one part of a successful listing launch.

The next step is creating a cohesive media package that helps buyers understand the property while strengthening the agent’s brand.

At 43 Film Company, we provide professional listing media for Realtors throughout San Jose, Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and Northern California, including:

Architectural real estate photography
Cinematic property video
Vertical Instagram Reels
Drone photography and video
Twilight photography and video
3D property tours
Floor plans
Property websites
Agent branding content

Every property requires a different marketing strategy. A downtown San Jose condo should not be marketed exactly like a Saratoga estate, a Los Gatos hillside property, or a new-construction home.

Our goal is to create media that fits the property, attracts attention, and helps the listing agent build a recognizable marketing presence.

Preparing a new listing? Contact 43 Film Company to create a custom real estate media package for your next Bay Area property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How clean should a home be for real estate photography?

The property should be deeply cleaned, with special attention given to floors, windows, mirrors, countertops, bathrooms, appliances, and reflective surfaces. Professional cameras can reveal details that may not be noticeable during everyday use.

Should all the lights be turned on?

Accessible interior lights should generally be working and ready to use. The photographer may decide which lights to turn on based on color consistency, natural light, and the desired visual style.

Should blinds be open or closed?

Blinds and curtains should be clean, functional, and positioned consistently. They are often opened to introduce natural light and reveal attractive views, although the photographer may adjust them as needed.

Should sellers leave during the photography appointment?

Sellers do not always need to leave the property, but giving the photographer room to work often makes the process faster. Pets, children, and anyone not involved with the production should remain away from photographed areas.

Can the photographer remove clutter during editing?

Minor distractions may sometimes be corrected, but physical preparation is always preferable. Large object removal, digital decluttering, lawn replacement, vehicle removal, and advanced retouching may require an additional editing service.

How long before listing should photography be scheduled?

Zillow recommends scheduling professional photography and completing listing materials roughly two to four weeks before the property is listed. The exact timeline should be coordinated with the Realtor, stager, photographer, and any contractors.

Does every property need video and drone coverage?

Not necessarily. The media package should reflect the home’s location, price point, architecture, target buyer, and marketing strategy. Video is especially helpful for communicating flow and lifestyle, while drone coverage is valuable when the lot, views, location, or surrounding area contributes to the property’s appeal.

Suggested Images and SEO Alt Text

Hero Image: Photographer capturing a professionally staged living room
Alt Text: Professional real estate photography inside a staged Bay Area home

Kitchen Preparation Image: Clean kitchen with cleared countertops
Alt Text: Kitchen prepared for professional real estate photography in San Jose

Exterior Image: Landscaped home with an empty driveway
Alt Text: Bay Area home exterior prepared for real estate listing photos

Video Production Image: Camera filming a cinematic walkthrough
Alt Text: Cinematic real estate video production for a Silicon Valley listing

Drone Image: Drone operator photographing a luxury home
Alt Text: Aerial real estate photography for a luxury home in Saratoga California

Checklist Graphic: Room-by-room listing preparation checklist
Alt Text: Real estate photography preparation checklist for home sellers