Urban Angles: Preparing for a Shoot
Preparation is the single biggest factor in how a property photographs. The property is captured as found — so it should be presented the way it's meant to appear in the campaign.
Before the photographer arrives
- Present the property as it should appear — styling, decluttering and cleaning complete before the appointment
- Arrange access — to the property and to every area being captured, including outdoor space, garages and parking
- Flag inclusions and exclusions — advise ahead of time of any rooms, features or neighbouring elements to include or avoid
- Confirm timing for dusk or aerial work — dusk photography suits well-presented homes with strong internal and external lighting; aerial capture is subject to airspace conditions, with known restrictions flagged before the shoot
Room by room
The common misses, in the order a shoot usually runs:
| Area | What matters most |
|---|---|
| Exterior and street | Bins away, cars moved, hoses and toys cleared, lawn cut |
| Entry | Clear floor, no shoes or mail, door open for light |
| Kitchen | Benches clear except one considered arrangement, magnets and tea towels away |
| Living | Cushions straightened, remotes and cables out of frame, blinds set to one level |
| Bedrooms | Beds made and pressed, bedside tops clear, wardrobes closed |
| Bathrooms | Toiletries away, fresh towels, toilet lids down, mirrors clean |
| Outdoor living | Furniture set as if in use, pool cleaned, barbecue covered or presented |
| Throughout | Lights on, blinds consistent, pets and their bowls out of frame |
Timing the shoot
Presentation and light both matter. Interiors photograph best when the home has been prepared the night before rather than the morning of, and dusk bookings depend on the property being fully presented in daylight before the light goes — there is no re-set once the shoot starts.
On the day
The field team works to a set standard for preparation, professionalism and calm on site — the kind that puts vendors at ease and gets agents the hero shot. Booking reminders arrive by email ahead of the appointment.
If plans change
Orders can be edited, rescheduled or cancelled in DREAM, or with the Customer Experience team on 1300 144 255 — the common cause is weather moving a dusk or drone booking.