Listing your first property and not sure what a professional real estate photo shoot actually involves? Here’s a complete walkthrough of what happens before, during, and after your R360° appointment.
Before the Shoot: Prep Is Everything
Expect to spend 2–3 hours prepping a standard single-family home — decluttering, cleaning windows, turning on all lights, and moving vehicles out of the driveway. For the full room-by-room checklist, see our complete home prep guide.
Day of the Shoot: What the Photographer Does
A typical R360° shoot for a 3BR/2BA home takes 60–90 minutes. Our photographer will:
- Do a quick walkthrough to plan angles and identify the best-lit rooms
- Set up a tripod and shoot each room from multiple angles using bracketed HDR exposures
- Capture exterior shots at the optimal time of day for your home’s orientation
- Add aerial drone coverage if included in your package — see our drone photography rules guide for what FAA/LAANC compliance involves
You don’t need to be present, but someone should be available to let us in and adjust any last-minute staging issues.
After the Shoot: Delivery
Edited, print-ready photos are delivered via a private online gallery within 48 hours — often sooner. You’ll receive high-resolution files for MLS upload, web-optimized versions for social media, and any floor plan or marketing materials included in your package.
How Many Photos Will You Get?
Typically 25–40 edited images for a standard home, scaled with property size. Larger homes, luxury properties, and packages with add-ons include more. Every image is color-corrected, exposure-blended, and sky-replaced if needed.
Avoid Common First-Timer Mistakes
Even experienced agents fall into avoidable habits before a shoot — see our 7 real estate photography mistakes San Diego agents make for what to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home during the shoot?
No — you just need someone available to let the photographer in and handle any last-minute staging questions.
What if the weather is bad on shoot day?
We’ll work with you to reschedule at no charge if conditions would affect photo quality, especially for aerial or twilight coverage.
Can I request specific angles or shots?
Yes — let your photographer know about any special requests (a favorite view, a recent renovation) at the start of the walkthrough.
Getting ready for the open house next? Check our open house photography tips for how to make the most of your new photos. Questions before booking? Contact us →
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