How long a listing shoot takes, and how to get ready for it

A listing shoot typically takes 2 to 3 hours on site, drone included. Stills come back the next business morning and video in three business days.

How long does a real estate photo shoot take?

Typically 2 to 3 hours on site, with the drone included. That is for a listing shoot with photo and video, done by one crew in one visit, so nobody has to come back for a second booking. That is a typical time, not a promise. Every property is different.

How long until the photos and video are ready?

Stills come back the next business morning. Video comes back in three business days. Both are shot on the same visit by the same crew, so the video is never waiting on a second booking.

Why does a listing shoot take 2 to 3 hours?

Because the photography, the video and the drone are all covered on the one visit. That is the point of sending one crew: the gallery, the film and the aerials come out of the same visit, so you are not paying for or waiting on a second booking.

Who needs to be at the property during the shoot?

Someone needs to be there to give us access. After that, the fewer people moving through the house, the easier it is to shoot. Vendors and tenants are usually best out of the way for the visit. If you are unsure, ask us when you book.

How do I get a house ready for a listing shoot?

You do not need to stage the whole house. These are the basics, and they are the things that show up in a photo.

• Open the blinds and curtains, and turn the lights on.
• Clear the driveway and the street frontage of cars where you can.
• Put the bins out of sight.
• Clear the benches, the fridge door and the bathroom of everyday items.
• Make the beds and put away anything personal that does not need to be in frame.
• Mow, sweep and tidy the entry and the garden.
• Put pets somewhere safe for the visit.

The less there is to move, the more of the time goes into the shots instead of the tidying.

What should the agent do the day before?

• Confirm access: keys, lockbox or someone home, and the time we are arriving.
• Tell the vendor or tenant what time we will be there and about how long we will be on site.
• Tell us anything we should know: a feature to show off, a room that is off limits, a neighbour or a gate that needs a heads up.

The more we know before we arrive, the closer the result is to what you pictured.

What if the weather is bad on the day?

Exterior and aerial shots depend on the weather and the light. If the forecast looks poor, tell us early and we will work out together whether to move the day.

How far ahead do I need to book?

Short notice is fine. We hold capacity so an agent can call the day they win the listing, rather than waiting a week for a gap. Send the address and the day you want through the form, or call and we will confirm the slot. Twilight is the exception. It has to be shot at twilight, so it is booked around the light.

What does a listing shoot cost?

Photography is from $650, photo and video from $1,200, and a cinematic listing from $2,400. All ex GST, and every listing is quoted against the property and the brief.

The full breakdown of what drives those prices is in our guide to listing shoot costs.

Ready to book? Send us the address and the day you want.