A real estate photo shoot is fast and predictable. The shoot takes 1-2 hours for a typical home. The edited photos arrive within 24-48 hours. This guide walks through the full timeline, from booking to delivery.
Before the shoot: book and prepare
Book the photographer. Browse the photographer directory and compare portfolios and prices. Or post your job for free and receive quotes by email. Tell the photographer the property size, the services you need, and your deadline.
Prepare the property. Photos show everything, so the property must be ready before the photographer arrives:
- Remove clutter from all surfaces.
- Turn on every light. Replace dead bulbs.
- Open blinds and curtains.
- Remove personal items, pet items, and trash cans.
- Mow the lawn and clear the driveway.
Our preparation checklist covers every room in detail. Send it to the seller before the shoot day. A prepared home photographs better and needs fewer edits.
During the shoot: 1-2 hours on site
The photographer works through the home room by room. Expect this sequence:
- Exterior first or last, timed to the light. The front of the home gets the most care, because it becomes the primary listing photo.
- Interior rooms with a wide-angle lens on a tripod. The photographer shoots multiple exposures per room and merges them in the edit.
- Add-on services follow the photos: drone shots, video walkthrough, 3D tour scan, or twilight shots at dusk.
You do not need to attend the full shoot. Many agents let the photographer in and return at the end. Keep the seller and pets out of the rooms during the shoot.
After the shoot: delivery within 24-48 hours
The photographer edits the photos and delivers them through an online gallery. A standard package includes 25-50 edited, MLS-ready photos, sized for the MLS and for print. Same-day delivery is often available for a rush fee.
Make sure that the delivery includes the rights you need. Most photographers license the photos for the listing. Extra uses, such as personal marketing, sometimes cost more.
What it costs
A standard package costs $200, and most packages fall between $150 and $300, based on August 2026 data from photographers on PropPhoto. The pricing guide shows current rates by service and state.
Ready to book? Start with the photographer directory or post your job in 30 seconds.
