Agents, when you hire a real estate photographer, how can you make sure the photographer capture what you actually need for your listing?

What do you need to know before asking your photographer to go to your listing property to take pictures?

Here are 7 simple steps to help you effectively set up your photoshoot in Hawaii. Download a copy of the checklist HERE.

Step 1. Know what images you need

First, you need to find out what is the property’s physical selling point.

Think Outside: 

Location, location, location - Do you want to highlight the close access to the ocean? Or the community of the property?

• Are the facilities of the complex a bonus? (i.e. concierge, gym, spa, swimming pool etc.)

• What is nearby? (Schools, park, beach, restaurants)  

• Think Inside:

• Do you want to highlight the view from the house?

• Does the kitchen have modern appliances?

• Is the lanai spacious and have a nice sunset view?

Make a list of shots that you want to make sure your photographer will not miss out. Most photographers know what shots to take by experience, but if you have certain ideas, make sure they do not miss those shots by communicating with them in advance.

Step 2. Communicate your requirements to your photographer to decide a good time for photoshoot

Find out when your property needs to be listed and schedule enough time for a photoshoot.

If you want sunset shots, don’t schedule your shoot in the morning.

You can also send out a standard photography specification requirement guide to your photographer. It can include what shots required, number of shots and file size specification.

We have created a FREE real estate photography checklist that you can use with your photographer.

Step 3. Communicate to the property manager or owner to make sure the property is cleaned and in photo-ready condition.

Well…we all know some houses just need a proper clean and reduce the clusters! If needed, hire a professional cleaner.

Step 4. Determine whether you want to hire a staging company 

Empty room is less appealing in pictures and viewer have less point of reference of room size and function. Depending on your budget, you can consider hiring a staging company. Or you can also hire a photographer to virtually stage your vacant property:

Apart from staging with furniture, we do recommend adding some Aloha elements in your property especially if it is a vacation rental. Staging with local wine, tropical flowers on the table help viewers envision their Maui Hawaii lifestyle. Colorful faux fruit or fresh pineapple plate could stimulate your buyers taste bud!  

Step 5.  Meet with your photographer at the property and have pictures taken

Now, you are all set! Let the photographer do his/her job!

Step 6. Receive your images, select the best ones to post on MLS

You want to organize your listing photos in a sequence that tell the story of your property from a user stand point. Remember your main goal is to give your viewer a tour! Your MLS images are basically their first open house visit experience.

Step 7. Celebrate your listing is live and get it sold!!

After your listing is live, you can use the photos to make an announcement on social media and invite buyers to come check it out!

We hope these simple 7 steps can help you successfully plan your listing photoshoot. Here is a simplified version for you and your team to use. Download this simplified checklist for 7 Simple Steps to set up your real estate photoshoot

FLOCUS Studio provides Real Estate Photography service in Maui, Hawaii. We are committed to photograph images that help you sell. Contact us today to know more.