Now that your home is perfectly prepped for a real estate shoot, it’s time to think about the actual photography. A well-planned shot list ensures that every important feature of the home is captured, giving buyers a comprehensive view of the property. Without a shot list, you run the risk of missing key details or angles that could be crucial in showcasing the home’s best features.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to create a detailed shot list for your real estate photography shoot. Whether you’re a homeowner, realtor, or photographer, this guide will help you ensure that no room or detail is overlooked.
Why a Shot List Is Important
A shot list acts as a blueprint for the photographer, guiding them through the home and ensuring that every room and important feature is captured. It helps you stay organized and ensures that the photographer captures all the angles and special details that will make the home stand out to buyers. A well-executed shot list can also speed up the shoot, making it more efficient and less stressful for everyone involved.
The Basic Shot List
Here’s a breakdown of a typical shot list for a standard home:
- Exterior – 6 Angles
- Front of the house, taken from different angles to show the home’s curb appeal.
- Back of the house, including any patios, decks, or landscaping features.
- Close-ups of any special exterior features (like a new roof or fresh landscaping).
- Entryway – 1 Angle
- A wide shot of the entryway, showing how welcoming the space is.
- Living Room – 3 Angles
- A wide shot of the entire living room.
- A close-up of any special features (like a fireplace or large windows).
- An additional angle showing the room’s layout and flow into other spaces.
- Kitchen – 2 Angles
- A wide shot of the kitchen, capturing the entire space.
- A close-up of key features (like stainless steel appliances or a large island).
- Dining Room – 2 Angles
- A wide shot of the dining room, showing how it connects to other rooms.
- A shot highlighting the dining table and any unique features (like built-in cabinets or lighting).
- Bedrooms – 2 Angles
- A wide shot showing the bed and surrounding furniture.
- An additional angle that highlights the room’s size and layout.
- Master Bedroom – 2 or 3 Angles
- A wide shot of the master bedroom.
- Close-ups of any special features (like a walk-in closet or attached en-suite bathroom).
- Master Bath – 2 Angles
- A wide shot of the bathroom.
- A close-up of features like the shower, bathtub, or double sinks.
- Additional Bathrooms – 1 Angle Each
- A wide shot of each bathroom, focusing on cleanliness and key features.
- Laundry Room – 1 Angle
- A wide shot showing the functionality and layout of the space.
- Basement – 2 or 3 Angles (if finished)
- A wide shot of the basement.
- Additional angles highlighting key features (like a home theater or bar).
- Garage – 1 Angle (if applicable)
- A wide shot of the garage, showing how much storage or parking space is available.
- Outbuildings – 1 Angle Each
- Capture any additional structures like sheds, barns, or workshops.
Real-World Example: How a Shot List Prevented a Key Feature from Being Missed
We once photographed a beautiful home with a newly renovated kitchen. The seller was extremely proud of the kitchen, but during the shoot, we almost missed capturing the custom backsplash and state-of-the-art appliances. Thanks to the shot list, we caught the omission before it was too late. By including a close-up of those features, the seller was able to highlight the kitchen’s modern upgrades, which became a major selling point in the listing.
Activity: Create Your Own Shot List
Spend 10 minutes walking through your home and creating a shot list. Think about the key angles and features you want to capture in each room. Are there any special features (like a custom fireplace or updated kitchen) that need to be highlighted? Write down your shot list and use it as a guide for your next real estate photography shoot.
Discussion Question: Why Is a Shot List Important in Real Estate Photography?
A well-planned shot list ensures that every important feature of a home is captured. Discuss how a shot list can help streamline the photography process and why it’s important for creating a complete and professional listing.
Wrapping It Up
A detailed shot list is one of the most important tools in real estate photography. It helps the photographer stay organized, ensures no room or feature is missed, and makes the entire process more efficient. Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we’ll explore how to highlight special features of a home and why they can make all the difference in selling a property.
