Property shoot checklist.

Confirm shoot date, time, and full property address with agent

Confirm deliverables: video length, formats, aspect ratios, turnaround time

Ask whether drone footage is required and confirm airspace permission at the address

Check local CAA / FAA rules before the day.

Send pre-shoot property prep note to agent at least 48 hours before

See property prep checklist below.

Ask agent to confirm staging is complete 24 hours before

Check property listing photos to understand layout before arriving

Helps you plan your shot list in advance.

Confirm parking arrangements at the property

Check sunset time if golden hour or twilight shots are planned

Confirm whether anyone will be present during the shoot (agent, vendor)

Camera bodies — primary and backup if available

Wide-angle lens (16-24mm full frame equivalent)

Standard zoom lens for detail shots

Tripod — stable and level

Gimbal or stabiliser if using for movement shots

Slider if using for tracking shots

Drone — fully charged, props checked, ND filters packed

Spare batteries for all devices — camera, drone, gimbal, monitor

Double what you think you need.

Spare memory cards — formatted and tested

External monitor

Portable LED light panel for dark rooms

Bathrooms and hallways often need supplemental light.

Cleaning kit — lens cloth, blower, sensor swabs

Hard drive for same-day backup on location

Walk the full property before unpacking any gear

Understand the layout, light direction, and any problem areas.

Identify the best exterior shooting angles and note the light direction

Turn on every light in the property — all rooms, all lamps

Open all blinds and curtains in rooms you will shoot

Close toilet lids in all bathrooms

Remove visible clutter the vendor or agent missed — bins, cleaning products, personal items

Move cars from the driveway or front of property if possible

Check for any flicker issues with fluorescent or LED lights before recording

Set your white balance for each room individually or use a consistent preset

Check for reflections from windows that may appear in wide shots

Shoot exteriors first while light is optimal

Light changes quickly. Prioritise the outside.

Capture 2-3 takes of each key shot for edit options

Shoot each room from multiple angles — doorway, corner, eye-level, and high

Check your monitor or viewfinder for reflections, shadows, and your own reflection

Capture detail shots: handles, taps, materials, textures

These are the B-roll that elevates the edit.

Film any lifestyle elements if staged (fruit, flowers, coffee machine)

Complete drone flight before golden hour window closes

Drone battery dictates your schedule — don't leave it last.

Capture ambient sound reference in each main room

Useful for sound design in post.

Check footage on monitor after key shots — don't rely on camera screen alone

Walk every room to ensure all lights are back as they were

Return any furniture or items you moved during the shoot

Lock all windows and doors you opened for ventilation or access

Check you have all your gear — batteries, cards, lenses, adapters

Give agent or vendor a quick debrief on how the shoot went

One sentence. Keeps the relationship warm.

Confirm delivery timeline with agent before leaving

Back up all footage to editing drive immediately on returning

Back up to secondary drive before formatting cards

Log and label footage by room/phase

Saves time finding clips during edit.

Check all footage plays correctly before editing begins

Invoice the job if not pre-paid

Update your project tracker or CRM with shoot status