Checklist for a Successful Architectural Photoshoot

Permissions. Permission and property release obtained for photography from property owner, corporation, municipality, etc. as appropriate.
Exact street address of property, directions to property if appropriate.
Compass orientation of property (Which direction does it face?).
Gate access, key code, keys and alarm code (if property representative is not present).
On-site contact person's name and cell phone number; owner’s cell phone number.
All interior lights functional. Representative on hand with knowledge to OVERRIDE timers, motion sensors and photocells to insure that ALL interior lights are ON. ESSENTIAL FOR DUSK/DAWN SHOTS!
All interior spaces cleaned, dusted, de-cluttered and staged prior to photoshoot.
All rooms accessible, interior doors unlocked.
All shades & blinds operational and in the UP position. Windows cleaned.
Garbage cans moved out of sight.
Floors swept, mopped or vacuumed thoroughly.
Photoshoot scheduled for immediately after housekeeping, NOT the day of cleaning.
Lighting & AV Systems: instructions or representative present for elaborate lighting systems and AV systems.
No cleaning or maintenance personnel working in areas to be photographed (interior).
All exterior lights functional and timers, motion sensors and photocells for landscape/exterior lighting located. Representative on hand with knowledge to OVERRIDE timers, motion sensors and photo cells to insure that ALL exterior lights are ON. ESSENTIAL FOR DUSK/DAWN SHOTS!
Landscape maintenance (mowing, edging, weeding, planting, etc.) performed prior to scheduled photoshoot.
Flowers and plants all appear in good health. Additional plantings added prior to photoshoot.
Garden hoses, tools, watering cans, sprinklers, rakes, shovels, etc. put away and out of sight.
Pool/spa service, performed prior to scheduled shoot. Pool hoses and pool tools put away.
Sprinkler systems turned OFF during photoshoot to keep the building, walkways, patio areas, photography equipment and photographer dry.
Vehicles moved - no cars on curb, in parking lot, driveway, or motor court (Please notify all drivers prior to photoshoot). Driveway, walkways powerwashed if appropriate.
No maintenance or delivery trucks scheduled on the day of photoshoot.
Garbage cans moved out of sight.
No barricades, cones, barrels, barrier tape or other safety & construction items present.
No cleaning or maintenance personnel working in areas to be photographed (exterior & interior).

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Alan Blakely is an award-winning architectural photographer who shoots for many of America's top architectural firms, builders, designers, developers, magazines and manufacturers. He is also the founder and current director of The Association of Independent Architectural Photographers™, Real Estate Photographers of America & International™ and Aerial Drone Photographers of America™.

Checklist for a Successful Architectural Photoshoot

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