Real Estate Photography Guide

At Brand Focus Marketing, we specialize in capturing high-quality, luxury real estate photography that helps properties stand out and sell faster. Whether you’re a real estate agent, property manager, builder, or homeowner, professional photography plays a key role in marketing your listing and making that all-important first impression.

We proudly serve clients across Northwest Florida, including 30A, South Walton, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, Crestview, Destin, Miramar Beach, Panama City Beach, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Inlet Beach, and surrounding areas. Our focus is on upscale residential and commercial properties, where thoughtful composition, lighting, and editing make a world of difference.

Staging for real estate photography is a very important process of getting great results.

But there’s more to great real estate photography than just showing up with a camera. Getting the best results takes planning, coordination, and attention to detail. If you’re preparing for a shoot—or working with us for the first time—here are some things to consider.

Real Estate Photography Checklist & Guidelines

1. Property Preparation & Staging

Before any photos are taken, make sure the property is clean, decluttered, and staged where possible. This applies to both residential and commercial spaces. Small touches—like straightening pillows, hiding trash bins, or opening blinds—can make a big visual difference.

Tips:

• Clear countertops, tables, and nightstands

• Remove personal photos and excessive décor

• Turn on all lights and replace burnt-out bulbs

• Open blinds or curtains to let in natural light

• Stage outdoor areas like patios, balconies, or pools

Outdoor courtyard and pool area of an Alys Beach, Florida residential real estate photoshoot.

2. Scheduling and Timing

The best light for real estate photography is typically mid-morning or late afternoon when natural light is soft and warm. We’ll help you choose a time based on the property’s orientation and weather forecast. For exterior-heavy shoots or drone work, weather plays a big role.

Things to consider:

• Sunny days are ideal, but overcast can still work well

• Avoid scheduling shoots during rain or heavy wind

• Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) is great for dramatic lighting

• For twilight or night shots, additional prep may be needed

3. Access and Permissions

Ensure the property is accessible and ready at the scheduled time. If it’s a gated property or under construction, we’ll need advance access instructions. For drone photography, we follow FAA guidelines and local airspace regulations.

4. Know What You Need

Let us know what your goals are before the shoot. Are you looking to showcase luxury interiors, highlight outdoor spaces, capture nearby amenities, or create a virtual tour? We offer a range of services including:

• Interior & exterior photography

• Drone aerials

• Twilight shoots

• Lifestyle photography

• Commercial property shoots

• Short-term rental photography (Airbnb/VRBO)

30A, Florida real estate photography shoot by Brand Focus Marketing.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re in need of high-end residential or commercial real estate photography in 30A, Destin, Miramar Beach, or anywhere along the Emerald Coast, Brand Focus Marketing is here to help. We’re easy to work with, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering images that impress.

Whether it’s a multi-million-dollar listing, a boutique hotel, or an investment property, we’ll help you make it look its best. Contact us today to discuss your project and get it done right.