Architectural Photography Pre Shoot Checklist

Below is a list of needs and arrangements to be made prior to the photography of your architectural project. Each item is important and will make a significant difference in the end-result of the photographs. The cooperation on the part of the property owner/manager is paramount in the success of each image.

GENERAL APPEARANCE EXTERIOR

Please remove vehicles from the site that will be potentially in the line of sight

Sweep patio areas, pool areas, driveways etc.

Pool should be clean, remove the pool-cleaning robot

Is the pool light working?

Remove garden hoses, tools

Have the lawn mowed several days prior.  Trim bushes hedges etc. 

Vendors should be scheduled on a different day

Be sure all light fixtures are in working order, can lights, outdoor lights, pool lights, lamps etc.

GENERAL APPEARANCE INTERIOR

Eliminate as much clutter as possible on desks, night stands bathrooms etc.  

Beds should be neat, no wrinkles, lumps etc.

Windows should be cleaned

STAGING ITEMS

We strongly suggest having a few tasteful arrangements of fresh flowers being available on the day of the shoot, having one or two arrangements that we can move around the home can add to the feel of the images.  Also, having an assortment of colorful fruit such as limes and lemons can also add to the ambiance of the images.  We can discuss what is appropriate/desired for the project.

PARKING

Is there a place we can unload/load our gear?

Where should we park during the photo shoot?

Do we need a permit?

EVENING & LATE NIGHT ACCESS

Is a key/card required for access or is there a particular entry door that can remain unlocked?

MAINTENANCE CREW

Is there a maintenance person on duty to assist with unforeseen issues that may arise?

If so, how do we reach them?

LADDERS & LIFTS

Sometimes we need to raise our camera for higher perspective on a shot. If ladders and/or lifts are available for use, who do we contact for access?

If a lift is available, is a safety harness also available

PANEL/BREAKER ACCESS

Is the breaker panel accessible and/or who should we contact for resetting breakers?

LIGHTING

Can the photographer control lighting inside and outside of areas to be photographed? If not, who should we contact for lighting adjustments (on/off/dim) during daytime and night shoots? Are any of the lights on timers? If so, how do we turn them back on after hours? If bulbs are missing/burnt, are replacements available? Who do we contact? Will a ladder be required/available?

DOORS & BLINDS

Are any of the blinds mechanical? How do we control them or who do we contact for adjustments?

Are folding doors/partitions able to be opened/closed? Do they require a key or someone to control them?

SPRINKLERS

Are the sprinklers scheduled to activate during our shoot? If so, can we isolate the area being photographed to be bypassed during the duration of our shoot?

TRAFFIC

Do we have permission or assistance in controlling traffic while capturing scenes in motorways?

Is someone available to help (eg. maintenance, security, valet)? If so, please provide contact info.