Good real estate photography is knowing where to stand. Great commercial photography is knowing exactly what to clean and fix before you stand there.
To prepare a commercial property for photography, you must clean the entire space, remove personal clutter, write a specific shot list, and fix all interior and exterior lighting. Doing this work early guarantees your building looks its absolute best.
As experienced commercial property photographers at Rocky Mountain Photography, we understand how important it is to prep a space correctly. We have photographed many commercial real estate properties across Colorado and the U.S. We know proper preparation brings profitable results. We shoot to help you lease or sell your space faster. Reach out early to get on our schedule if you need a reliable team to capture your building.
In this blog, we share expert tips on how to prepare a commercial property for photography. This ensures the photoshoot goes smoothly and our team meets your needs easily.
Key Takeaways
- Build a highly detailed shot list before the crew arrives.
- Clean every surface and remove personal trash and office supplies.
- Turn on all interior lights and replace dead bulbs.
- Talk to your photographer early about your marketing goals.
Photography Terms Explained
Here are a few simple photography terms you should know:
- Shot List
A basic written checklist of every room, angle, or detail you need photographed. - Staging
Arranging desks, chairs, and props to make a room look inviting. - Composition
How the items in the room are framed within the final photo. - Exposure
How bright or dark an image is. Correct lighting makes a small space look much bigger. - Wide-Angle Lens
A camera lens that captures more of the room in a single shot. - Blue Hour
The short time just after sunset when the sky turns deep blue. This is perfect for exterior building photos.
Plan Ahead and Create a Shot List
Take time to plan ahead and create a detailed shot list before the photoshoot begins. This list outlines the key features you want to highlight for buyers or renters. Think about what makes your property unique. Consider the angles and compositions that will best show its strengths.
Creating a good list requires a quick walk around the property.
- Write down every main room that needs a photo.
- Note common areas like lobbies, gyms, or shared kitchens.
- List specific architectural details like high ceilings or exposed brick walls.
- Include exterior shots like the parking lot, main entrance, and loading docks.
Having a written vision of the shots you want guarantees no important detail is overlooked.
Did you know? Commercial spaces with professional, well-lit photos receive up to 70 percent more online views than properties with standard cell phone pictures.
Showcase Your Work and Highlights
Be sure to show off any recent physical modifications to the property in the photos. Buyers want to see modern updates. Highlighting your hard work helps attract tenants fast.
Take time to properly stage the property to feature these specific highlights.
- Point out new HVAC systems if they are visible.
- Highlight smart technology like automated blinds or security systems.
- Show off new flooring and fresh paint.
Our team at Rocky Mountain Photography can help you find the absolute best angles to prove the value of your property if you need advice on showing off a new remodel.
Clean and Declutter the Space
A totally clutter-free space is essential for creating professional photos. Take time to deeply declutter the property before the photoshoot starts. You must remove unnecessary items and personal belongings from all visible areas.
Make sure all surfaces are completely clean and free of dust. Consider hiring a commercial cleaning service if the space has been empty for a long time.
Follow this simple cleaning checklist for the best results:
- Clear off all kitchen countertops, reception desks, and conference tables.
- Hide all trash cans in closets or cabinets.
- Remove personal family photos or quirky posters from office walls.
- Wipe down all glass doors and large windows to stop camera glare.
- Vacuum the carpets and mop all hard floors so they shine.
Lighting is a massive part of a clean appearance. Check that all lights are working. Replace burnt-out or flickering bulbs to ensure optimal lighting for the photoshoot. Mixing different colors of light bulbs looks bad on camera. Try to use the same type of bulbs in a single room.
Quick Tip: Hide all computer wires, extension cords, and power cables behind desks. Messy cables are highly distracting and ruin the professional feel of a photo.
Pay Attention to Detail
Small details make a very big difference in the overall appearance of the property. Take time to stage each room. Arrange the furniture and decor in a pleasing, symmetrical manner.
Consider adding fresh green plants, clean coffee table books, or simple finishing touches to enhance an empty space. A bare room can look cold, but a single plant makes it feel warm and ready for business.
Pay close attention to the exterior of the property. The outside of the building is often the first photo a potential buyer will click.
- Ensure all landscaping is well-maintained and bushes are trimmed.
- Sweep the main sidewalks and pick up loose trash in the parking lot.
- Move all employee or tenant cars away from the front doors.
- Make sure exterior business signs are clean and fully lit.
Communicate with Your Photographer
Clear communication is the key to a highly successful photoshoot. Communicate with your photographer days beforehand to discuss your goals, preferences, and specific requirements.
Provide them with relevant information about the property. Give them gate access codes, security desk instructions, or specific parking rules. Point out the exact features to highlight based on your shot list. Share your final timeline so they know when you need the edited images delivered.
Working together closely ensures the photoshoot runs smoothly. This allows your photographer to meet your needs with absolute ease.
7 Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Property Photography
1. How long does a commercial property photoshoot take?
Most standard photoshoots take between two and four hours. Huge corporate office buildings or massive industrial warehouses might require a full eight-hour day. Your photographer will give you a clear time estimate after you share your shot list.
2. Do I need to be present during the entire shoot?
It is very helpful if you are there for the first fifteen minutes. You can unlock secured doors, turn on all the lights, and point out your favorite areas. After that quick tour, the photographer can usually complete the work alone.
3. Should I turn off the interior lights or leave them on?
Always leave all interior lights on. Bright lights fill in dark shadows and make the rooms look warm and inviting. Even if it is a sunny day outside, turn on the lamps and overhead lights.
4. What is the absolute best time of day for exterior photos?
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural light. Photographers call this the golden hour. It avoids the harsh shadows created by the bright midday sun. Ask for photos taken during the blue hour just after sunset if you want a premium look.
5. Can the photographer just edit out the mess on the desks?
Editing out trash, cords, and boxes takes hours of extra computer time and costs you more money. It is always much better and cheaper to physically clean the room before the photographer arrives.
6. How soon will I get my final edited photos?
Most professional photography teams deliver the final, fully edited photos within 48 to 72 hours. Tell your photographer before you sign the contract if you need the files faster for a rush listing.
7. Do I really need to hire a professional cleaning crew?
Hiring a professional crew is the smartest choice if the building is very dirty, covered in construction dust, or has dirty windows. A spotless space always photographs better and signals high value to potential buyers.
Final Words
Getting a commercial building ready for a professional photoshoot takes focused work. You have to plan ahead, clean the rooms top to bottom, fix the lighting, and handle the small details. This hard work pays off fast when you receive the final digital images. Stunning photos attract better corporate tenants, generate more phone calls, and lead to much higher financial offers.
Preparing a commercial property for photography takes careful planning. The effort is well worth it to achieve great results. Following these direct tips from Rocky Mountain Photography ensures your property is ready for its close-up and the photoshoot goes smoothly.
Contact us today to learn more about our premium commercial property photography services. We are fully prepared to help you capture your space and show off your property in the absolute best possible light.
