1. Get the full exterior
These are often the first images potential clients will see, so make sure the photographer captures the home from several angles.
- Full front and rear elevations
- Horizontal and vertical photos of the exterior
- Angled shots from the driveway, street or garden
- Any standout architectural features or materials
Try to get a mix of wider shots showing the entire home and closer views highlighting particular sections of the exterior.
2. Capture every key room
It’s easy to focus on the kitchen and main living areas, but don’t forget the other spaces that demonstrate the full scope of your work.These are often the first images potential clients will see, so make sure the photographer captures the home from several angles.
- Kitchen, butler’s pantry and dining areas
- Living spaces and indoor-outdoor connections
- Main bedroom and ensuite
- Secondary bedrooms and bathrooms
- Laundry, storage and other functional spaces
Ask your photographer to take both horizontal and vertical photos of the main rooms. Horizontal images are useful for website banners and project galleries, while vertical photos work well for social media.
3. Don’t forget the details
Wide shots show the overall project, but close-up photos help communicate the quality of the workmanship and finishes.
Think about the features that make this particular project worth showing to future clients.
- Custom joinery and cabinetry
- Stone, timber and other material finishes
- Tapware, hardware and fixtures
- Feature lighting and architectural details
- Custom-built elements such as staircases or outdoor kitchens
These images are particularly useful for social media, where you might want to highlight one aspect of a project rather than showing the entire room.
4. Show how the spaces connect
Some of the most useful project photos aren’t necessarily of individual rooms, but how different areas of the home work together.
This might include a view from the kitchen through to the outdoor entertaining area, a hallway connecting the original home to a new extension, or an open-plan living space viewed from several angles.
These photos help potential clients understand the layout and how the spaces function, particularly when you’re showcasing renovations and extensions.
5. Get a few styled and lifestyle shots
Not every photo needs to be a wide architectural image. A few well-styled shots can add variety to your project gallery and give you more content to work with.
This could include a styled kitchen bench, a bathroom vanity, an outdoor entertaining area or someone using the space.
Keep the styling natural and appropriate for the home. You want the photos to show off your building work, rather than having too many props competing for attention.
Preparing for the photoshoot
A little preparation can make a big difference to the final images. Depending on the project, you might be organising this yourself or working with the homeowners to make sure everything is ready for the shoot.
Here’s what to organise beforehand:
- Share your shot list and any priority areas with the photographer.
- Organise staging, if needed.
- Confirm access to every room and area being photographed.
- Let the photographer know about any particular features you want to showcase.
Ask your client to:
- Remove clutter, cords, bins and personal items from areas being photographed.
- Clean windows, mirrors and visible surfaces.
- Mow the lawn and tidy outdoor areas.
It’s also worth discussing where you’ll be using the photos. If you need images for website banners, social media or award submissions, let your photographer know beforehand so they can plan the right compositions and formats.