As a Chicago real estate agent, you're the bridge between your seller and the photographer. The more preparation you do before the shoot, the better the results — and the faster your listing sells.
This 20-point real estate photography checklist is designed for agents who want to extract maximum value from every K94 Production shoot — ensuring every photo tells a compelling story.
“The top agents in Chicago consistently produce better listing photos — not because they have a different photographer, but because they prepare more thoroughly.” — K94 Production
Agent Prep Checklist: Week Before the Shoot
Confirm Shoot Date & Time with Seller
Ensure the seller is fully aware of the shoot date and has adequate time to prepare. Send them the seller prep checklist at least 5 days in advance.
Identify the Hero Shots
Walk the property and identify the 3–5 most compelling spaces. These will anchor your MLS listing and social media posts. Communicate them to K94 Production.
Schedule Around the Sun
Note which direction the front of the house faces. A south-facing home shoots best at midday; west-facing homes shine in the afternoon. Contact K94 Production and we'll recommend the optimal time.
Order Staging Props (If Needed)
If the home is vacant or sparsely furnished, consider minimal staging props — towels, bedding, a bowl of fruit, plants. Even minimal staging dramatically improves photo quality.
Confirm Package Selection
Choose the right K94 Production package. Is this a standard condo? Starter ($120) works. A large home with lots of outdoor space? Elite ($450) with drone delivers maximum impact.
Day Before the Shoot
Walk the Property Yourself
Do a final walkthrough 24 hours before the shoot. Look for anything out of place — visible cables, pet items, clutter behind doors, garage mess visible from exterior.
Check All Lightbulbs
Every burned-out bulb should be replaced. Mixed color temperatures (warm vs. cool) look terrible in photos. Replace all bulbs with warm white (2700–3000K) for consistency.
Confirm Exterior Condition
Is the lawn mowed? Are leaves raked? Garden beds tidy? For Chicago winter listings — is the walkway shoveled and salted? Curb appeal starts before buyers see a single interior photo.
Remove Extra Vehicles
Remind the seller to move all cars from the driveway and front of the home the morning of the shoot. Contact neighbors if street parking in front of the home is an issue.
Confirm Utilities Are On
For vacant listings, ensure electricity and water are active. We need lights on and the ability to run water for any kitchen or bathroom shots.
Morning of the Shoot
Arrive 30 Minutes Early
Arrive before the photographer to do a final sweep. Move any last-minute items, open blinds, and turn on every light.
Open All Window Treatments
Pull back curtains, raise blinds, open shutters. Natural light is your best friend. The photographer will adjust as needed, but starting with maximum natural light is always better.
Set the Thermostat Comfortably
A comfortable temperature means sellers won't have space heaters or fans visible in shots. Aim for 70°F for a neutral, clean look in every room.
Light Candles or Diffusers (Carefully)
Subtle scent candles can create a lifestyle feel in photos if they're in frame — but ensure they're safely placed and not a fire hazard. Ask K94 to include them artistically if desired.
Put Pets Away
All pets should be out of the home or secured in a closed room during the shoot. Even well-behaved pets can appear in shots unexpectedly.
During & After the Shoot
Provide Access, Then Step Back
Give the photographer full access and your contact number, then stay out of the way. Hovering slows the process. Trust K94 Production to work efficiently.
Point Out Special Features
Before the shoot begins, briefly walk K94 through the property's key selling points — the renovated kitchen, the original hardwood floors, the backyard view. We'll make sure these get captured.
Request the Shot List
Ask for a confirmation of what shots will be taken, including exterior, all rooms, and any special features. K94 Production delivers a comprehensive shot list with every package.
Review and Approve Photos within 48h
K94 Production delivers within 48 hours. Review immediately so any re-shoots or adjustments can be handled before your listing goes live.
Post to Social Before MLS
Use your K94 social-ready content to build buzz before the MLS listing goes live. A pre-listing Instagram post with beautiful photos generates early interest and inquiries.
K94 Production Pricing
Starter
$120
25 HDR Photos · 48h Delivery · MLS Ready
Pro ⭐
$250
40 HDR Photos · Listing Video · Social Content
Elite
$450
60 Photos · Cinematic Video · Drone · 3D Tour
Service Areas
- City of Chicago — Lincoln Park, River North, Gold Coast, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Hyde Park, Lakeview
- North Suburbs — Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park
- West Suburbs — Oak Park, Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Schaumburg
- South Suburbs — Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Homer Glen
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I send sellers the prep checklist?
K94 Production provides a printable seller prep checklist you can forward directly. Send it via email or text 5–7 days before the shoot and follow up 24 hours before.
What if the seller hasn't prepared when the photographer arrives?
K94 Production photographers will do their best to work with any situation, but incomplete prep will limit photo quality. We can reschedule at a small fee if the property is significantly unprepared.
Should the agent be present during the shoot?
Having the agent on-site for the first 15 minutes to highlight key features is recommended. After that, you can leave — K94 Production is a self-directed team that handles the full shoot independently.
Can K94 Production photograph vacant listings?
Yes. Vacant listings are common. We bring portable lighting to compensate for absent furniture and style shots to maximize visual interest in empty spaces.
Book Your Next Listing Shoot
Professional HDR, video & drone. 48-hour delivery. All of Chicagoland.
Book Your Shoot — Starting at $120