5 Essential Tips for Developers: How to Prepare Your Building for a Photoshoot

RNIB Head Office - Edinburgh

If you’re preparing for a photoshoot of your latest construction project, ensuring everything looks its best is crucial. High-quality images can significantly impact how potential clients perceive your work. Here are five essential tips to help you prepare your building for a successful photoshoot.

1. Clean and Declutter the Space

First things first: let’s tidy up! A clean space is crucial for making your building shine. Here’s what to do:

• Clear out the junk: Get rid of any construction materials, tools, or equipment that could steal the spotlight from your architectural features.

• Organize those interiors: For inside shots, make sure everything’s in order. Toss out any personal items or trash that don’t belong in the frame.

• Wipe down glass and mirrors: This one often gets overlooked but can be a real game changer. Clean glass means fewer headaches in post-production and a way cleaner look overall. Trust me, the details matter!

A tidy space lets the architecture stand out and makes for a much more professional final image.

2. Stage Key Areas

Staging can seriously elevate how your space is perceived. Here’s how to do it right:

• Show off focal points: Identify the standout features of your building—like that stunning entrance or impressive staircase—and make sure they’re well-staged.

• Add some decor: Simple furniture, artwork, or plants can add warmth and character, making the space feel more inviting in photos.

• Consider virtual staging: This is a cool option I’ve used for clients. You can fill empty spaces with some slick, digitally generated staging to really wow potential buyers.

Staging creates a story, inviting viewers to envision themselves in the space.

3. Plan for Lighting

Lighting is a big deal when it comes to photography. Here’s how to nail it:

• Pick the right time for your shoot: Early morning or late afternoon light is usually softer and more flattering. Glasgow and Edinburgh can be pretty overcast, so it’s all about catching that good light when you can!

• Think about artificial lighting: If you’ve got darker areas in the building, plan to use extra lighting to brighten things up. Personally, I love using a mix of natural light and flash (it’s called "flambient" photography). This keeps everything sharp and gives you more flexibility in editing.

• Show the photographer where the lights are: Make sure to point out all the light sources, like downlights. Missing these can lead to dark spots in the shots.

Good lighting can turn average photos into jaw-dropping images, highlighting all the best features of your building.

4. Create an Accessible Environment

Making sure your building is easy to navigate is key. Here’s what you should check:

• Clear pathways: Ensure there’s easy access to all areas that need to be photographed. If there are obstacles, you’ll end up wasting time in post-production, which can be a pain.

• Check your utilities: If the shoot involves lights or other equipment, make sure everything’s working before the photographer arrives.

An accessible environment means smoother shooting and better angles for capturing your project.

5. Communicate with Your Photographer

Finally, remember that a successful shoot is all about teamwork. Before the big day:

• Share your vision: Let your photographer know what you’re aiming for. Tell them how many finished images you’d like and how many shots you want per room. This helps them understand what you need and ensures you don’t end up with fewer images than you wanted.

• Be open to their suggestions: Photographers often have great ideas on how to best showcase the building, so be open to their expertise.

Clear communication sets the stage for great results and ensures everyone’s on the same page.