The difference between a good shoot and a great one usually isn’t the drone, the camera, or the light. It’s how prepared the property is when we arrive.

We’ve shot hundreds of properties across Georgia and the Gulf Coast. The ones that produce the best content — the images and video that actually move listings and drive bookings — are almost always the ones where the owner or manager put in an hour of prep work beforehand.

Here’s the complete checklist we send every client before we show up.

Outside First

The drone goes up before we ever step inside. First impressions from the air set the tone for everything.

Clear the driveway and parking area. Move all vehicles off the property if possible. Cars in the driveway date photos and distract from the architecture. For STR properties, an empty parking area signals availability and space.

Put away yard equipment and hoses. Lawn mowers, hoses, trash cans, recycling bins — anything that reads as clutter from above. Even a coiled hose on the side of the house can pull focus in a wide aerial.

Patio and outdoor furniture. Arrange it intentionally, not just however it ended up. Two chairs facing the view, a table set for two, a towel on the lounger — these details read beautifully from the air and ground. Remove anything worn, faded, or broken.

Pool and hot tub. Clean water is non-negotiable. Skim the surface before we arrive. Turn on any water features — fountains, jets, waterfalls — they add motion and life to video. Remove pool toys, floats, and cleaning equipment.

Exterior lights on. Porch lights, pathway lights, string lights, landscape uplighting — turn them all on. Even for daytime shoots, exterior lighting adds warmth and dimension. For twilight shoots, this is critical.

Landscaping. Freshly mowed grass, edged walkways, and trimmed shrubs make a significant difference in aerial photos. We can’t fix an unkempt lawn in post. If there are dead plants in pots or beds, remove them entirely rather than leaving them in frame.

Clean windows and glass doors. Visible smudges and streaks on sliding glass doors show up in photos, especially when light is hitting them at an angle. A quick wipe-down goes a long way.

Inside the Property

Every light on. This is the single most impactful thing you can do. Every lamp, every overhead, every under-cabinet light, every accent light — on. This includes closets if they’re being shot, bathrooms, and any decorative lighting. Rooms with all lights on photograph significantly warmer and more inviting than rooms relying on natural light alone.

Ceiling fans off. Fans in motion create blur in photos and a strobing effect in video. Turn them all off before we arrive.

Blinds and curtains open. Natural light is your friend. Open every blind and pull back every curtain to maximize the light coming in. Exception: if a window has an undesirable view (a wall, a parking lot, a neighbor’s AC unit), leave that one closed.

Temperature. Set it to a comfortable level before we arrive. We’ll be moving through the property quickly, but comfort keeps the session focused.

Kitchen. Clear the countertops completely — everything off except one or two intentional styling pieces. A bowl of fruit, a coffee maker, a plant. Put away dish racks, paper towels, small appliances, and anything on the refrigerator door. Clean and empty the sink.

Bathrooms. Remove all personal care products from counters, shower ledges, and tub surrounds. Leave one or two neatly folded towels as styling. Put down toilet lids. Replace any worn or stained towels with fresh ones — white towels photograph best.

Bedrooms. Make every bed with fresh, wrinkle-free linens. Fluff and arrange pillows. Clear nightstands of personal items — leave only a lamp and perhaps one decorative item. Remove any clutter from floors and visible surfaces.

Living areas. Straighten furniture, fluff cushions, remove remote controls and charging cables. For STR properties, add a few lifestyle touches — a book on the coffee table, a throw blanket draped over the arm of the sofa. These details make a rental feel welcoming rather than sterile.

Remove all personal items. For real estate listings especially: family photos, mail, personal toiletries, pet items, and anything else that reminds a buyer this is someone else’s home. The goal is for the buyer to see themselves in the space.

Pets. Arrange for pets to be off the property or secured during the shoot. Pet items — beds, bowls, toys, crates — should be put away entirely.

For STR Properties Specifically

Stage the experience, not just the space. Your guests aren’t buying square footage — they’re buying a feeling. Set the dining table for a meal. Put out beach towels and sunscreen by the door. Leave a local guidebook on the coffee table. These details tell a story in photos that “amenities include dining table” never can.

Check your Airbnb and VRBO listings first. Look at what you’re currently showing and identify the gaps. No exterior shot? No pool photo? No bedroom detail? Use your shoot to fill those specific holes, not just to replace what you already have.

Think social media vertical. If you want Instagram Reels and TikTok content, tell us before the shoot. We’ll capture vertical-format footage specifically for those placements in addition to standard horizontal content.

The Morning of the Shoot

A little preparation on your end translates directly into more usable content on ours. The best drone footage in the world can’t save a cluttered patio or a pool that hasn’t been skimmed.

If you have questions about what to prioritize for your specific property, reach out before the shoot — we’re happy to do a quick walkthrough call.

Ready to book your shoot? Get a free quote or call us at 678-800-1216. Serving STR and real estate clients in Canton GA, Tifton GA, and Panama City Beach FL.