How quickly will I receive my photos after the shoot?

We guarantee 24-hour delivery on all standard photography packages, measured from shoot completion to gallery delivery. Photos are delivered via a private online gallery with high-resolution downloads — ready for MLS upload, Zillow, Realtor.com, and social media. Rush same-day delivery is available for time-sensitive listings for an additional fee. In practice, over 85% of galleries are delivered within 16 hours of shoot completion.

Are you FAA certified for drone photography in South Florida?

Yes. All Estate Shutter Florida drone pilots hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates, which is legally required for all commercial drone photography in Florida. We carry full liability insurance and obtain the required FAA LAANC authorizations for controlled airspace near Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL), and Palm Beach International (PBI) airports before every flight.

What areas of South Florida do you serve?

We serve all of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties with no travel fees. Primary markets include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Coral Gables, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Hollywood, Doral, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, and 20+ additional cities. Travel to the Florida Keys and Naples area is available upon request.

Do I need to be present during the real estate photo shoot?

No — many of our shoots are coordinated directly with property managers or lockbox access. We recommend having someone present to handle access issues and highlight features the agent wants emphasized. We send a preparation checklist 24 hours before every shoot so sellers know exactly how to stage and prepare the property for optimal results.

How to Prepare a Key West Home for Real Estate Photos

Florida Real Estate Photography — Miami, Orlando, Tampa & Fort Lauderdale

Estate Shutter Florida delivers professional HDR real estate photography, FAA-certified drone aerials, Zillow 3D virtual tours, AI virtual staging, and twilight photography for agents, brokers, and developers across South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach) and Central Florida (Orange, Hillsborough, Osceola counties). Founded by Mike Brun — FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot, 8+ years experience, 2,000+ MLS listings photographed. Photos starting at $199 with guaranteed 24-hour delivery.

Real Estate Photography Services

HDR Real Estate Photography — from $199

Professional interior and exterior photography with 24-hour delivery. 25–50 fully edited photos. Sky replacement, color correction, object removal, and MLS-ready files included. Serving all of Florida.

FAA-Certified Drone Photography — from $199

Aerial photography and 4K video by FAA Part 107 certified pilots. Captures waterfront access, lot size, neighborhood context, and community amenities. Required airspace authorizations obtained before every flight.

Zillow 3D Virtual Tours — from $199

Interactive 3D walkthroughs for Zillow, Realtor.com, and MLS. Listings with Zillow 3D tours generate 40% more inquiries and earn the Zillow "3D Home" badge. Ideal for international and remote buyers.

AI Virtual Staging — from $7/photo

Transform empty rooms into furnished spaces using AI. 12 styles, results in ~15 minutes. Order online anytime without scheduling. Volume pricing: 1–5 photos $20, 6–10 photos $15, 11–15 photos $10, 16+ photos $7.

Twilight & Blue Hour Photography

Dramatic dusk exterior photography for luxury and waterfront listings. Particularly effective for oceanfront condos, Intracoastal estates, and high-rise penthouses with Miami or Fort Lauderdale skyline views.

Commercial Photography

Architectural, office, retail, and construction progress photography for developers, architects, and commercial brokers. Serving Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Tampa.

Packages & Pricing

Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. 10% off for new clients. Pay only after approving your gallery.

Package	Price	Includes
Basic Photography	from $199	25–35 HDR photos, 24-hr delivery, sky replacement, object removal
Standard Package	from $349	Photos + drone aerials, 30–50 images, 4K drone stills & video
Pro Package	from $599	Photos + drone + Zillow 3D tour + twilight + floor plan
AI Virtual Staging	from $7/photo	Online ordering, 12 furniture styles, results in ~15 min, volume discounts

Package

Price

Includes

Basic Photography

from $199

25–35 HDR photos, 24-hr delivery, sky replacement, object removal

Standard Package

from $349

Photos + drone aerials, 30–50 images, 4K drone stills & video

Pro Package

from $599

Photos + drone + Zillow 3D tour + twilight + floor plan

AI Virtual Staging

from $7/photo

Online ordering, 12 furniture styles, results in ~15 min, volume discounts

Real Estate Photography FAQ — Florida

How much does real estate photography cost in Miami?

Packages start at $199 for 25–35 HDR photos with 24-hour delivery. Standard package (photos + drone) from $349. Pro package (photos + drone + Zillow 3D + twilight + floor plan) from $599. New clients get 10% off. Pay only after gallery approval.

How quickly will I receive my real estate photos?

We guarantee 24-hour delivery. Over 85% of galleries are delivered within 16 hours. Photos arrive via private online gallery with MLS-ready and high-resolution downloads. Rush same-day delivery available.

Are you FAA certified for drone photography in Florida?

Yes. All drone pilots hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates — legally required for commercial drone photography in Florida. We carry full liability insurance and obtain FAA airspace authorizations near all major Florida airports (MIA, FLL, PBI, MCO, TPA) before every flight.

What areas of Florida do you serve?

All of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in South Florida, plus the Orlando metro (Orange, Osceola, Seminole counties) and Tampa Bay (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco counties) in Central Florida — 50+ cities statewide including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Orlando, Tampa, Windermere, Winter Park, and Lake Nona. No travel fees within each region.

What is a Zillow 3D virtual tour and why does it matter for Florida listings?

Zillow 3D creates a fully navigable 3D digital twin buyers can explore online from any device. It earns the Zillow "3D Home" badge and generates 40% more inquiries. Essential for Florida's international and remote buyers — particularly in South Florida's luxury markets and Central Florida's high-volume relocation markets.

About Estate Shutter Florida

Founded by Mike Brun, Estate Shutter Florida is Florida's premier real estate photography service, trusted by 550+ active realtors across South Florida and Central Florida. Mike holds an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, is a member of the Professional Real Estate Photographers Association (PREA), and is a Zillow Premier Partner. 8+ years of South Florida experience · 2,000+ MLS listings photographed.

Equipment: Sony α7R V · DJI Mavic 3 Pro (Hasselblad lens) · Zillow 3D Pro3 · Profoto B10X. Learn more →

Your listing photos are the single most important marketing tool for selling a Key West home. Before a buyer ever steps foot in your Conch house or Truman Annex condo, they’ve already toured it online. Based on my experience shooting over 2,000 listings in South Florida, the homes that photograph best and sell fastest are the ones where the agent and seller took an hour to prep properly.

I get it. You’re busy. But skipping the prep work is the most common mistake I see. It means I spend the first 20 minutes of our shoot moving clutter instead of dialing in the perfect lighting and angles. That’s why I put together this no-nonsense, room-by-room guide. This is the exact real estate photography checklist I wish every Key West client would follow before I arrive with my Sony α7R V and Matterport Pro3.

Why Preparation Matters More in Key West

Key West properties are unique. We’re not shooting cookie-cutter suburban homes. We’re capturing historic bungalows in Old Town, modern waterfront estates in the Casa Marina area, and sleek condos with sunset views. The charm is in the details—the Dade County pine, the lush tropical gardens, the way the afternoon light hits the lanai.

But that famous Key West light can be a double-edged sword. It’s bright and it’s harsh. My camera, the Sony α7R V, has incredible dynamic range, but it sees everything. Every speck of dust on the fan blade, every fingerprint on the stainless steel fridge, every dead leaf on the patio. A little prep work ensures we’re showcasing the charm, not the clutter.

The Day Before the Shoot: A Universal Checklist

This is your foundation. Do these things in every room of the house, regardless of its function. This should be done the day before I show up. A last-minute rush always shows on camera.

Deep Clean Everything. This isn't a light tidying up. I’m talking about a top-to-bottom deep clean. Dust all surfaces, clean windows and mirrors until they are streak-free, mop or vacuum all floors, and clean your baseboards. Buyers zoom in on photos, and they will spot dusty corners.
De-Clutter Every Surface. If you don't need it for daily life, put it away. This goes for countertops, coffee tables, nightstands, and desks. Think of it like a hotel room. Minimalist is the goal. This is the single most impactful thing you can do.
Depersonalize the Space. Your goal is to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the home. That’s hard to do when your family photos, kids' artwork, and personal keepsakes are everywhere. Pack them up. This isn’t about erasing your life; it’s about creating a blank canvas for the next owner.
Check Every Light Bulb. This is a huge one that most people forget. Turn on every single light in the house, from lamps to overhead fixtures to closet lights. Are any bulbs burned out? Replace them. Even more important: Are they all the same color temperature? A mix of warm yellow, cool blue, and daylight white bulbs in the same room looks terrible in photos and is a pain to correct. Aim for consistency, preferably a warm or neutral white.

Room-by-Room Real Estate Photography Checklist

Once the general cleaning and decluttering are done, it’s time to focus on individual rooms. Here’s my specific breakdown.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is often the star of the show. In many Key West homes, it’s part of an open-concept living space, so it has to shine.

Countertops: Clear them completely. No knife blocks, no spice racks, no mail, no small appliances (maybe a high-end coffee maker is okay). A single bowl of fresh fruit (like limes or oranges) can add a nice pop of color.
Refrigerator: Remove all magnets, photos, and papers from the front and sides. The top should be completely clear.
Sink: Make sure it’s empty and sparkling clean. No dishes, no sponges, no soap dispensers. Hide them under the sink.
Trash Cans: Hide them. Put them in the pantry or a closet.

Living & Family Rooms

This is where buyers imagine relaxing and entertaining.

Furniture: Arrange it to look inviting and conversational. You might need to pull couches away from the wall to create a better sense of flow. We can make minor adjustments on-site, but having a good starting point is key.
Surfaces: Clear the coffee table and end tables. A couple of tasteful books, a candle, or a small plant is fine. Remove stacks of magazines and remote controls.
Electronics: Hide all visible cables and cords as best you can. Unplug them and tuck them away if possible. Tidy up the entertainment center.
Pillows & Throws: Fluff all pillows. Fold throws neatly and drape them artfully over a chair or the end of a sofa.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should feel like a serene retreat.

Make the Bed Perfectly. This is non-negotiable. A tightly made bed with smoothed-out linens and fluffed pillows looks a thousand times better than a messy one. Use neutral, solid-colored bedding if possible.
Nightstands: Clear them off. A lamp and maybe a single book are sufficient. Remove alarm clocks, phone chargers, tissues, etc.
Closets: Buyers want to see storage. If you have a walk-in closet, make it look spacious. Organize clothes, tidy up shelves, and make sure the floor is clear. For smaller closets, we’ll likely keep the doors closed, but it’s good to have them ready just in case.
Ceiling Fans: Turn them off. A moving fan creates motion blur in photos. We want crisp, clear images.

Bathrooms

Think "spa," not "your personal bathroom." Hygiene is the message you want to send.

Vanity: Clear everything off the counter. Toothbrushes, soap, razors, makeup—it all needs to disappear. A clean, empty counter is best.
Shower & Tub: Remove all shampoo bottles, soap bars, loofahs, and razors. The tile and fixtures should be spotless. Close the shower curtain or make sure the glass door is squeaky clean.
Toilet: The lid must be down. Always.
Towels: Hang fresh, clean towels. Make sure they are neatly folded and hung straight. White towels are always a classic, safe choice.
Rugs: Remove any bathmats or rugs. They make bathrooms look smaller and can be a visual distraction. We want to show the flooring.

Don't Forget the Outside: Curb Appeal in Key West

For many Key West properties, the outdoor living space is just as important as the inside. As an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot, my drone photography services are essential for capturing the full context of a property, especially waterfront homes in places like the Las Olas Isles or Key West Golf Club.

Landscaping: Mow the lawn, rake leaves, and trim overgrown bushes. Add fresh mulch to garden beds and pull any weeds. Add some new, colorful flowers if the season is right.
Patios & Lanais: Sweep them clean. Arrange patio furniture neatly. Clean the grill and put the cover on. Put away any pool toys or cleaning equipment.
Pools & Spas: Make sure they are clean and free of leaves or debris. We want that water to look crystal blue. I often use my DJI Mavic 3 Pro to get those stunning top-down shots of the pool and backyard, and a clean pool makes all the difference.
Front Entrance: Make it welcoming. A clean front door, a new welcome mat, and perhaps a pot of flowers can make a great first impression.
Vehicles & Bicycles: Move all cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house. The same goes for golf carts, bikes, and scooters. We want to photograph the home, not your vehicles.

A Note on Staging

Everything I’ve just described is basic prep. If a home is vacant or has dated furniture, that’s when we should talk about virtual staging services. We can digitally add stylish, modern furniture to an empty room, helping buyers see the potential of the space without the cost and hassle of physical staging. It's a powerful tool, especially for listings that need an extra visual boost.

Ultimately, preparing a home for a photo shoot is a team effort. When you, the agent, and the homeowner work together to get the property ready, it allows me to focus on what I do best: creating stunning images that capture the essence of the home and attract serious buyers. It’s how we turn a listing in the Key West MLS into a sale.

Ready to make your Key West listing stand out? My team and I have shot everything from Brickell high-rises to sprawling estates in Coral Gables, and we bring that experience to every shoot. Check out our professional real estate photography packages or give me a call directly at (786) 604-0823 to book your next shoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I be at the property during the photo shoot?

It's not necessary, and often it's better if the home is empty. This allows the photographer to move through the space efficiently without distractions. As long as we have access, we can handle the rest.

How long does a typical real estate photo shoot take?

For most homes in Key West, a standard photo shoot takes 60-90 minutes. If you've added services like a video walkthrough or a 3D virtual tour, it could take 2-4 hours depending on the size of the property.

What if my home is empty? Should I get it staged?

Vacant homes can be difficult for buyers to visualize. We highly recommend our virtual staging services in these cases. We can digitally add furniture and decor to make the space feel warm and inviting, which is more cost-effective and faster than physical staging.

Do I need to worry about the weather?

We always aim for sunny days, but Key West weather can be unpredictable. We use advanced lighting techniques to create bright, natural-looking interiors even on overcast days. If the weather is severe (heavy rain or high winds), we will work with you to reschedule at no charge.