It might seem like common sense, but failing to call your clients—especially before a home visit—can have serious consequences.
As a real estate photographer, I often arrive at properties assuming they’re vacant. It may seem like a small detail, but one missed call or message can quickly turn into a dangerous misunderstanding.
I used to think this was just a minor oversight—until I heard a story that completely changed my perspective.
A Photographer Got Shot—Literally
Another photographer recently shared his experience:
He was told the homeowners wouldn’t be home. He knocked, retrieved the key from the lockbox, and entered the house, announcing himself as he always did.
Then the alarm started chirping. No big deal, right? He began looking for the code. But as he approached the alarm panel… he was shot.
The homeowner had been sleeping, believed someone was breaking in, and opened fire. She held him at gunpoint until the police arrived—while he apologized for getting blood on her floor.
The kicker? The agency that hired him never called the homeowners. They had a history of this miscommunication with other vendors. In the end, the photographer sued the agency and the homeowner—and won. He had all the signs of being a photographer (tripod, camera, etc.), but the lack of communication put everyone in danger. If you want to see the related video, watch here
Why Communication Matters
When you fail to call your clients, you’re putting everyone at risk—your vendors, your clients, and yourself.
It takes 30 seconds to send a text or make a call. When you order a shoot with Brownell Design Studios, our workflow ensures you have the date and time confirmed right away. This is your cue to let your clients know when to expect us. Simple details like lockbox codes, pets on-site, or whether someone will be home make all the difference.
Good communication prevents not just disasters, but also small headaches that waste everyone’s time.
Photographer’s Best Practices
As vendors, we also have a responsibility:
A) Always announce yourself when entering, even if the home appears empty.
B) Confirm dates and times with clients and arrive on schedule.
C) Follow up after the shoot, letting the agent know everything’s complete—or if any issues came up.
These extra steps build trust and give agents peace of mind.
Quick Checklist for Photographers:
- Always announce yourself when entering, even if the home appears empty
- Confirm dates and times with clients and arrive on schedule
- Follow up after the shoot, letting the agent know everything’s complete—or if any issues came up
- Do everything you can to build trust and give agents peace of mind..
Quick Checklist for Agents:
- When placing an order, leave detailed notes—lockbox codes, pets, or anything we should know
- Call your client right after booking so it’s fresh in their mind
- Send them our Home Prep Checklist (available on our site)—it’s a helpful reminder and helps them get the property ready
- Call the day before the shoot to confirm
- If a shoot runs long, check in with us to stay in the loop
- Work with vendors who prioritize communication—it saves you headaches
Be sure to come back and visit Brownell Design Studios for more tips and tricks for adding to your business growth!
