Photo & Video That Sell in Downtown St. Pete

If your first showing happens online, your photos and video are your open house. In Downtown St. Pete’s shifting market, buyers have more to choose from and many start their search from out of town. You want your listing to stand out, capture the lifestyle, and convert clicks into showings. This guide shows you exactly what to shoot, when to shoot it, and how to stay compliant so you sell with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Why visuals matter now

Inventory around Downtown St. Petersburg has increased and days on market have lengthened compared with peak years, so presentation is crucial. A recent market snapshot shows conditions moving toward balanced or buyer-leaning, which means your media needs to create urgency and appeal. Out-of-area buyers will judge your home by its photos and video first, especially with nearby draws like the Pier and waterfront parks. See local context in the Downtown market report for a quick pulse on trends (market report).

What buyers expect here

Downtown listings range from waterfront condos to historic homes and townhomes, and each calls for different visuals. Condo buyers want to see amenities, views, and walkability. Historic-home buyers look for architectural detail and curb appeal. Everyone wants to feel the lifestyle: parks, museums, cafés, and the St. Pete Pier waterfront that frame day-to-day living (Pier recognition and impact).

Must-have listing media

Industry analyses consistently show professional photography boosts views and helps homes sell faster. NAR’s latest survey highlights the influence of photos, video, and virtual tours on buyer decisions. In a competitive downtown market, a complete package makes a measurable difference (NAR staging and media insights; professional photography impact).

Photos that sell

• Deliver 20–30 edited, high-resolution images for most homes; scale up for larger properties.
• For condos, include exterior, lobby, pool/fitness, parking, and balcony/water views.
• For historic homes, feature porches, millwork, and architectural details.
• Use natural light and HDR to preserve bright interiors and clear window views.

Aerials with a plan

• Capture 6–12 drone stills for waterline, skyline, and neighborhood context when allowed.
• Aerials are especially effective for balconies, roof decks, and proximity to the Pier and parks.

Twilight that pops

• Add 3–6 blue-hour exteriors to showcase warm interiors and skyline reflections.
• Twilight images tend to increase engagement, particularly for waterfront and view condos.

Video that shows flow

• Produce a 60–120 second walkthrough with smooth, stabilized shots to show how rooms connect.
• Create 15–30 second vertical clips for social that highlight one standout feature.

3D tours and floor plans

• Use a Matterport-style tour and a clean floor plan to help remote buyers visualize the layout.
• These tools remain influential for buyers and can increase time-on-page and showings.

Downtown St. Pete shot list

• Exterior and street: front elevation, entry, parking access, and a clean streetscape.
• Views and context: balconies, roof decks, and any Tampa Bay or skyline views.
• Indoor–outdoor living: sliders, lanais, patios, and shaded seating areas.
• Kitchens and baths: clear counters, bright lighting, and detail shots of finishes.
• Neighborhood lifestyle: a small set of images of the Pier, parks, museums, and nearby cafés to frame the location story.

Timing and light that work

• Aim for golden hour and twilight to flatter exteriors and views. In October, sunset can be just after 7 pm; verify exact times for your date (sunrise/sunset tool).
• Schedule neighborhood shots on weekday mornings to avoid crowds around the Pier and parks.
• Build weather wiggle room during hurricane season (June–November) and confirm rain dates in contracts (season overview).

Drone and permits made simple

Shooting in city spaces may require permission, and drones have strict rules.

• City and Pier permits: Commercial photography and filming in city spaces, including the Pier, often require a permit or use agreement. Plan 7–10 business days and check insurance requirements (permits overview).
• Parks guidance: Some shoots in Pinellas County parks need permits, especially if staging gear or impeding use (parks filming guidance).
• FAA rules: Commercial drone work must follow Part 107 and Remote ID. Coordinate LAANC airspace authorization as needed and avoid flying over people without proper compliance (FAA Part 107).

Prep tips for photo day

• Declutter and depersonalize, then style key rooms: living room, kitchen, and primary suite.
• Maximize light: open blinds, replace dim bulbs, and wipe windows.
• Disclose virtual staging if used, and keep edits realistic and honest.

Packages and timelines

• Minimum package: 20–30 edited photos, 1 twilight exterior, 1 aerial overview (if allowed), 60–90 second walkthrough video, and a basic floor plan.
• Premium downtown package: 30–50 photos, 3–6 aerials, 2–3 twilight images, 2–3 vertical social clips, a 3D tour, and a schematic floor plan with an optional agent-narrated video.
• Turnaround: 24–72 hours for proofs, 48–120 hours for final edits depending on scope.

Tell the lifestyle story

Buyers choose Downtown St. Pete for waterfront parks, arts, dining, and the Pier experience. A few well-placed lifestyle images and clips help remote buyers feel connected to the location and your home’s walkable rhythm (why the Pier matters).

Ready to list with standout media?

You deserve a listing that looks as good as it lives. Our team pairs deep St. Pete expertise with Compass marketing tools, including Compass Concierge, to coordinate pro photography, video, 3D tours, and the permitting details that keep shoots smooth. When you are ready to sell in Downtown St. Pete, connect with The Link Property Group to craft a media plan that moves buyers.

FAQs

Do professional photos pay off in Downtown St. Pete?

• Yes. Industry analyses and NAR reporting show that professional photos, video, and virtual tours increase views and can shorten time on market, which matters in a more balanced market (NAR insights; photography impact).

Can you fly a drone over the Pier or parks?

• Possibly, but you may need a city permit and must follow FAA Part 107 and Remote ID; launches over crowds or from city property can be restricted, so coordinate permits and airspace in advance (city permits; FAA rules).

What is twilight photography and when is it useful?

• Twilight photos are shot at dusk to show warm interiors and skyline or water reflections; they often boost engagement and are excellent for view-centric condos and waterfront homes (engagement data).

Do you need a 3D tour for a condo listing?

• While not mandatory, 3D tours and floor plans help remote and relocation buyers evaluate layout, which can increase showings in Downtown St. Pete’s condo market (buyer influence).

How far ahead should you schedule media in St. Pete?

• Book 1–2 weeks out to secure twilight slots and allow 7–10 business days for any permits; build in a rain date during hurricane season for flexibility (permits overview; season timing).