Successful Photo Shoot Preparation

To ensure that your photo shoot runs as efficiently as possible and for your photos to come out their very best, we’ve listed the following below to help you prepare. Property must be completely photo-ready when the photographer arrives. We look foward to the appointment!

Properties not ready at appointment time are subject to a cancellation fee of $85.

Less is More

Photography is one of the most important parts to listing your property. So it is critical to follow the pre list and make sure your property is ready before your photographer arrives. When it comes to photography , less is more. De-clutter every room. Get plastic containers and place non-essential items to help with de-cluttering.

Be Photography Ready

When the photographer arrives they will turn on all the lights and offer some suggestions if needed. It is important that your home is “photography ready” prior to the photographer’s arrival. In the event the property is not ready for the photographer, we will shoot the property as is or you will be charged a $85 cancellation fee.

Download Checklist

Exterior

◼ Close the windows
◼ Park on the street or in an enclosed garage
◼ Rake leaves and sticks from the yard
◼ Remove all children’s or pet’s toys
◼ Hide any garbage cans
◼ Put away all tools and supplies
◼ Close the gates and garage doors
◼ Remove all pool toys, visible cleaning supplies, and equipment
◼ Keep the pets out of the yard during the photo shoot

Interior

◼ Clear the Clutter… Put it away in an enclosed closet or cabinet.
◼ Clean the House… All the nooks and crannies.
◼ Turn on all the lights and lamps.
◼ Replace all burned out bulbs. (light will need to be on for photographs.
◼ Close the windows and open the curtains and blinds (unless they are concealing a less than desirable view.)
◼ Hide any visible cords
◼ Put away all children’s or pet’s toys
◼ Hardwood floors must be clean and free of dust and dirt. Dust can show up in the photos.
◼ Turn off all ceiling fans.

Bedroom

◼ Make the bed
◼ Remove anything stored under the bed if there is no dust ruffle to cover it
◼ Put away all shoes and clothing
◼ Clear the bedside tables; leave only the lamp, clock, and one or two books
◼ Clear/ straighten the dresser
◼ Straighten the book shelves

Home Office

◼ Hide any visible cords
◼ Put away all paperwork
◼ Hide the facial tissue

Pets

◼ Pets must be properly restrained, or the photographer reserves the right not to enter the property
◼ It is the homeowner’s or agent’s responsibility to keep the pets out of the shot
◼ Put away all toys, food and water bowls, and litter boxes

Living/Family Room

◼ Clear the mantle of personal photos
◼ Turn off the television
◼ Light a fire in the fireplace
◼ Replace any large family portraits with generic artwork
◼ Straighten the book shelves
◼ Straighten the rug and throw pillows

Dining Room

◼ Set the table or clear everything but a small centerpiece

Kitchen

◼ Remove all refrigerator magnets, photos, artwork, etc.
◼ Clear the top of the fridge
◼ Clear the counter tops
◼ Put away all counter-top appliances
◼ Put away all cleaning supplies
◼ Put away all towels including washcloths and dish towels
◼ Hide the garbage can in a closet or pantry
◼ Put away any water or food bowls for pets

Walk-in Closet

◼ Tidy-up the closet by organizing/ sorting clothing and shoes
◼ Matching hangers are a nice touch

Bathroom

◼ Open the shower curtains
◼ Put down the toilet seat
◼ Put out fresh, matching towels
◼ Hide all bath products from the tub/shower including bars of soap, shampoo & conditioner, washcloths, etc.
◼ Hide all bath products from the sink including hand soap, makeup, etc. decorative soaps can stay.
◼ Hide all appliances including the hair dryer, curling iron, etc.
◼ Hide all air fresheners including those that plug in
◼ Hide all cleaning products

Download a printable version of our checklist here to give to your clients.