Real Estate Photo Shoot Prep Checklist

You have booked your real estate photo shoot, and a little preparation beforehand is the difference between a smooth session and a rushed one. The more a home is photo-ready when we arrive, the more time we spend capturing it at its best instead of tidying. Use this checklist, and pass it along to your seller before the appointment.

Kitchen and bathrooms

Clear all counters: no dishes, sponges, soap bottles, or small appliances around the sink.
Store countertop toiletries, and set out fresh, folded hand towels or remove them entirely.
Close all toilet lids, and swap partial toilet paper rolls for full ones or remove them.
Hide trash bins in a closet, pantry, or the garage.

Bedrooms and living spaces

Make every bed and store any visible laundry out of sight.
Tidy or remove children's toys, and put away pet toys, beds, and food and water bowls.
Place loose shoes and jackets in closets.
Turn off all TVs and computer monitors: a dark screen photographs far better than a bright one.

Lighting

Turn on every light: overhead fixtures, lamps, and under-cabinet lighting.
Where possible, use bulbs of the same color temperature in a room so the light reads consistent.
Open blinds and window treatments to let in natural light.
Turn all ceiling fans off so the blades appear crisp rather than blurred, with their lights left on.

Exterior and yard

Remove all vehicles from the driveway and the front of the home, and close garage doors.
Mow, trim shrubs, and clear leaves, and coil or hide garden hoses.
Remove empty planters, toys, sports balls, and portable goals from the yard.
Clean the porch and tidy outdoor furniture, and make sure cushions are fresh rather than faded.

Pool and water features

Remove the pool vacuum and hose if possible, and hide cleaning supplies.
Turn on fountains and water features for the shots.

Access and entry

Send any gate, keypad, and lockbox codes ahead of the appointment.
If the community is gated, call the guardhouse in advance so we are cleared to enter on time.

A home that is ready to shoot the moment we arrive photographs better and keeps your listing on schedule. If you have questions about preparing for a real estate photography session, our team is glad to help.