Prepare Your Home for Photography

Bright bedroom with a wood bed frame, hardwood floors and large windows

BEFORE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

A little preparation. A stronger first impression.

Please have your home clean, tidy and ready before we arrive. Clear surfaces and thoughtfully arranged rooms help the photography focus on your property’s space, light and standout features.

Work through the checklist below, one area at a time.

Exterior & outdoor spaces

Move cars into the garage or down the street, away from the front of the home. Keep garage doors closed.
Mow the lawn and clear branches, weeds, toys and sports equipment.
Sweep sidewalks, the driveway, patio, deck and pool area.
Uncover clean pools and hot tubs, skim leaves and put away cleaning equipment. We will turn on pool lights and hot tub jets.
Clean and arrange outdoor furniture, straighten chairs, fluff cushions and open the patio umbrella.
Remove grill covers and put away utensils.
Remove flags, hanging ornaments and home security signs.
Turn on all outside lighting.

Lighting & windows

Turn on all lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
Turn ceiling fan lights on and fan blades off.
Open curtains. Lower blinds with the horizontal slats open.
Turn off televisions and computer screens.
Clean glass doors, windows and mirrors so they are free of streaks and fingerprints.

Kitchen & dining

Clear and wipe down countertops. Put away small appliances and knife blocks; one attractive coffee maker or kettle can remain.
Remove magnets, photos and papers from the outside of the refrigerator.
Put away throw rugs, hanging towels and paper towels.
Hide trash cans and clear dishes and the drain stopper from the sink.
Straighten dining chairs.
Optional finishing touch: set the dining table and add a simple bowl of fruit or flowers.

Bedrooms

Make every bed and arrange decorative pillows.
Clear dressers and nightstands of cups, clocks and personal items.
Put away phones, tablets, charging cords, books and tissues.
Remove personal photos where possible.
Clear anything beneath the bed that could appear in photos or video.
Tidy walk-in closets.

Bathrooms

Neatly arrange clean hand and bath towels.
Hide trash cans, plungers and toilet brushes.
Remove floor mats, close toilet lids and put out a fresh toilet paper roll.
Clear counters of toiletries, soap, medication and toothbrushes.
Remove shampoo bottles, razors and loofahs from showers. Close shower curtains or doors.

Living & family rooms

Vacuum, sweep and mop floors as appropriate.
Straighten sofas, fluff cushions and clear tables and desks.
Dust television and computer screens.

Questions before your shoot?

Let us know if there is a special feature you want highlighted or anything we should know before arriving.

Contact Joel Call/Text (501) 760-8487