Your Session Is Confirmed

Property Preparation Guide

Follow this checklist before your photoshoot to ensure magazine-quality results. Most preparations take 2–3 hours and make a significant difference to your final images.

Every Room

These apply throughout the entire property and have the biggest impact on every photo.

Declutter all surfaces — clear countertops, tables, shelves, and nightstands completely. Less is always more in photos.
Remove personal photos and valuables — buyer focus should be on the space, not personal items. Also protects your privacy.
Tuck away all visible cords and cables — TV cables, phone chargers, and power strips are surprisingly distracting in photos.
Empty all visible trash cans — or move them out of shot entirely.
Remove pet beds, food bowls, and toys — pets should be kept away or confined during the shoot.
Vacuum and sweep all floors — including under furniture edges and along baseboards.
Clean all mirrors and glass surfaces — fingerprints show dramatically in photos. Use streak-free cleaner.

Lighting High Impact

Lighting is the single most important factor in real estate photography. This step alone can transform your photos.

Turn on every single light in the property — every lamp, ceiling light, closet light, under-cabinet light, and bathroom vanity. No exceptions.
Replace any burned-out bulbs — dark fixtures in photos look neglected. Check the day before.
Open all blinds and curtains fully — push curtains as far to the sides as possible. Natural light is your biggest asset.
Match bulb color temperatures — mixing warm and cool bulbs creates color casts. Try to use the same color in each room.
Raise all window blinds to the same height — uneven blinds look messy. Raise them fully or align them uniformly.

Living Room & Dining Room

Fluff and straighten all sofa cushions and throw pillows
Fold or remove throw blankets (or drape one neatly over arm of sofa)
Clear coffee table — keep one tasteful item maximum (e.g. a plant or book)
Set the dining table simply — placemats and a centerpiece only, no clutter
Push in all chairs evenly around the dining table
Remove visible remotes, magazines, and mail

Kitchen

Buyers spend the most time evaluating kitchens. A clutter-free kitchen photographs dramatically larger.

Clear all countertops completely — remove toaster, coffee maker, knife block, dish rack, and everything else. A bare counter looks far more spacious.
Remove all magnets, notes, and papers from the refrigerator
Clean stovetop, oven glass, and sink until they shine
Hide dish soap, sponges, and cleaning supplies under the sink
Remove dish drying rack and any dishes from the sink
Optional: add a small bowl of fresh fruit or a simple vase of flowers as a styled accent

Bedrooms

Make all beds with clean, crisp bedding — smooth out all wrinkles. Use your best pillowcases and duvet covers.
Clear all nightstands — leave only a lamp and one simple item maximum
Close closet doors or organize visible clothing neatly
Remove any clothing from chairs or the floor
Vacuum or sweep floors including under bed edges

Bathrooms

Close the toilet lid — always, in every bathroom, no exceptions.
Remove all personal hygiene products from counters and shower ledges (shampoo, soap, razors, toothbrushes)
Remove bath mats and rugs — bare floors photograph cleaner and larger
Hang fresh, neatly folded white or neutral towels
Clean mirrors, faucets, and fixtures until they shine
Clean inside the shower and scrub any grout or soap scum

Exterior & Curb Appeal High Impact

The first photo in any listing is the exterior. This is your only chance at a first impression — make it count.

Mow the lawn within 48 hours before the shoot — also edge along walkways and the driveway. A freshly cut lawn is immediately noticeable.
Remove all vehicles from the driveway and in front of the house — park around the block or on a side street.
Put away hoses, garden tools, toys, bikes, and garbage bins
Sweep or blow the driveway, sidewalks, and front porch
Weed garden beds and rake any leaves
Stage outdoor furniture attractively — straighten chairs, fluff cushions
Add potted flowers or plants near the front door if possible
Clean front door and entry — wipe down the door, polish hardware, replace a worn welcome mat

Morning of the Shoot

30 minutes before our photographer arrives, do this final sweep.

Do a full walk-through of every room with fresh eyes
Turn on every light in the property
Open all blinds and curtains
Move vehicles out of the driveway and street frontage
Secure or remove pets from the property
Plan for a 2–3 hour window for the photographer to work
Leave the property accessible or be present to let our photographer in