Preparing for your shoot

To ensure your property is showcased in the best possible light, here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your real estate photo shoot.

General Prep

  • Stage the Property: Be Shoot-Ready: Clean and staging needs to be done beofre we arrive, preferable the day before your shoot. We will move small items or make adjustments to improve our composition, but larger items need to be in place at the start of the shoot.

  • Clean and Declutter: Clean floors, windows, and surfaces to make the space look pristine. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that might distract from the space’s key features. Keep countertops clear. Lightly dust furniture, shelves, and electronics. Make sure light fixtures are clean and bulbs are functioning.

  • Secure or remove pets: We love animals but they cannot be part of our photoshoot. Dogs must be secured or moved off property to ensure safety for everyone and the gear at the shoot. MLS does not allow people or pets in listing pictures. Cats should be secured,. Typically they hide but to ensure the shoot goes smoothly they should be secured for the shoot. Also please hide any pet food or pet bowls for the shoot

  • Use the garage as storage: Typically we do not shoot the garage, so this is a great place to store items you do not want in the shoot.

  • Plan to not be seen: All occupants should plan on being off property or in an area of the house where they will not be seen during the shoot.

Outside Prep

  • Exterior and Curb Appeal: : Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and clear any leaves or debris. Freshen up flower beds if necessary. This should be done at least 24 hours before the shoot. Ensure the front door is clean and welcoming. Remove cars, bikes, or other obstacles from the driveway, driveway edges, and walkways to keep the space tidy. If applicable, arrange outdoor seating and cushions to show off outdoor living areas.

  • Do NOT wet driveways: If you would like a wet look, that can be done in the editing process. Watering driveway will cause dry patches and inconsistency in the photos.

  • Hide Trashcans: Please place trashcan around the side of the house or in an area that will not be photographed.

  • Hide Hoses: Hide hoses the day before the shoot to ensure no water drips on the pavement, creating spots

  • Turn off Sprinklers: Do not water the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on pavement

  • Pick up Poop: If you have a dog please make sure all their dropping are cleared from the yard.

  • Prep Pool and Spa: If you have a pool/spa/hot tube, please have them cleaned and covers removed by the start of the shoot. If the pool/spa has lighting please instruct the realtor how they work (especially for twilights).

  • Remove for-sale sign: The for-sale sign should be installed after the shoot is complete. For-Sale signs are a violation of MLS policies and will be an additional charge to edit out.

  • Clean Patio Furniture: Dust and clean patio furniture 24 hours before start of shoot. Do not hose down furniture the day of the shoot., it will cause puddles.

INSIDE PRep

  • Declutter Kitchen: : A few items on the counters are ok but please remove dishes, sponges, rags, and towels. A few decorative items are ok but they should organized and in corners or next to stove. Avoid tall items on islands or in areas that obstruct the full view of the kitchen.

  • Declutter Bathrooms: All “personal” items should be put away or removed from bathrooms. Decorative items (soap, towels, candles) are ok. Please remove floor mats when possible.

  • Declutter LIving Room: Clear coffee tables and side tables. Arrange furniture for maximum space and flow.

  • Prep Bedrooms Ensure all beds are neatly made with matching bedding and pillows. Tidy up nightstands and remove personal items

  • Hide Trashcans: Trashcans can be distracting so its best to tuck them away or put them our of view.

  • Hide Portable Fans: Portable fans can give the wrong idea of the comfort of a room. Please hide all portable fans for the shoot.

  • HIde Cords and Remotes : When possible hide electrical cables (not always possible), remotes, gaming consoles and anything else that my add clutter to the image.

  • Clear Entryways: Remove all shoes, keys, umbrellas and any other “personal” items from the entryway

  • Turn on All Lights: Please check and replace all lightbulbs 24 hours before the shoot. Please turn on all lights before the shoot begins

  • Clean Patio Furniture: Dust and clean patio furniture 24 hours before start of shoot. Do not hose down furniture the day of the shoot., it will cause puddles.

  • Open Blinds: Open all blinds prior to the start of the shoot. In your preparation, please check that all blinds open evenly and fully.

  • Turn Off Ceiling Fans: Please turn off all ceiling fans before the start of the shoot.

Twilight Prep

If you have scheduled a twilight shoot, the following are additional items that must be done before the start of shooting. Twilights comes with a tight shooting schedule, so to ensure the best results make sure these items are done before shooting begins.

  • Turn on all interior and exterior lights : All lights throughout the entire property should be on. Please replace any bulbs before the start of the shoot.

  • Turn on Spas and remove covers: If you have a spa/hot tub/jacuzzi, please remove covers and turn on all lights

  • Turn on Pool Lights: If you have a pool, please turn on all light before the start of the shoot. Please leave instructions with realtor on how to turn on pool lights

  • Light Fire Pits: Please turn on fire pits at the start of the shoot. We will instruct you when these should be turned on. Please leave instructions with realtor on how to turn on fire pits

  • Turn on Water Features: If you have fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please turn them on before the start of the shoot. Please leave instructions with the realtor on how to turn them on and off..