Thanks for reviewing our tips for preparing your home for a photo shoot! Professional quality photos are so important to market your home as buyers, investors and even renters choose the homes they want to preview in person by the quality of photos and videos. Your assistance is extremely important to making your photos and videos the best they can be!
FIRST and FOREMOST
The client should be the very last one on property before a shoot — whether or not the client can be present for the shoot itself.
PLEASE do NOT schedule any showings, landscaping, deliveries, pickups or any contractor or other service of any kind during your 1-2 hour photo/video shoot. And, if possible, do not schedule your shoot on a trash pickup day.
We allot a specific amount of time on our schedule for each service you choose. If we spend too much time waiting for others to be out of the way and/or with our preparation of your property we reserve the right to charge for extra time.
INSIDE
KITCHEN: remove most items from the counters. You may leave few staging items, but limit countertop appliances. Uncluttered is the key, but a few items are OK. Additionally, remove dish towels, spices, food containers, pet dishes, trash cans and everything from the outside of your refrigerator (including magnets) unless it really adds to the aesthetics.
WINDOWS: blinds should be open to let in as much natural light as possible unless the view is poor. If other houses are too close, or views are limited, we recommend opening blinds just a little, tilted downward. Professionally cleaned windows would be ideal, as clean windows look better and also let in more light than dirty ones.
LIGHTS: all lights should be on for photos including but not limited to side tables, nightstands, exterior lights etc.
FANS: all ceiling fans should be off for photos. We will turn them back on for video.
BULBS: it is best not to have different types of bulbs. Have either all LED, fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. Please make sure all bulbs are in working order and be sure to leave them on for the entire shoot. We use the light for floor plans and/or video.
TRASH: please hide all other trash cans, plungers, toilet brushes and cleaning supplies as well any unsightly items and other toiletries.
NAMES: we suggest removing any photos, frames etc. that have yours or your children(s)’ names on them for privacy.
RELIGION, POLITICS, DIPLOMAS and family photos: it is suggested to remove or limit any references to religion or politics, as well as diplomas for privacy.
CATS: please hide cat(s), any toys and litter box during the shoot.
ROOMS: Eliminate as much clutter as possible, including children’s toys, clothing, newspapers/magazines etc. Remove anything from the floor and hide wires/cords/automatic vacuums, etc. as much as possible.
BATHROOMS: Remove toiletries and personal items from bathroom counters, close toilet seats and have fresh cleaned towels present.
BEDS: have all beds made neatly avoiding wrinkles and remove any personal items from beds, floors and dressers. Straighten/fluff your pillows, sheets and comforters in all rooms.
DESKS: wherever possible, hide or unplug unsightly cables/wires, stack or remove papers and straighten up any bookcases, computers, chairs and monitors.
OUTSIDE
FRONT: remove vehicles, trash cans from street view, rodent control and alarm signs from driveway and front of the property. It is best to sweep or blow away loose leaves or debris.
FRONT/BACK: remove any hoses, sprinklers, garden tools, toys, trash etc. when possible.
LANDSCAPE: lawn mowed, shrubs/bushes/flowers trimmed and free of weeds.
DOGS: one of the other most important things is to be sure to remove any and all dog poop from your yard NOT only for the quality of your photos, but for the quality of our shoes — and any pet toys outside and inside the house.
POOL: remove pool toys, cleaner, nets and brushes from view..
CONSTRUCTION: remove any construction materials from the exterior to optimize photo quality. There should not be construction or workers on site during the shoot.