Real Estate Photography Preparation Guide
After photographing an extensive amount of homes for sale, I prepared this guide to assist in creating the best impression of your home. The first impression always counts. Please follow this guide to prepare your home for the best possible presentation and photoshoot.
For a print friendly version of the guide as a checklist, you can download it here: Printable Real Estate Photography Preparation Guide
GENERAL
Remove as much clutter as possible. Store all excess in garage.
Replace all burned out light bulbs and match color temperatures in multi bulb fixtures.
Clean all windows inside and outside.
Remove or hide all personal items such as family photos, paperwork, bills.
Tidy/hide all power cords/cables.
Vacuum carpets and rugs. Sweep hard surfaces.
Minimize items on tables and surfaces in every room.
Clean ceiling fans.
Hide any seasonal decorations.
LIVING ROOM / FAMILY ROOM
• Put all remotes away.
•Tidy or remove all toys, fans, game consoles.
•Arrange DVDs, games, books, neatly on shelves.
•Remove stacks of magazines, paper, mail etc.
KITCHEN
•Put away all dishes, cutlery and food.
•Remove all large or bulky countertop appliances.
•Clean backsplash and range hoods, especially if stainless steel.
•Clear sink and hide all detergents, dish cloths, dish draining racks.
•Remove all objects from the refrigerator such as pictures and magnets.
•Remove pet bowls.
DINING ROOM
•Straighten dining chairs at the table.
•Add centerpiece or vase of flowers (not too large).
•Place settings are optional.
BEDROOMS
•Make beds with coverings pulled tight and smoothed out.
•Arrange and/or fluff pillows neatly.
•Remove toys, books, games, tissue boxes.
•Remove all personal items.
•Ensure bedside lamps are working.
•Remove posters/stickers from walls.
•Clear away all clothes and hampers.
BATHROOMS
•Clean tub and shower area and remove all soaps, shampoos, razors etc.
•Clear counters of all toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, hair dryers etc.
•Make sure glass and mirrors are spotless.
•Remove all non-matching towels.
•Make sure toilet roll is not empty.
•Hide waste baskets and toilet cleaning tools (plunger and brushes).
OUTDOOR AREAS
•Mow the lawn and trim hedges.
•Rake leaves and sweep walkways and driveway.
•Remove all gardening equipment such as hoses, rakes, wheelbarrows.
•Remove weeds from any prominent areas.
•Straighten and arrange deck or patio furniture.
POOLS AND SPAS
•Ensure pool is clean and uncovered.
•Remove all pool cleaners and poles.
•Remove all pool toys.
•Keep Spa cover on.
1 HR BEFORE PHOTOSHOOT
Close all windows.
Open all window and door shades/blinds. If louvred blinds, turn blades horizontal.
Turn all interior lights ON.
Turn all exterior lights ON except for spotlights.
Turn ceiling fans OFF.
Turn TVs and computer screens OFF.
All pets should be out of sight. I am pet friendly, but there should not be animals in any photos.
Close all toilet lids.
Remove all vehicles from the driveway and front of home.
Hide trash cans from street view
What to expect for a Real Estate Photoshoot:
Your home should be photo ready when I arrive. I hold a high standard to produce the best possible presentation for each listing. In order to maintain efficiency, I will be focusing all my attention on capturing a collection of photos carefully selected to present your home for sale. If there are a few specific aspects of the home you would like captured, I will need to know at the start of the photoshoot.
As mentioned on my scheduling page, this photoshoot is not intended to be a stylized Interior or Architectural produced shoot. Those services generally take a full day and can be booked separately if desired. I have a large list of repeat clients that trust me to produce the best possible photos for each listing. As a full time professional photographer, I hope that you will put that trust in me as well. To view my work, please visit my Real Estate Portfolio page for examples.
I look forward to photographing your home. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
David Lalush (805) 242-3234