Preparing for your photo shoot
The guide below will help you prepare for your photoshoot to ensure your images will turn out as best as possible!
Exterior Prep
Move all cars out of the driveway, either inside the garage or to the street. Don't park directly in front of the home, park far enough away so that vehicles are not visible through windows for any interior shots.
Put away trash cans. Ideally put them inside the garage, not along side or in back of the home. Generally all sides of the home will be visible in photos.
Pick up pet waste
Put away yard maintenance tools (shovels, rakes, hoses etc.)
Take down flags and put away any yard signs
Mow lawn, rake leaves, shovel snow off of patios decks and driveway (depending on the season!)
General Interior Prep
Turn on all lights and open curtains and blinds (if no one is home during the shoot I will do this)
Clear off all end tables and surfaces of clutter and non decorative items
Put away any personal/family photos
Hide paper clutter (magazines/mail/newspapers)
Put away remotes
Unplug or hide electrical cords as best as possible
Pick up small rugs and runners (in a photo these generally just make the space look cluttered)
Clean glass surfaces and windows, make sure there are minimal to no streaks
Hide trash cans
Vacuum all carpet
Sweep/mop all floors
Put away pet and children's toys
Put away pet accessories (food bowls, and beds)
Make beds
Kitchens
Make sure there are no dishes in the sink
Put away kitchen towels (unless they are clean/new and wrinkle free)
Put away dish soap, dish clothes/sponges etc.
Don't try to hide things inside the sink, they are often still visible
Hide dish drying racks
Pick up kitchen mats
Put away small appliances
Avoid hiding things in the microwave or the oven, they are often still visible through the doors.
Wipe down all appliances and make sure they are streak free
Wipe down counter tops and clean sinks
Clean the oven surface
BathroomsClear off the vanity of all toiletries, tissues and non decorative soaps.
Put away towels unless they are for decorative purposes and wrinkle free
Clean baths showers/shower doors
Take out all soaps and shampoos in the shower/bath (If the shower is clean and in good condition it generally looks better to photograph it with the curtain open. If it is a glass or semi opaque shower door,bright shampoos and toiletries are visible through the door and need to be removed).
Remove bathroom rugs
Close toilet lids
Hide toilet plungers/brushes