What Should We Do to Prepare the Home for the Photoshoot?
Having the space clean and organized is a must.
Decluttering countertops is essential to making a space look more “open” and inviting.
Remove exposed garbage cans in bathrooms, kitchen and any other spaces.
If exterior trash cans are visible please store them away.
If a twilight shoot is scheduled, make sure that all exterior and interior lights turn on.
Exterior:
In order to get the best visuals of the exterior make sure vehicles are in the garage or moved away from the home.
Remove trash, branches, leaves, especially in the driveway. Especially important during the Fall when leaves drop.
Outdoor spaces and walkways should be cleared of leaves, dirt and debris.
Gutters and Roof should be cleared of foliage if visible.
If there is a pool, have it cleaned of leaves and remove the vacuum hose along with any pool accessories.
If outdoor trash cans are visible, place in the garage or store out of sight.
Garden hoses and caddies should be removed and stored away.
If there is an outdoor grill, clean the exterior or store away.
Wash windows and glass doors. This is key for interior shots!
Clean outdoor furniture.
Place pillows, umbrellas, etc., on outdoor furniture.
Straighten outdoor furniture.
Store seasonal decor.
INTERIOR:
Lights off, please. Artificial interior lights will affect the color of the photos, for the best results natural window light is always preferred. If a room has no window light the photographer will adjust the color in post-production to match the rest of the images.
Window Shades Shutters and Blinds:
Horizontal blinds and shutters - make sure all horizontal blinds and shutters are open to allow as much natural light in as possible. Don’t worry if the neighbor’s house is right next to you or there is something in the view. We will overexpose these photos so the view won’t be seen.
Vertical blinds - fully open as well.
Clear all countertops and remove clutter.
Depersonalize home with photos, names, etc.
Turn off fans; store portable fans.
Clean mirrors and windows.
Vacuum carpets and polish floors.
Store wastebaskets in laundry baskets out of sight.
Store pet dishes, toys, beds, etc.
Turn off televisions, computers, and dust screens.
Display attractive books, magazines, etc.
Store remote controls and chargers.
Hide electrical cords and cables.
Store toys and video games.
Store seasonal decor.
Remove rugs and runners in kitchens, entryways, and bathrooms so that the floor can be seen clearly.
Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks from rooms.
KITCHEN:
Remove dirty dishes, food, etc.
Store food.
Clear counters of clutter
Hide small appliances so the counter space looks larger.
Remove refrigerator magnets, photos, etc.
Clean surfaces and appliances.
Hide soaps, towels, cleaning items, etc.
Store draining racks.
Organize open shelves.
Sweep and mop the kitchen floor and rug.
LIVING AREAS:
Minimize photos and personal items.
Organize bookshelves.
Minimize knick-knacks.
Remove excess furniture and accessories.
BEDROOM:
Make the beds correctly and remove wrinkles.
Arrange decorative pillows.
Store clothing and shoes.
Remove items underneath the bed. They usually can be seen in photos!
Remove all clutter.
Tidy master closets.
Declutter and depersonalize bedside tables.
Remove laundry and stow hampers.
BATHROOMS:
Close toilet lids.
Remove countertop items.
Remove bath and shower items.
Store toilet brushes, plungers, and wastebaskets.
Store towels.
Store soaps and candles.
Hide trash can
SWIMMING POOL AND SPAS:
Ensure their cleanliness.
Get rid of dirt off the bottom and remove debris floating on top.
Remove the cover, floating chlorine dispenser, pool sweep, and pool toys.
Straighten lounge chairs, stow cleaning tools, and set up your patio umbrella if you have one.
Turn on pool light(s), spa bubbles, and waterfalls if photographed during twilight