Photography Day
🏡 Photoshoot Prep Checklist
To help your home look its very best for the upcoming photography session, please follow these steps before the photographer arrives:
Lighting & Atmosphere
- Turn ON all lights and lamps, including under-cabinet lighting.
- Turn OFF ceiling fans, TVs, and computer screens.
- Open all blinds and curtains to let in natural light.
- Ensure windows are closed.
- Replace any burnt-out light bulbs.
General Tidying & Staging
- Tidy up all rooms: make beds, straighten furniture, and pillows.
- Complete all staging: place pillows, flowers, and décor.
- Declutter and depersonalize: remove personal items and holiday decorations.
- Hide visible cords and trash cans (place them in the garage if possible).
Why Don’t We Photograph Attics and Unfinished Spaces?
It’s not necessary to include photos of the attic or unfinished areas. On the MLS, we focus on showcasing the most attractive and appealing spaces. We never want buyers to form an opinion based on an unflattering photo. Our goal is to highlight the beauty of your home so buyers are excited to come see everything in person—including the less finished areas.
Kitchen & Bathrooms
- Clear countertops, leaving only minimal décor (remove any large appliances too).
- Remove towels and magnets from fridge/stove.
- Remove rugs and runners to showcase the flooring and create a cleaner, more open look (larger rugs can stay in place).
- Close toilet lids and hide extra toilet paper.
- Open shower curtains and remove items from showers, tubs, and counters (e.g., bottles, soap, toothbrushes, waste baskets).
Pets
- Remove all pet-related items (bowls, beds, toys, crates) and secure pets.
Exterior
- Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the house.
- Remove flags and small signs from the yard.
- Uncover outdoor furniture and grills.
- Clear the yard of toys and clutter.
These small steps will help highlight your home’s best features and ensure the photos look bright, clean, and inviting.
