Tips for preparing for interior & exterior photography.
How to help make your property stand out from the rest.
We have compiled a list of things to prepare a home for photography. I know the home owner and you will always do the best that you can to make the home look great. However, in our experience, all these little details are what really make a home standout. The little things will make for great shots that truly showcase the home.
You’ll notice a few items have an asterisk (*) attached. These are really the “nice to do” items that add a bit of elegance, but are not absolutely necessary. We suggest you provide this list to your client, project manager, or home owner, so they can assist you in preparing the properly. If you have any additional thoughts or ideas you can always contact us.
Really Important “To Dos”
The home’s full address, a Google map reference would be great as well.
When you schedule a shoot, be sure to include the following in the notes:
Lock box code & codes to any community entrance gates.
Areas, room, or home features of special interest.
For communities, note special community features: pools, fitness centres, parks and so forth.
Exterior Front and Back
Remove cars from driveway and off the street
Close all windows
Sweep walkways
Pick up leaves, sticks, branches
Put toys, bicycles away
Store seasonal décor
Stow garden tools, supplies
Remove all hoses
Straighten and arrange terrace furniture
Clean pool area
Wash exterior windows* (if you can do this, it really makes a difference)
Interior: Main Areas
Remove personal items/photos
Remove all visible clutter
Open shades/blinds
Replace burned out light bulbs
Tidy up or put away all children’s toys
Empty waste baskets
Hide pet dishes/toys/beds
Vacuum carpets
Sweep hard floors
Remove newspapers, mail
Display attractive books
- Fluff pillows
Turn off televisions
- Hide remote controls
Turn on all lights
- Straighten All furniture
Turn off ceiling fans
- Open doors to other rooms
Wash interior windows* (if you can do this, it really makes a difference)
Interior: Kitchen
Remove all items from refrigerator door
Store food in cabinets
De-clutter counters, stove
Stow small appliances
Hide soaps, cleaning items
Hide dish towels, sponges
Clear sink of dishes
Put away draining rack
Organise items on open shelves
- Cabinet underlighting
Place bowl of fruit on counter*
Interior: Dining Room/Area
Straighten/push in dining chairs
Add centerpiece, candles*
Set the table for dinner
Add a vase of flowers*
Interior: Bedrooms
Make the beds
- De-wrinkle the sheets
Arrange decorative pillows
Put away clothing, shoes
Clean under the bed if visible
Clear surfaces of clutter
Turn off ceiling fans
- OPEN SUN BLINDS FULLY
Interior: Bathrooms
- CLOSE TOILET LID
Make the bathrooms sparkle
Hang fresh towels
Clear counters of toiletries
Clean mirrors
- Hide toilet roll
Remove all items from the bath and shower