Before the shoot
Make your listing stand out
Selling faster starts with high-quality photos, and those start with a well-prepped home. It is not only about looking good. It is about creating the connection that makes a buyer want to see more.
Everything should be set before I arrive. Once the shoot starts I cannot shuffle items between rooms, because moving one thing out of frame just puts it into the next one. If the home will not be photo ready, please reschedule by 5pm the day before the appointment.
Before the day
Timing
Interiors shoot best in bright, even daylight, so most sessions land mid-morning to mid-afternoon. If twilight is part of the package I will arrive before sunset and work through blue hour, which is a hard window and cannot slide.
Plan for two to four hours on site for a standard home, longer for larger properties or anything with extensive grounds.
Access, pets and people
I need access to every room being photographed, including closets and the garage. Lockbox codes are fine if you cannot be there.
Pets should be out of the house or crated somewhere that is not being shot, and it helps enormously if people can stay out of the rooms I am working in. It is not about privacy, it is that a photograph takes several exposures and anyone moving through frame costs a reshoot.
Turn on every light in the house an hour before I arrive and replace any bulb that is dead or a different colour temperature from its neighbours. Mismatched bulbs are the single most common thing that costs time in editing.
Curb appeal: set the scene
Polish and prep
- Mow the lawn, rake leaves, trim overgrown plants
- Open patio umbrellas
- Turn on fountains and water features
- Store yard tools, toys, and visible clutter
- Move garbage bins out of sight
Clear out
- Pool toys, cleaning equipment, and covers
- Garden hoses, unless neatly coiled
- Security signs and miscellaneous yard decor
- Cars from the driveway and the street out front
- Covers from grills and patio furniture
Kitchen and dining: keep it fresh
Style it right
- Clear the countertops. Only decorative items stay
- Wipe down surfaces and appliances
Tuck away
- Trash cans, mail, and anything that clutters
- Fridge magnets, papers, and calendars
- Dish soap, sponges, and cleaning products
- Paper towel holders, if not mounted
- Dishes in the sink or on the counters
- Floor mats. Bare tile and wood photograph better
Living and family rooms: invite them in
Make it picture perfect
- Fluff pillows, straighten throws, adjust curtains
- Set the dining table with a simple centerpiece, or leave it bare
Declutter
- Framed family photos and certificates
- Toys, pet beds, and everyday household items
- Newspapers, magazines, and excess decor
- Shoes, clothing, anything that lives elsewhere
Bedrooms and bathrooms: hotel vibes only
Refresh and reset
- Make beds crisp. Wrinkle-free sheets make a real difference
- Open blinds and curtains for maximum natural light
- Clean mirrors and glass shower doors
- Turn on all the lights
- Organise closets, put away clothes and shoes
Remove
- Floor mats and small rugs. Clean open floors look best
- Nightstand clutter: books, chargers, water bottles
- Toiletries. Shampoo, razors, toothbrushes
- Trash cans and tissue boxes
- Pet bowls, toys and beds. Pets out of the shot
- Hanging shower racks and bath sponges
- Seasonal decorations and wall calendars
- Bathroom scales
Ready to show off
your home?
A little prep goes a long way. If anything on this list is unclear for your property, ask before the day.