Photoshoot Prep Guide
Things to Consider
Are you real estate agent or homeowner and have a property that’s about to be photographed. Most likely you have X amount of time for the photographer to get in, do their thing, tear down and leave the property. Here are a few checklist items to keep in mind that can help speed up the photographer’s content creation process. This is to ensure the photos look their best so the photographer can focus on their gear and so you can get back to other real estate matters.
This article is a quick blurb to help expedite the process of photographing the real estate listing. Depending on the size, a 2500 sqft property (for example) can take less than 1hr to photograph. With video, floor plans, and drone being added to the process the duration will most likely be double. The photographer generally will arrive 10-15 minutes early and do a walkthrough the property to help ensure it is ready.
Declutter
Simpler is better. Anything that isn’t decoration or furniture can be removed. This helps improve the photographs by removing anything visually distracting, therefore, making the final photographs easier to read. Example items that can be put away are below:
Exterior of Home
- Remove all vehicles from driveways and try not to park directly in front of the house
- Roll-up or hide garden hoses and hide all garden tools
- Conceal all trash containers
- Get the lawn mowed and edged, weeds pulled, trim bushes, and leaves picked up
- Make sure the pool and pool area are sparkling clean. If you have temporary child fencing, take it down for the photo shoot. Turn on the pumps for waterfalls/spillways
- Pressure wash exterior of home
Kitchen
- Remove any items which may be taped or otherwise fastened to the refrigerator
- Remove everything from sinks
- Remove all you can from countertops (bread, dishes, food, hand towels, etc)
- Sweep or mop kitchen floor
Interior
- Open window coverings to let in the natural light and neighborhood views
- Clean windows
- Remove pet bowls, toys, and litter boxes from rooms that will be photographed
- Put away newspapers and magazines
- Make sure all light bulbs work
- Dust all furniture, TV, and computer screens
- Vacuum carpets and wipe down hardwood floors
- Hide electrical cords and cables
- Hide remote controls and phone chargers
- Add flower arrangements/candles where appropriate
- De-clutter your home
Bedrooms
- Make all beds and tidy up bedrooms
- Hide all clothes, hang them up nicely in closets or stuff them under your bed
- Remove clutter from nightstands and dressers
- Stash any and all children’s toys
Bathrooms
- Remove all you can from countertops (toothpaste, combs, soap, toiletries, etc)
- Clean mirrors, glass, and all surfaces well
- Remove bottles and used soap from shower and tub
- Remove waste baskets, toilet brushes, & plungers
Lights and Windows
As a preference, the photographer asks to have all the lights on throughout the space. Also, having the blinds and curtains all open makes the editing process flow more smoothly. Of course, these preferences are subjective to personal taste. If you would prefer them to be off just let the photographer know.
Where to Be
In order to avoid accidentally walking into the shot, the photographer may ask the homeowner or realtor to hang out in one of the adjacent rooms, unless they prefer to be next to the photographer giving direction. Either option is ok.
