How to Get Your Home Ready for a Professional Photoshoot
Your photoshoot is scheduled and now it’s time to ensure it goes safely and smoothly and that the photos showcase the property at its absolute finest. Here are my best tips for getting your home ready for a professional photoshoot.
CLEAN AND STAGE
• Ensure both the inside and the outside of your home is as clean and tidy as possible. Every detail will be seen in the photos, so polish the granite, sweep the floors, cut the grass, etc. Temporarily remove as many personal items as possible from plain view (ie. Family photos on the refrigerator, post-it notes, bathroom toiletries, etc). Closets and garages generally aren’t photographed unless absolutely clean and empty so you can place items in there for the time being.
• Cleaning and staging needs to be completed before the photoshoot, preferably the day before. Small items (ie. flowers, small pictures, etc.) may be moved temporarily to improve photo composition, but larger items need to be in place before I arrive, and staging accessories need to be in place as well.
• Secure or remove pets. MLS rules prohibit pets from being in photos, so as much as we love pets we can’t have them around for your photoshoot. All pets must be off the property or secured in a room that will not be photographed to ensure the safety of myself and equipment. Temporarily put away pet food and water bowls as well.
• Plan not to be seen. MLS rules also prohibit people from being in photos so all occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in areas where they can't be seen during the photoshoot. Rooms overlap in the photos, people can cause shadows and reflections. There is also risk to equipment that will be setup throughout the property.
OUTSIDE
Hide trashcans. Trashcans should be placed in the garage.
Clear the cars. Cars should be in the garage. Ensure no cars are in the driveway or in the street directly in front of the property, so that the best view is available.
Lawn maintenance. Do this at least 24-48 hours before the photoshoot. The better the lawn, landscaping, and flowers look, the better the photos will be.
Turn off all sprinklers. Do not water the lawn or landscaping the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on the pavement.
Hide hoses. Put hoses in the garage the day before the photoshoot since water from these can drip onto the pavement.
Pick up dog droppings. Ensure all have been cleared from the yard.
Prep pool and other water features. Pools, spas, fountains, waterfalls - have them cleaned with covers (if applicable) removed. Provide instructions to your realtor on how to turn them on as well as any lighting, which always looks incredible in photos.
Remove for-sale sign. MLS rules prohibit visible signs, so it’s best to schedule sign installation after the photoshoot.
Clean patio furniture. Clear cobwebs and wipe them down, but do NOT hose them as this will create puddles.
INSIDE
• Clean and declutter kitchen. Clear as much as possible from the counters and floors (ie. Magnets, pictures, sponges, toasters, etc. You want potential buyers to be able to see their own items on the counters. Ensure floor is clean, and if possible, waxed or polished - the reflections on the floor look fantastic and inviting.
Clean and declutter bathrooms. All personal items (ie. toothbrushes, combs, razors) should all be hidden from view. Fresh decorative items such as flowers and candles look great. Remove rugs from the floor. Ensure tubs and showers are clean. It’s a small detail, but if toilet paper can be seen, fold the end into a tight triangle, just like hotels - this takes it up a notch.
Clean and declutter bedrooms. Beds sheets and duvets should be tight.. Store away personal items (ie. pictures, chargers). Clean mirrors and furniture. Hide portable fans from view.
Raise all blinds. Natural light always looks best. Generally, the photos of a room will display the exterior window, but if the outside view in a particular window is not pleasing, it will be photographed “blown out white”, so that the view is hidden, but all that beautiful light shines through.
Turn off all ceiling fans. Before I arrive, please ensure all ceiling fans are turned off, including the lights.
Hide portable fans. Ceiling fans are selling items but portable fans can give the wrong impression, so it’s best to temporarily place these in a closet or garage.
Hide trashcans. Trashcans distract so it is best to hide these temporarily in a closet or garage.
Hide cords and remotes. Remotes and cords from TVs, game consoles, and phones, should be hidden from view, and though sometimes these cords can’t be moved, your photographs will be more appealing without these distractions.
Replace any burned out light bulbs. Although most of the interior photographs are taken with the lights off, chandeliers, can lights, and other selling points should be highlighted, so ensure they look great.
Clear entryways. Remove all shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways for the cleanest possible view.
TWILIGHT
Turn on all interior and exterior lights. Please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours prior to the photoshoot.
Turn on spa and pool lights. This will help make these look absolutely amazing.
Turn on all water features. Waterfalls, fountains, or other similar features.