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Photography Checklist
My goal is to photograph your home with the highest quality that will attract buyers and result in offers. To ensure your photoshoot goes smoothly and safely, please follow this preparation and staging checklist prior to your scheduled shoot.
General Prep
Secure or remove pets
I love pets but we can’t have them around for your photoshoot. Dogs must be secured or off the property to ensure the safety of myself and my equipment. MLS rules also prohibit people and pets from being in pictures. Cats should be secured as well, although they usually pose fewer problems than dogs (cats often just hide). It's also a good idea to hide pet food and water bowls as well.
Turn off sprinklers
Do this the day before the shoot since hoses can drip water onto the pavement when being moved, leaving puddles in your pictures. Do not water the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on pavement.
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, and there is risk to equipment that will be setup throughout the property.
For Sale sign
The for-sale sign should be removed from the property (if possible) by the realtor if it has already been installed. Visible signs violate MLS photo rules, and they can’t always be edited out. It’s best to schedule sign installation for after the photoshoot.
Clean patio furniture
Dust and remove cobwebs from all outdoor furniture. Do not hose down your furniture the day of your shoot, since this can create puddles.
Inside prep
Declutter kitchen
Declutter bathrooms
Prep bedrooms
Hide trash cans
A few items on the counters are usually fine, but dishes, sponges, rags, etc., should be put away. It's best to remove all magnets, pictures, etc. from the refrigerator and remove throw rugs from the floor.
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and other "personal" items should be hidden. Decorative unused soaps, candles, flowers, etc. are preferred. It’s also good to remove all throw rugs from the floor.
All bedrooms should have their beds made and items put away.
Trashcans can distract so it’s best to hide all of them in closets or the garage.
Hide portable fans
Hide cords and remotes
Clear entryways
Open blinds with views
Ceiling fans are selling items, but portable fans can give the wrong impression. It’s best to hide all portable fans in closets or the garage.
Sometimes electrical cords can’t be hidden, but you will have more appealing pictures if you can hide TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords.
Remove all shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways.
Your indoor photos will show outdoor views if there are views, or just light if a window looks onto a neighbor or other unappealing view.
Twilight Prep
Turn off ceiling fans
Before I arrive, please make sure all ceiling fans are turned off.
Real estate photography, virtual tours, floor plans, and elevated photography.
Be shoot-ready: Cleaning and staging needs to be done before I arrive, preferably the day before your photoshoot. I may move small items (flowers, small pictures, etc.) 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.
Be photo ready
I normally don’t shoot garages, so this is a great place to store items you’d like to hide.
Use the garage for storage
Turn on all interior and exterior lights
All lights throughout the property need to be turned on. Please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
Turn on lights
Before I arrive, please make sure all interior lights are turned on. If needed, please replace all burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.
Turn on pool lights
If you have a pool, turn on the pool lights before I arrive.
Turn on water features
Turn on spas and
remove covers
If you have fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please turn
them on before I arrive.
If you have a hot tub, remove the cover, and turn it on before I arrive. Turn on the lights in the hot tub as well.
Plan to not be seen
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