Photo Prep Guidelines

 Prepping for pictures can be very time consuming. Do not wait until the day of the appointment! 

• If pressed for time, focus on larger, most visible items first. Smaller items if time permits.

  • Decluttering + depersonalization is most important.

  • Vacuuming, mopping, cleaning windows, etc. is less important but helpful.

When in doubt…take it out!

• Areas that will not be photographed:

  • Most closets

  • Garages

  • Basements (unless finished)

  • Interior of sheds

  • Inside cabinets

  • These spaces are great for storing any items removed from the home in prep for the pictures

I will not move any items in a home.

The following tips are highly recommended however not required:

• EXTERIOR

  • If posting to MLS take down “for sale” signs

  • If property has driveway:

    • Remove car/other vehicles from driveway (highly recommended)

    • Remove dumpster or storage unit if applicable

  • Remove garbage cans + bags, sweep sidewalk + steps

  • Coil neatly or remove garden hoses, sprinklers

  • In-ground sprinkler systems set to OFF

  • Landscaping, leaf removal + cut lawn (if applicable)

  • Center doormats with front door (if applicable)

  • Remove any decorations specific to holidays

  • Keep all windows, doors, storm doors + garage doors closed

  • Open umbrellas (if weather permits)

  • Pool

    • Open if weather permits

    • Clean debris / leaves

  • Straighten furniture + furniture cushions

  • If scheduled for a dusk shoot, turn all lights on (interior + exterior)

    • Flood lights may or may not be used; TBD at shoot time

• INTERIOR

  • Artificial Light

    • All lights on!

      • Make sure all bulbs are working - if not replace before shoot

    • Consistent color temperature per room and/or light fixture suggested (for example, all daylight color temperature or all incandescent)

    • If working fireplace, light fireplace (suggested, not required)

  • Natural Light

    • Raise all shades (pull them up as high as possible unless wood - if wood rotate parallel to floor to allow light in)

    • Open all curtains + shutters

  • DECLUTTER

    • remove paperwork, recycling + garbage bins, trinkets, kid’s toys, excess  furniture, etc.

  • DEPERSONALIZE

    • remove family photos, wall decals, posters, etc.

  • General living space (Living room, dining room, office, finished basement, etc.)

    • TVs + computer monitors off

    • Ceiling fans off (ceiling fan lights can be on, just not the fan)

  • Kitchen

    • remove magnets, paper, etc. from fridge

    • remove excess countertop appliances

    • hide drying racks, sponges, garbage cans, paper towel rolls

    • remove dish towels from stove and counter top

    • for rental properties: leave out any amenities that are included with rental

  • Bathrooms + powder rooms

    • toilet seats + cover down

    • hide toilet bowl brushes and plungers

    • make sure toilet paper is not unravelled

    • remove toothbrushes, toiletries from sink and other surfaces

    • remove shower products if visible

    • remove rugs + mats; hang fresh towels

    • for rental properties: leave out any toiletries that are included with rental

  • Bedrooms

    • Make beds + close closet doors

    • Do not store items under bed if they can be seen when standing up

• Pets

  • Remove all traces of pets

    • Food/water bowls

    • Cages

    • Toys inside + out

    • Cat trees

    • Pet waste in yard

    • Pets should be contained in a crate or one room during the shoot so they do not accidentally wander into photos