Prepping Your Home For Photos
Without question, one of the biggest impacts you can have on the success of your photo shoot is preparation. A home that has been properly staged with photography in mind will show much nicer in the final images and ensure your home is captured in the best light possible.
Exterior: Front / Back
- Remove cars from driveway
- Close all windows
- Sweep / shovel walkways
- Mow the lawn / bag trimmings
- Pick up leaves / sticks / branches
- Hide green bins / garbage cans
- Put away toys, bicycles etc.
- Pack up seasonal decor
- Store garden tools & supplies
- Stow away all hoses
- Arrange deck furniture (put out chair cushions / open umbrella)
- Remove & hide barbecue cover
- Clean pool area
Interior: All Areas
- Remove personal items / photos
- De-clutter as much as possible
- Open shades & blinds
- Replace all burnt out light bulbs
- Remove all Kleenex boxes
- Tidy or put away all children’s toys
- Hide all garbage cans
- Hide pet dishes / toys / beds / kennels / cat trees
- Vacuum all carpets
- Sweep hardwood floors
- Dust all surfaces
- Turn off televisions
- Turn off ceiling fans
- Turn on all lights (including lamps)
Interior: Kitchen
- Remove all items from refrigerator doors
- Put away all groceries
- De-clutter countertops / stove
- Stow small appliances
- Hide soap & cleaning items
- Hide dish towels & sponges
- Clear sink of dishes
- Put away draining rack
- Organize items on open shelves
- Place bowl of fresh fruit on counter / island
Interior: Bathrooms
- Hang fresh towels
- Clear counters of toiletries
- Clean mirrors
- Clean toilet and close lid
- Clean & squeegee shower door
- Remove all items from tub & shower
- Hide all bath mats
Interior: Bedrooms
- Make all beds
- Arrange decorative pillows
- Put away clothing / shoes
- Clean under the bed
- De-clutter all surfaces
- Hide clothes hampers
- Tidy walk-in closets
Interior: Dining Room
- Straighten / push in dining chairs
- Hide extra chairs
- Add centrepiece / candles / flowers
Interior: Office Space
- Turn off computer screen
- Hide personal documents / mail
- De-clutter desk surface
Weather & External Factors
- DO NOT worry if the weather is cloudy, overcast or even raining. Photos are often best on overcast days and we can do sky replacements anyway!!
- If you're having aerial photos taken, drones cannot operate in the rain or excessive wind.
Going The Extra Mile: Optional Items
- Place fresh flowers around the home (pop of colour)
- Place decorative throws on beds / couches (how to on YouTube)
- Make all light bulbs match colour temperature (warm or cool white)
- Set up decorative place settings in dining room / breakfast nook
- Tie up / hide loose cords & cables
- Power wash exterior siding, decks, driveways etc.
- Paint interior walls neutral colours
- Turn on propane fire places (if weather permits)
- A professional staging consult is ALWAYS recommended!!