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!!
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