Getting Ready for the Shoot

A little staging goes a long way. To make the most of your professional photos, it is important to use these tips to prepare for your photo shoot:

EXTERIORS

Move all vehicles from driveway and do not park directly in front of the house.
Move garbage cans and recycle bins out of sight.
Put away garden tools including hoses and sprinklers.
Mow and rake leaves from yard.
Sweep or blow driveways, sidewalks and patios.
Put away any seasonal décor. (holiday decorations)
Plant or display potted seasonal flowers.

KITCHENS

Remove small appliances, food and cutting boards from countertops.
Remove photos, notes, papers and magnets from the refrigerator.
Keep the center island clear.
Empty the sink (including drying rack) and put any soaps under the sink.
Hide all trash cans from the area.
Turn on all lights, including under the cabinet lights. (keep ceiling fans off.)
Add a vase of flowers or a fresh bowl of fruit to add some color.

ALL LIVING AREAS

Turn on all lights, make sure all light bulbs are in working order.
Turn off all ceiling fans and televisions.
Put away all remote controls.
Open all blinds and curtains.
Straighten tables and chairs and arrange cushions and pillows.
Remove clutter from rooms which may be excessively furnished. They do not photograph well.
Put away personal items such as family photographs, reading glasses, keys, etc.
Remove evidence of pets such as food bowls, bedding and toys.
Conceal all electrical cords if possible.
Remove door mats or small throw rugs if possible.
Remove piles of newspaper and magazines.

BEDROOMS

Remove any clothes, shoes and laundry baskets, all clothing should be put out of sight.
Make the beds with your best linens and arrange pillows.
Remove any portable fans, heaters and small TV's.
Remove any items that can be seen under the bed.
Clear nightstands of personal items.

BATHROOMS

Clear counters of all personal items, toothbrushes, hairdryers, etc.
Take shampoo and other items out of the shower or tub if they are to photographed.
Clean and dry mirrors and glass shower doors.
Put away trash cans, laundry baskets and scales.
Put out fresh towels, folded neatly on the towel racks.

The house should be shoot-ready when the photographer arrives.

We want the photos of your home to be the best they can be.

This requires teamwork and cooperation that will result in an outstanding online presence when your home goes LIVE on the market.
When we arrive to take photos of your property, we ask that all staging and cleaning be done prior to our arrival.

To efficiently maintain our busy schedule and deliver the level of service our clients expect, we can not spend unnecessary time at the home waiting for it to be cleaned, dusted, de-cluttered, etc.
Please review the previous sections for tips on preparing your home for real estate photography,

and note that we are not responsible and will not partake in any of the following duties while photographing your home:

We Do Not:
   ▪   Move or re-arrange furniture
   ▪   Make beds, clean, dust or de-clutter
   ▪   Pick up toys or yard items
   ▪   "Photoshop" vehicles, walls, damaged walls, power lines, wall pictures, cords, etc.

Please do not turn off any lights until your photographer is done photographing the home.

Pictures of the garage are generally not taken, it’s a great place to hide excess items!