This document provides you with instructions on how to prepare your home for photography and my other media services. Preparing the home for photography is like preparing the home for your most important guest. In this case, your most important guest is the potential buyer who is deciding whether to visit the home based on the photos they see online.
Please note that insurance requirements limit my ability to handle personal property, so the home will be photographed in the condition I encounter when I arrive.
To ensure the very best results from the photo shoot, please prepare the property using the checklist below:
- All home improvement projects should be completed and cleaned up.
- All landscaping projects should be completed and cleaned up.
- Staging should be completed in advance.
- In the yard – ensure garden hoses are rolled up and any toys and tools are out of sight. Clean up any pet messes.
- Tidy the porch, driveway, and sidewalk areas (if applicable).
- Clean all the windows and mirrors.
- Kitchen counters and tables should be clear of clutter, soap, sponges, dishes, small appliances, & food. *Small staged items such as flowers, decorative items, place settings are fine.
- Clear all magnets off refrigerators and any items stored on top of the refrigerator.
- Bathroom counters should be cleared of all clutter (toothbrushes, razors, soaps, etc.).
- Trash cans and toilet bowl brushes should be hidden and toilet seats should be down.
- Shower curtains should be closed – I can open the shower curtain if needed.
- Beds should be made, dressers cleared of clutter, and clothes and laundry hidden.
- Washer and Dryer area should be cleared of loose laundry, detergent, etc.
- Personal items such as jewelry, cellphones & tablets, wallets & purses, photographs, etc. should be put away.
- Wires and cords need to be put away or neatly bundled.
- Loose items lying on the floor should be stored in closets or garage.
- Put away any pet food, bowls, mats, beds, towers/trees, and accessories.
- Please let me decide if overhead lights should be on or off.
- Driveway should be clear of cars, trash cans, debris, etc.
- Turn off all ceiling fans, televisions, digital frames, computer monitors, and decorative string lights.
- Open all window treatments, lift all blinds if possible.
- Turn on any ponds and fountains.
- For twilight shoots, turn on all interior/exterior lights.
- For aerial photos, makes sure all items outside are neatly put away and landscaping is complete.
- Please put all pets away for safety purposes of photographer and camera equipment.
- Provide any special instructions to the photographer prior to photoshoot.
