Get the home
camera-ready
The room-by-room prep that makes every shoot faster and every photo better.
Why prep decides the shoot
Photographers shoot what's in front of the camera. Editing can perfect light and color — it can't remove the laundry basket, close the toilet lid, or move the truck out of the driveway. Fifteen minutes of prep per room does more for the final gallery than an hour of retouching ever could. It also keeps your shoot on schedule, which keeps your listing on schedule.
The whole-home essentials
- Turn on every light in the house — and replace burnt-out or mismatched bulbs the day before. Warm, even light is what makes interiors glow.
- Open all blinds, shades, and curtains for natural light
- Turn off all ceiling fans and TVs (spinning fans blur; glowing screens distract)
- Declutter every surface: counters, tables, nightstands, dressers
- Hide cords, chargers, remotes, bins, and laundry
- Remove personal items — family photos, mail, calendars, fridge art
- Pets: secure them off-site or contained, and tuck away bowls, beds, and toys
Room by room, fast
Kitchen: counters cleared to one or two decorative items, fridge stripped of magnets, sink empty, towels and drying racks hidden. Bathrooms: counters clear, toilet lids closed, fresh matching towels or none at all, floor mats and scales removed. Bedrooms: beds made tight, nightstands cleared, nothing on the floor or peeking from under the bed. Living and dining: pillows fluffed and straightened, coffee table down to a few pieces, toys out of frame.
Curb appeal — the first photo buyers see
- Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the house
- Roll trash and recycling bins out of sight
- Mow, edge, and stow hoses, tools, and worn door mats
- If there's a pool or spa: clean it and remove the cleaning equipment
Shoot day: access is everything
The most common delay isn't an unprepared room — it's a locked door. Before the appointment, confirm how we get in (lockbox code, smart lock, or someone on site), gate and alarm codes, and where to park. We collect all of this in advance with our property access form so shoot day has zero surprises.
Get the printable version
Both checklists — the room-by-room prep and the property access form — are free on our Forms page. Send them to your seller the day you book, and the home will photograph beautifully on the first pass. Then pick your shoot time and we'll handle the rest — delivered within 48 hours.