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Photo shoot prep checklist

Here is the KEY: Once you complete the list, walk around your house and ask yourself:


"Is everything I see what I want Buyers to see?"

Photographers have a precise schedule to follow and have been given a specific amount of time to shoot according to the package ordered. To ensure the creative process is not disturbed and for best photographic results, have this list completed PRIOR to the photographer’s arrival, and plan in advance a bedroom or office for you (and children/pets) to hang out during the shoot. The photographer’s schedule does not allow for time to move items from room to room during the shoot, wait for this list to be completed, nor can the photographer help move furniture for liability reasons. If you are not home for the shoot, we will turn the lights on when we get there and off when we leave.

Laundry Rooms, Garages, Closets/Pantrys will not
be photographed unless they are empty and are a feature to be marketed.
Hide stuff there!
  1. Turn ON all of the lights and lamps and check for burnt out bulbs
  2. Blinds and shutters all the way down, but adjusted to let light in
  3. Turn OFF all ceiling fan blades as they will show blurred in the picture
  4. Remove anything from off the floor that does not belong on the floor
  5. Hide stacks of papers/bills/magazines. Kids toys in storage containers.
  6. Clean all windows of streaks and dirt
  7. Pets:
    1. If you have pets that want to be in every shot, please crate them or otherwise contain them
    2. Remove pet carriers, crates, pet dishes and visible litter boxes
  8. Bathrooms:
    1. Remove ALL items from bathroom countertops – exceptions can be decorative items
    2. Towels hung straight and remove towels on pegs/hung over showerstalls
    3. Put the Toilet Seats DOWN
    4. Remove Bath rugs
    5. Empty the Shower of Shampoos, Soaps, etc.. – you can hide inside the tub
  9. Kitchens:
    1. Remove ALL items from kitchen countertops / islands – exceptions are decorative items tucked into corners
    2. Remove EVERYTHING from the outside of the Refrigerator
    3. Pet dishes hidden away
    4. Dishtowels/Sponges put away
    5. Hide that Trashcan!
    6. Remove Kitchen rugs
  10. Bedrooms:
    1. Remove ALL items from table/countertops (inc alarm clocks) – exceptions are lamps/decorative items
    2. Make Beds and straighten pillows
    3. Hide Trashcans and Diaper Genies!
  11. Living and Dining Areas:
    1. Remove all remote controls
    2. Remove all personal items from table tops and open shelving – exceptions are centerpieces or decorative items
    3. Straighten pillows and chairs
  12. Outside:
    1. Remove your car(s) from the driveway
    2. Mow the lawn and mulch if necessary
    3. Remove ALL lawn equipment, debris, recycle and trashcans from sight
    4. Roll up your hoses and hide sprinkler attachments
    5. Open patio umbrellas
PDF download Download a PDF with these instructions