- Start by making sure the property is thoroughly cleaned. Pay special attention to windows and reflective surfaces like mirrors and stainless steel.
- Make sure all lights are working, and bulbs are the same color. Check lights you might not use often like above the stove. Turn on all lights prior to arrival.
- Make sure all window treatments are working. Open all window treatments prior to arrival.
- For twilight shoots, make sure any exterior fireplaces are working, and provide direction on how to start them. Interior fireplaces are handled in post production
- Make sure any beds are made perfectly. Wrinkles show up pretty dramatically in photos.
- Remove any personal items you do not want visible in the photos. Remove cars from driveway. We will only photograph a garage interior if it is particularly marketable.
- Reduce clutter as much as possible. Make sure trash cans are hidden, and kitchen counters are clear of appliances and bathroom vanities and showers are empty. EXCEPTION: if we are doing a vacation rental shoot, leave provided amenities like coffee makers and bath products in place.
- We understand that some items cannot easily be moved. We offer a digital decluttering service starting at $25 per image.
- Provide a list to photographer of the most marketable features, especially if they aren’t obvious.
- In most cases, it is easiest to complete a photo shoot if the house is empty or unoccupied. We budget a set amount of time to complete every shoot, and working around people in a house can prevent us from finishing a shoot in the allotted time, and may result in fewer images than anticipated.
