Before We Shoot

Getting Your Home Ready

A few minutes of prep turns a good gallery into a great one. Here’s what to do before we arrive, and what we’ll take care of once we’re there.

Bright, tidy living room with skylights and a fireplace, staged and ready for a real estate photo shoot
90%

More than 90% of buyers start their search online, and the listing photos decide whether they keep scrolling or book a showing. A clean, well-lit space photographs dramatically better than a lived-in one. The goal isn’t perfect, just camera-ready. Run through this checklist the morning of your shoot and you’ll be set.

The Checklist

General & Whole-Home

  • Turn on every light in the house, even during the day
  • Open all blinds and curtains fully
  • Replace any burnt-out bulbs
  • Clear counters, tables, and surfaces of daily clutter
  • Put shoes, coats, and bags away
  • Tuck cords, chargers, and remotes out of sight
  • Remove small area rugs that bunch or slide

Exterior & Curb Appeal

  • Move vehicles out of the driveway and off the street in front of the house
  • Close the garage door
  • Mow the lawn and edge the walkways
  • Coil up hoses and put away yard tools
  • Clear the porch and patio of toys, tools, and trash cans
  • Sweep the entryway and driveway
  • Pick up any pet waste from the yard

Kitchen

  • Clear countertops completely: no mail, appliances, or dish racks
  • Hide the trash and recycling bins
  • Wipe down appliances, the sink, and countertops
  • Push in barstools and chairs neatly
  • Remove magnets, papers, and photos from the fridge

Bedrooms

  • Make every bed, including guest rooms
  • Clear nightstands down to a lamp and maybe one book
  • Put away laundry, hampers, and out-of-season clothes
  • Straighten closets, since we may shoot them open

Bathrooms

  • Clear countertops of toiletries and personal items
  • Close the toilet lid
  • Hang matching, fresh towels
  • Wipe down mirrors and fixtures
  • Empty the trash can

Living & Family Areas

  • Fluff and arrange couch pillows and throws
  • Put away toys, remotes, and magazines
  • Straighten bookshelves and media consoles
  • Turn on the fireplace if you have one

Pets

  • Plan to keep pets out of the way during the shoot: a crate, a walk, or a neighbor works
  • Put away bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys
  • Do a quick sweep for pet hair on furniture
Before & After

See the Difference

Bedroom after prep: blinds open, bed made, and clutter cleared, ready for a real estate photo shoot
The same bedroom before prep: blinds closed, unmade bed, and clutter on the floor
Before After
Who Handles What

You Handle

  • Decluttering, cleaning, and staging
  • Turning on lights and opening blinds
  • Moving vehicles and pets out of frame
  • Anything personal you’d rather not see in photos

We Handle

  • Camera angles, lighting balance, and composition
  • Minor digital touch-ups and object removal, included on every delivery
  • Color correction, HDR processing, and editing
  • Delivering your gallery to your portal in as little as 8 hours

Ready to book your shoot?

Book a Shoot
Modern luxury home exterior at twilight with warm interior lighting and a landscaped entryway