Real Estate Photography Photoshoot Checklist

To prepare a home for photography, review the following guidelines. While not required, these guidelines help ensure that the home is properly photographed to attract buyers searching online. In most cases, pictures of a home are a buyers first impression. Your photographer will not be staging the home. Staging should be completed prior to the photograph session.

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Home Exterior

Outdoor Yard

Declutter the yard or grounds. Hide or remove anything that is not attached to the home so that it is out of sight. Hide garden hoses, garbage cans, recycling bins, etc.
Make sure the yard is free of unsightly objects, sporting equipment, children’s toys, evidence of pets.
Landscapers should not be working the day of the photo shoot. Grass should be mowed, shrubs trimmed, and yard watered, so that it is as green as possible season permitting.
Remove any unsightly weeds or vegetation. If leaves have fallen, they should be raked and removed from the property.
All decks, patios, walkways and driveways should be swept. Pressure wash if necessary. If the season is winter and snow is covering these areas, snow should be shoveled and removed.
Straighten or reposition misaligned outdoor furniture.
Uncover grill, open patio umbrella, etc.
If there is a pool, the pool cover should be off, if possible.
If there is a hot tub, the cover should be off and hidden, if possible.

General Home Interior

Decluttered the home. Remove as much clutter as possible, especially personal belongings that are not included in the sale of the home.
Depersonalize the home where possible (photos, personal items). Remove any personal objects or information that should not be visible online.
Clean floors, vacuum carpets.
Position/straighten all furniture as needed.
Ensure doors are open for all photographed rooms.
Close all closet doors.
Turn on all light fixtures. Replace any defective lightbulbs. Ensure all bulbs are the same color temperature.
In general, open up all blinds or remove any fixed window coverings that block natural light.
For attractive window treatments, keep them extended and visible. For expensive or nice blinds, leave them down in the flat position so the exterior view can be seen. For cheap or broken blinds, pull them all the way up to hide them and reveal the exterior view.
Straighten all picture frames/artwork.
Remove area rugs that might be hiding attractive hardwood or tile flooring.
Turn off all television and computer screens. Hide remote controls devices.
Turn off fans. Hide portable fans.
Conceal visible power cords and cables. Unplug them if possible (except for lights or appliances that should remain on). Remove phone or battery chargers from wall outlets.
Put away all shoes.
Hide or remove all children’s toys (if any).
Put away or hide unsightly door mats.
Make sure all pets are out of the home. Remove all evidence of pets (food/water bowls, chew toys, etc.).

Living Room/Family Room

Kitchen

Straighten table chairs, bar stools, etc.
Turn on all lights (accessory lighting, under cabinet lighting, hood vent lights, microwave under lighting).
Clear the exterior of the refrigerator completely by removing all magnets, photos, lists, etc.
Clean stovetop and all appliances. Be sure to remove all fingerprints, smudges, etc.
Clear all kitchen counter tops. A few small appliances, fruit bowls, or plants can remain, but, remove items that are unsightly, large, or make the counter look crowded.
Make sure the sink is clean and free of dishes.
Hide cleaning supplies and accessories (soaps, brooms, sponges, cloths, etc.).
Close all cabinet doors and drawers.
Hide portable trash cans.
Angle faucets so that they have a larger visible profile.
Remove any visible calendars.

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Real Estate Photography Photoshoot Checklist

Home Exterior

Outdoor Yard

General Home Interior

Living Room/Family Room

Kitchen

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Home Office

Laundry Room