Client preparation guide

Photoshoot
Ready Guide

A bright, distraction-free home helps buyers focus on the space. Use this checklist before your photographer arrives.

Start here

Four essentials.

01

Clear

Counters, floors and furniture.

02

Depersonalize

Photos, mail and valuables.

03

Open

Curtains, blinds and shades.

04

Brighten

Turn on every light.

Not ready: a room with clutter, personal photos, closed blinds and visible bags.
Clutter · personal photos · closed blinds · visible bags
Photo ready: a clean room with open window treatments, clear surfaces and neutral details.
Open window treatments · clear surfaces · neutral details

Preparation timeline

Prep in two passes.

Complete the first pass early, then do one final walk-through.

01

The day before

Clean, simplify and depersonalize.

  • Remove clutter and personal items from view.
  • Clean glass, mirrors, counters, sinks and floors.
  • Make beds; straighten pillows, towels and rugs.
  • Hide bins, cords, pet supplies, toiletries and mail.
02

Just before we arrive

Brighten the home and clear the scene.

  • Open every curtain, blind and shade fully.
  • Turn on all interior and exterior lights.
  • Switch off ceiling fans, TVs and monitors.
  • Move vehicles, people and pets out of view.

Room by room

Inside the home.

1

Kitchen

Think: clean counters and simple styling.

  • Clear counters; keep only 1-2 intentional items.
  • Hide dishes, drying racks, soap and bins.
  • Remove magnets, notes and pet bowls.
  • Close cabinets and pantry doors.
2

Living + dining

Think: open, balanced and inviting.

  • Remove remotes, cords, toys and excess decor.
  • Straighten cushions, rugs and table settings.
  • Hide personal photos and sensitive documents.
  • Open curtains and blinds; turn on every lamp.
3

Bedrooms + baths

Think: hotel-clean and personal-item-free.

  • Make beds and smooth all bedding.
  • Clear dressers, sinks and showers.
  • Hide toiletries, medications and valuables.
  • Close toilet lids and hang fresh, matching towels.
4

Exterior + entry

Think: welcoming from the curb.

  • Move cars, bins, hoses, tools and seasonal items.
  • Sweep walkways and remove visible debris.
  • Store toys and remove pet waste.
  • Unlock gates and turn on exterior lights.

Final walk-through

Take five minutes before we arrive.

The home is photo ready when...

  • SurfacesClear
  • Personal itemsHidden
  • Curtains + blindsOpen
  • LightsOn
  • Fans + screensOff

The property is photographed as presented when the photographer arrives.

Your listing, next

Ready for your shoot?

Once the home is prepared, reserve your appointment online.

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