Prepping Your Property For Real Estate Photography

When it comes to photographing a property for real estate photography, the last thing a photographer wants to see when arriving for the job is chaos.

Outside Property

• Clean the yard, patio and/or porch
• Trim the grass and shrubbery if needed
• Put toys and equipment away
• Clear the sidewalks
• If snow, shovel

Inside Property

• Clear the clutter from shelves and floors
• Remove unnecessary furniture like extra chairs and tray tables
• Replace broken light bulbs so all lights work at the same time
• Clear the kitchen counters of pots, pans and clutter
• Clean the kitchen so everything that should shine, does
• Clean all mirrors and glass
• Clear the sink because you may not think it will be photographed but it might
• Hide or remove all garbage cans
• Put bathroom items in storage so they are not in the photographs
• Keep the toilet lids close
• If you decorative towels are used in bathrooms, fold them neatly
• Turn on all room lights before the photographer arrives
• Hide your personal photographs. You can hang and place them back where you want them afterwards.

Photo Notes

• Have a place to go when the photographer is there so you’re not in the way or in the photographs
• The photographer can move furniture but shouldn’t have to. If he/she must move furniture don’t be surprised if you’re informed of added charges prior to the task. However, if a professional stager is involved, then it’s a different story.
• The photographer will not clean for you, move your garbage or clear off clutter.