How to prepare your home for photography:
- De-clutter – try to remove at least half of the books, knick-knacks, toys, keepsakes, awards, family photos, kitchen items, off season clothes (makes closets seem more spacious), etc. This can extend even to pieces of furniture in smaller spaces. Remove pieces that make a room feel tight or cramped.
- Clean and dust very well.
- If at all possible, when planning to list your home near any holiday, please plan with photography in mind. Either schedule the photography before any decorations go up, or after they come down. No matter what holiday, decorations in the photos date the home.
- Remove any large portrait photographs or paintings, especially over mantles or in main living spaces, and replace with more neutral art.
- Remove valuables.
- Remove medications.
- Turn all lights on.
- Replace any burned out bulbs.
- Consider using L.E.D. or newer generation fluorescent bulbs that are white-light or daylight in color.
- Turn all ceiling fans off.
- De-clutter fireplace mantles.
- Minimize extra floor coverings - no extraneous, small throw rugs. Area rugs are acceptable.
- Clear kitchen counter tops. Leave a maximum of only one appliance per counter top area.
- Counter top microwave, coffee makers and toaster ovens should be removed.
- Remove everything from the refrigerator front and sides (photos, magnets, kid's art, etc.).
- Remove table coverings, but consider putting out place settings.
- Remove garbage and trash cans from sight.
- Remove all signs of pet bowls, bedding, toys, etc.
- Please keep cat litter boxes concealed.
- If possible confine the cat. Because cats love to get in the middle of a shot composition and plop themselves down for a rest.
- Toilet lids down.
- Clear bathroom countertops of all toiletries.
- Put out the best towels, neatly folded.
- Empty the shower of shampoos, conditioners, bodywashes, scrubies, etc.
- For the exterior, remove trash cans, gardening tools, etc. from sight.
- Store children's and pet's yard toys out of sight.
- Neatly coil water hoses.
- Open patio umbrellas and set out patio furniture cushions (please ensure they are clean).
- Uncover grills, pools, spas, and hot tubs (again, ensure they are clean).
- Place dogs in the dog run or garage (if in a dog run, then the animal may need to be moved to the garage for some exterior photography).
- Sidewalks, driveways, decks, and patios, etc., clear of plant debris and leaves.
- Garage doors closed and remove vehicles from the driveway.
- Schedule gardener and pool service to come before photography begins.