Home Preparation Guide

General: The home must be decluttered, cleaned and fully prepared with all interior, exterior and pool lights turned on. If the home is on a lockbox, it’s important that someone has inspected the home prior to the shoot to confirm the space is ready for photography. We will not be moving construction items, paint cans, garden hoses, trash cans, ladders or other miscellaneous items that may have been left out by residents, prior visitors or contractors. The front and back yards should be well landscaped and dry. Irrigation should be timed to minimize any wet grass. (We will be going in and out several times during the shoot) Please remove any pet food bowls. Please move all cars/vehicles from the driveway. Remove personal family photos if you have privacy concerns. Please reschedule any home maintenance or repair providers such as gardeners, pest control, contractors, etc. The home must be fully ready to shoot upon our arrival with all lights turned on and shades in your preferred postion.

Outside: Please remove garden hoses, garbage receptacles, pool toys, pool hoses, pet waste, holiday lighting, leaves and any other item that may be distracting or contribute to clutter. Do not light fire pits or outdoor BBQ’s unless advised to do so. It’s usually best to remove the BBQ cover depending on the condition of the appliance. Please remove or open the spa cover. Turn on all hanging lighting fixtures. Open outdoor umbrellas unless it’s windy or the canopy blocks an important view. Please turn on any outdoor heaters at the request of the photographer. Please leave outside floor mats in place.

Fireplaces and Fire Pits: We normally add flames to the fireplaces and fire pits in post production. However, when shooting video, we'll want to light the fires. Please advise your photographer of any fire pits or fireplaces that are inoperable so we don't add flames to these home features that are not working.

TV's and Computer Monitors: We normally add generic scenic images to TV and computer monitors. Please advise your photographer if you'd rather have a black screen. Please turn off any TV or computer monitors during the shoot.

Inside: Insure all fixtures, furniture and decorations are placed exactly as you would like them to appear in the photos. Consolidate electrical and cable cords. Please set all doors, windows, and window blinds in the exact position you would like them to be photographed. Close any doors or sliders that open into areas that you do not want photographed such as a linen closet, pantry or storage area. Vacuum all carpeted areas. Sweep, mop and/or dust other flooring and surfaces. Turn on all lighting fixtures. Windows and mirrors should be as clean as possible. Turn off computer monitors, TV’s, and ceiling fans. Avoid large table decorations that block or limit the view.

Kitchen: Remove all miscellaneous items and small appliances from counter top surfaces. This might includes paper towel rolls, dish racks and towels, sponges, soaps, cleaning supplies, food items, stoppers, coffee makers, blenders etc. Remove pet food bowls, trash and recycling receptacles, high chairs, floor mats, etc. Remove any tape or magnets from the refrigerator.

Living Room: Remove remotes, magazines, pet beds and blankets, bean bag chairs, holiday decorations and any other item that will help create a larger living space. Check the alignment of cushions and placement of pillows and throws. Leave the TV turned off. Set blinds and doors/sliders in the exact position you would like them to be photographed.

Garage: Please advise your photographer if you would like us to shoot the garage area. It’s worth shooting only when the garage is clean and well organized.

Bedrooms: Please confirm the bedding and pillows are positioned properly. It’s helpful if any items under the bed are completely concealed. Close the closet and other doors unless you would like to shoot into these areas. (Usually, it’s a good idea to shoot into the walk-in closet) Confirm that windows and blinds are positioned in exactly the way you want them to appear in photos.

Bathrooms: Please remove all personal items from vanity and shower. This includes soaps, shampoos and grooming items. Clean mirrors and shower glass. Remove floor mats, plungers, cleaning brushes and trash cans. Position the shower curtain in the exact position you would like it to be photographed. Please use “thin” towels on any towel racks so as not to obscure the view of other features. You may remove the towels altogether if you prefer. Generally, we do not shoot a room that contains a toilet only. Please discuss your preferences with the photographer. Toilet seats should be in the closed position.

Remove clothing items that might be hanging on a bathroom door or wall hook.

Using Zenfolio