PROFESSIONAL PHOTOSHOOT
HOME PREPARATION CHECKLIST
My goal is to photograph your listing so it wows buyers and attracts offers. Use this checklist to get your home ready for a smooth, safe shoot.
Before I Arrive
☐ Have the home 100% "parade-ready" before I arrive. I photograph the home exactly as I find it. Please finish cleaning and staging the day before if you can. I may nudge a small item for composition, but I can't move furniture, clear counters, take out trash, or wait while rooms are finished. If the home may not be ready, tell your agent early so they can reschedule.
☐ Plan to be away during the shoot, agents included. My wide-angle lens captures overlapping rooms, and people cause shadows and reflections. My equipment will also be set up throughout the home. If you can't leave, it is best if you can remain in one room of the home and I will capture it last. If a two-story home, please stay on opposite floor.
☐ Remove pets from the property. I love pets, but dogs must be off-site for safety. Cats should be secured. Cats can be extremely territorial and seem to get inot lots of images of the home over the years. Hide pet beds, toys, and food and water bowls. Let me know ahead of time if this isn't possible.
☐ Use the garage and closets for storage. I rarely photograph garages, pantries, or standard closets, so they're the perfect place to hide things.
Inside
☐ Lighting and fans. Turn ceiling lights and ceiling fan lights OFF. Turn accent and recessed lighting ON.
I usually shoot with the lights off for truer color and a nice high-end look, but I need to see the accent lighting to decide.
☐ Turn OFF every fan motor, including ceiling fans, portable fans, and air purifiers. Hide portable fans.
☐ Replace burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours ahead. Ideally, match all bulbs to the same color temperature (4500–5000K "Daylight" temperature works well).
☐ Open blinds fully, with slats set wide open and all set the same way. Tie back or open the curtains.
Throughout the home
☐ Hide all trash cans, tissue boxes, remotes, game consoles, visible cords, and laundry baskets.
☐ Remove personal photos, kids' toys, and baby gear such as high chairs and playpens.
☐ Clear entryways of shoes, umbrellas, and coats.
☐ Straighten and evenly space chairs. Fluff decorative pillows and fold throws.
☐ Close TV cabinets. Keep bookshelves tidy, with roughly ⅓ books, ⅓ décor, and ⅓ empty space.
☐Remove plug-in air fresheners.
Kitchen and Dining
☐ Clear counters except for one or two items, such as a coffee maker or a bowl of fruit. Put away dishes, sponges, soap, dish towels, drying racks, and paper towels. Empty the sink.
☐ Remove everything from the fridge door, including magnets and papers.
☐ Remove all floor mats and rugs, including padded ones by the sink and stove. Show off the flooring!
☐ Wipe appliances until they shine. Dust light fixtures.
☐ Set the dining or breakfast table with a simple centerpiece such as flowers, fruit, or candles.
Bathrooms
☐ Hide all toiletries, including toothbrushes, razors, and toothpaste, along with scales, shower chairs, and bath toys.
☐ Remove all bath mats and rugs, plus any wet or used towels. Display only clean decorative towels.
☐ Put toilet seats down and use full toilet paper rolls.
Bedrooms
☐ Make every bed, ideally with matching linens and decorative pillows.
☐ Clear nightstands and dressers, including any medical devices such as CPAP machines.
☐ Check under the beds. My camera often sees what's "hidden" there.
☐ Tidy the primary closet. If it's large enough that I'll photograph it, remove about half the contents to show off the space.
Outside
☐ Clear the driveway and street. Park cars at least three houses down so they don't appear in exterior or window shots.
☐ Remove bikes, toys, yard tools, mowers, hoses, trash bins, and dead plants. Pick up pet waste.
☐ DO NOT WASH OFF SIDEWALKS AND DRIVEWAYS THE DAY OF SHOOT.
Nothing wet on shoot day. Mow, trim, wash the driveway, and put away hoses at least 24 hours ahead. Turn off the sprinklers so there are no puddles or dark patches.
☐ Boost curb appeal with fresh mulch, a welcome mat, and potted flowers by the door.
☐ Dust patio furniture, clear cobwebs, and open patio umbrellas.
☐ Clean the pool and spa, remove covers and the pool cleaner hose, and turn on water features. Leave instructions with your agent.
☐ Remove the For Sale or For Lease sign. Visible branding violates MLS rules and can't always be edited out.
☐ Drone shoots: Keep pets out of the yard and make sure I can access it.
Twilight Shoots
Twilight timing is tight, so please have these ready before I arrive:
☐ Turn ON every interior and exterior light, including landscape lights. Check the timers!
☐ Turn on pool and spa lights (white is best, and avoid yellow or green) and remove the covers.
☐ Turn on all fountains and water features.
Thank you, and I'm excited to capture your home at its very best!
Scott Hamilton
Owner/Solo Photographer
Full Page Photo
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