Real Estate Photography Pre-Shoot List

Specialty matters. All photographers are not alike.

An experienced real estate photographer will be able to do the following:

Capture each room from its best angle
Shoot with the right exposure levels and light for each room
Be able to keep lines and perspective straight
Know what photos to take to showcase the property best.

To ensure a successful real estate photography session, sellers should follow a comprehensive prep checklist. Here are some key steps to consider.

Exterior

Clean up the landscaping: trim bushes and mow/edge lawn
Close garage doors
Pressure wash driveway/walkup
Remove children's toys and patio furniture
Remove yard clutter
Remove cars from driveway

Interior

Bedrooms

Make beds and tidy up the rooms
Remove any personal photos and items
Store away toys, clothes, devices, and valuables

Bathrooms

Clear countertops completely
Keep toilet seats and lids down
Remove plungers and cleaning items
Clean all glass surfaces and mirrors
Hang clean towels neatly and remove rugs
Remove all personal items (i.e., soap, shampoo, etc.) from tubs and showers

Kitchen

Clear countertops completely
Empty sinks and store dishes away
Empty and hide garbage bins
Remove all magnets from refrigerator
Remove or hide any pet food, accessories or kennels

General

Leave all lights on and turn off any ceiling fans
Turn off any devices (including TVs)
Open all blinds and curtains
Declutter the entire home: remove any excess furniture and any other items
Touch up paint
Deep-clean the entire home
If possible, make arrangements for children and pets.