Getting ready
Let's make sure your home is ready for picture day!
We want to make the best impression we can on picture day. Download a printable version of this Getting Ready Guide with a checklist to make sure your home is all ready to go for picture day.
The details will be in the photos.
The camera and lenses used to capture your home see everything. For the best possible result we will need to be a team. By following the Getting Ready Guide, you can help to insure the best possible results on picture day.
The old adage, “crap in crap out”, could not be more relevant when it comes to producing stunning photography. And getting great results largely depends on YOU. In order for us to give you the best media we need your home to be 100% ready to shoot when we arrive. Below are guidelines you can follow to ensure that everything is ready for picture day.
Tips and faq
for homeowners
For the best possible media, our Photographers must be able to move freely from room to room. Therefore, it is important that your home is 100% “show ready”for picture day.
- Adjust blinds and lighting for best possible exposure
- Close all toilet seats in bathrooms
- We might suggest moving items or furniture temporarily for the best possible shot
- Make beds, clean, dust, declutter
- Move or handle pets or pet items
- Touch personal hygiene items (shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels, hair care items, etc.)
- “Photoshop” vehicles, walls, power lines, wall pictures, cords, etc.
We love pets. We have pets. Pets love to take pictures. But we are not here to take pet pictures. We ask that any pets and any evidence that there are pets be removed or hidden. Pets should be crated or placed in an area that will not be photographed. And the yard should be “mine swept” for you know what…
While we would like to be open to working around other contractors, it would inhibit our ability to provide the best quality media of your home if any other contractors were present. We ask that no one else is at the home during the shoot please!
It really depends on what is being done, and how large the home is. Here are some guidelines or estimates for shoot duration, but these are not set in stone:
- 1000 – 2000 Sq. Ft. – 30-40 minutes
- 2000 – 3500 Sq. Ft. – 40-60 minutes
- 3500 – 5000 Sq. Ft. – 45-90 minutes
- 5000 + Sq. Ft. will take greater than an hour and potentially longer than 2 hours depending…
GENERAL TO DO LIST
- Thoroughly clean whole house (Vacuum/Mop Floors, clean countertops, Windows, appliances, all surfaces
- Turn ON all lights and lamps. Replace any burned out bulbs.
- Bulbs should all be of the same type (ALL florescent or all incandescent
- Turn all ceiling fans OFF
- Turn OFF all screens (TV’s, computer, etc)
- Open blinds/window coverings to let in the light
- Make all beds
- Remove small rugs to show off the actual floor
- Hide shoes, jackets, pet beds and toys and any clutter
Home Exterior
Curb appeal - front
The front of the house is typically the first photo that buyers see
- Close front and garage doors
- Move cars off of the drive way and away from the front of the home
- Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves and weeds, etc
- Remove empty planters
- Sweep walkways, driveway and porch
- Hide the hose
- Hide the trash cans
Curb appeal - back
The backyard should be an outdoor sanctuary
- Mow the lawn and pull the weeds
- straighten up the porch
- Remove leaves and other debris
- Tidy up any outdoor furniture
- Hide the hose
- Clean and shock the pool
- Turn on any water features
Home interior
Kitchen
Some consider the kitchen to be the most important room in the home
- Completely clear EVERYTHING off all counter tops
- Leave out max one small appliance. (ex. toaster)
- Remove anything on the refrigerator
- Hide hand towels and rugs
- Hide any trash cans
- NO DISHES IN THE SINK
Dining room
Buyers will imagine gathering here with family and friends for meals
- Clear table; dust and polish
- Use a decorative place setting if you like
- Feature a cnter piece ike some flowers or bowl of fruit
- Straighten and evenly space chairs
living / family rooms
The place for relaxation, entertainment and activity with family and friends
- Remove magazines, papers, mail, any cluter
- De-cluter fireplace mantel /hearth
- Fluff and arrange any pillows
- Remove any kids toys
- Hide any pet beds and toys
bedrooms
A personal, private retreat for you, family and guests
- Make bed
- Press linens and bed skirts
- Clear nightstands
- Hide any cables/phone chargers
- Remove all clutter from dressers
- Clean under bed, hide any items that may appear in photos
bathrooms
The second most important room in the house. This place should be spotless
- Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, meds, deodorant. Nothing should be on the countertops
- Clean countertops, sinks, mirrors, faucets, handles etc
- Toilet seats down please
- Remove everything from tubs and showers. Clean any glass, shower heads, faucets, handles, soap holders, etc
- Remove towels. Decorative towels are ok
- Hide floormats
pets
We love pets. But we aren’t here for pet photos. Unless you ask us…
- Hide food and water bowls
- Hide toys/beds
- Remove any pet hair from furniture with lint roller or pet vacuum
- Crate or move pets to somewhere they will not be posing for the camera. They do that…
- Mine sweep the backyard of any you know what…