PREPARING THE PROPERTY FOR A PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

In order to make the real estate photography session most efficient, it is important that the property and the owner be prepared before the photographer arrives.

Have a look at interior or home decoration magazines and see what they did to the bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms or offices. Do the similar things to yours if you can. The following is a list of things you might like to check before the real estate photography session.

Exterior

1. Clean landscape. Mow lawns and clear driveway. If outdoor landscape is very strong part of the property, please consider hiring a landscape professional.
2. Colorful flowers and potted plants always help.
3. Remove vehicles or keep in the garage and close the garage door.
4. Tidy up tools, toys, and coil outside water hoses.
5. Tidy up deck, BBQ area. (In summer), position outdoor furniture & cushions.
6. Hide trash cans.
7. Make sure your hot tub is clean and full to ensure a good picture with the lid up.
8. Clean windows.

Interior

1. Please arrange for pets to be relocated during the shoot. Remove all signs of pets (bowls, rugs, pillows, toys).
2. Make sure that all light globes are working where you want to photograph - both indoor and outdoor. Even during day, they will very likely be switched on for the session.
3. Clear kitchen countertops. Leave a maximum of 1-2 appliances per countertop area.
4. Empty bathrooms of toiletries. Polish windows, doors and mirrors. Toilet lids down.
5. Fix or replace blinds and curtains if necessary. It is very hard to exclude those items from the pictures.
6. De-clutter rooms and position the furniture in their best places.
7. Colorful flowers, (fresh or fake) and battery powered candles improve any scene.
8. Set dining table with your best dinner setting and candles if you like that look.
9. Remove all Post-Its, magnets, kid's drawings, personal photos from fridge and walls.