Photography Preparation Guide
To ensure your property looks its absolute best and to maximize the efficiency of our photo session, please use this checklist to prepare the space before I arrive.
THE 10-MINUTE CHEAT SHEET
If you are short on time, please prioritize these 6 "Must-Haves":
1. Turn on every single light (overhead, floor lamps, and bedside lamps).
2. Open all blinds and curtains; adjust slats to be uniform.
3. Move all trash cans (kitchen, bath, and exterior) out of sight.
4. Move all vehicles away from the driveway and the front of the property. (When we are outside)
5. Turn off all ceiling fans to avoid motion blur in the photos.
6. Toilet seats down.
FULL STAGING CHECKLIST BY CATEGORY
GENERAL BASICS
Light Bulbs: Ensure all bulbs are working and are the same color temperature (avoid mixing "cool blue" and "warm yellow" bulbs).
Blinds/Shutters: Open all blinds and curtains. Ensure all slats are angled the same way throughout the home.
Electronics: Hide all remote controls and charging cables.
Personal Items: Remove mail, electronics and visible tissue boxes.
KITCHEN & DINING
Counters: Clear off small appliances (toasters, blenders) unless they are high-end amenities.
Sink Area: Hide sponges, dish soap, and drying racks. Ensure the sink is empty and dry.
Appliances: Wipe down stainless steel to remove fingerprints. Remove all magnets/papers from the fridge.
Staging: Unbranded/decorative soap dispensers are okay. A simple centerpiece or a neatly set table is ok for wide-angle shots OR a clean and clear table. Straighten all chairs and stools.
LIVING & COMMON AREAS
Furniture: Straighten chairs and fluff all sofa cushions.
Cables: Tuck away or unplug visible TV, lamp, or speaker cords. Hide remotes.
Lived-in Vibe: A neatly draped throw blanket or a single book on a coffee table is a great touch.
HOME OFFICE / WORKSPACE
The Desk: Clear off "office clutter" like staplers, pens, and stacks of paper.
Cable Management: Unplug and hide laptop chargers and tangled wires under the desk.
Screens: Turn off computer monitors to avoid distracting reflections and glare.
Bookcase: Straighten and organize books on shelves and remove any clutter.
BEDROOMS
The Bed: Must be made with smoothed linens and propped pillows.
Nightstands: Remove personal items (glasses, medications, phone chargers). Ensure bedside lamps are plugged in and working.
Room: Clean floors, clothes in the closet or hidden, trash cans and clothes baskets hidden.
BATHROOMS
Linens: Display fresh, neatly folded or hung towels.
Sink and Counter: Remove toothbrushes, razors, and cluttered toiletries. No plastic branded soap containers, unbranded ceramic third-party containers are ok if they fit the aesthetic.
Shower: Hide shampoo bottles and loofahs unless they are in high-end, unbranded dispensers.
The "No-Go" List: Hide extra toilet paper rolls, plungers, and hair dryers. Toilet lids must be down.
EXTERIOR & PETS
Parking: Ensure the driveway and the street directly in front of the home are clear of all vehicles. Only when we are shooting exterior photos.
Landscaping: Coil garden hoses and hide all trash cans/recycling bins in the garage or behind a gate.
Pet Items: Hide all food bowls, pet beds, crates, and toys OR tidy them up to be neat and organized.
A Note on Lifestyle Photography:
My standard package covers wide-room shots. Detail "lifestyle" photography (artistic close-ups of decor, coffee pours, or textures) used to evoke a specific emotional "feeling" for guests is available as a premium add-on.