Getting Ready for Your Photoshoot

Cleaning and staging needs to be done before the photoshoot, preferably the day before. I may move small items to improve photo composition, but larger items need to be in place before I arrive.
Dogs and/or Cats must be secured or off the property to ensure the safety of myself and my equipment. MLS rules also prohibit people and pets from being in pictures. It's also a good idea to hide pet food and water bowls as well.
All occupants should plan on either being off the property or remain in areas where they can't be seen during the photoshoot. Rooms overlap in the photos, people can cause shadows and reflections.
I normally don’t shoot garages, so this is a great place to store items you’d like to hide.

Exterior Preparations

Make sure no cars are in the driveway. If possible, also move cars from the street in front of the home. We want as clear a view as possible of your property.
Trashcans can be placed on the side of the property or in the garage.
Hide hoses the day before the shoot since hoses can drip water onto the pavement when being moved, leaving puddles in your pictures.

Prep the yard at least 24 hours prior to your photoshoot. Yard should me mowed and cleared of any toys, tools, etc.
Do not water the lawn the day of the shoot to prevent puddles on pavement.
If you have a dog, make sure that all of their droppings are cleared from the yard.
If you have a pool and/or spa, please have them clean with covers removed.

Dust and remove cobwebs from all outdoor furniture. Do not hose down your furniture the day of your shoot, since this can create puddles.
The"For Sale"sign should be removed from the property (if possible) by the realtor if it has already been installed. Visible signs violate MLS photo rules, and they can’t always be edited out. It’s best to schedule sign installation for after the photoshoot.

A few items on the kitchen counters are usually fine, but dishes, sponges, rags, etc. should be put away. It's best to remove all magnets, pictures, etc. from the refrigerator and remove throw rugs from the floor.
In bathrooms, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and other "personal" items should be hidden. Decorative unused soaps, candles, flowers, etc. are preferred. It’s also good to remove all throw rugs from the floor.
All bedrooms should have their beds made and items put away.
Trashcans can distract so it’s best to hide all of them in closets or the garage.
Ceiling fans are selling items but portable fans can give the wrong impression. It’s best to hide all portable fans in closets or the garage. Please make sure all ceiling fans are turned off

Sometimes electrical cords can’t be hidden, but you will have more appealing pictures if you can hide TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords.
Remove all shoes, umbrellas, and similar items from entryways.
Your indoor photos will show outdoor views if there are views, or just light if a window looks onto a neighbor or other unappealing view.

Before I arrive, please make sure all interior lights are turned on. If need be, please replace all burned out bulbs at least 24 hours before the photoshoot.

Before your Photoshoot: Image