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Tips On Getting Ready For Your Real Estate Photoshoot

Jennifer White • January 30, 2025

Being prepared and ready for your photoshoot will help you and the photographer save time and help your home look its best.

Tips on getting ready for your professional real estate photography shoot by Jennifer White Timeless Moments Photography and Jennifer White Professional Photography

So you're ready to sell your home and you have your realtor. A good realtor will use a professional photographer and will help get your property ready to sale. Simple updates like fresh paint, decluttering, deep cleaning, and staging will all help your home sell faster which your realtor will help guide you.

When it comes time for the photoshoot, making sure your property is ready to go saves everyone time and headaches. Be respectful of the photographers time as many have a full or tight schedule. Some photographers won't move or adjust anything and will take photos as is, while others like us, will move things as we can, however it requires extra time and if there's a lot to move, it can cause the photographer to be late for the next shoot.

Real Estate Photography by Jennifer White Timeless Moments Photography and Jennifer White Professional Photography. Home built by Old World Cottages out of Nixa, Missouri.

Things to do before the photographer arrives.

Exterior

(Photographers typical start on outside the moment they arrive so being ready avoids them from having to go inside to do these which saves time)

Make sure all cars, boats, RV's, ect are out of the driveway and not in front of the home on the street. Also be aware of possible views of your vehicle through windows from the inside. Sometimes you'll need to park down the street a little ways.
Move trash cans to inside the garage, or out by the edge of the street.
Open curtains and blinds. Blinds can either be turned open or pulled all the way up depending on the condition of your windows and views but be consistent. Even open sheer curtains.
Sweep porches, decks, patios, sidewalks, and driveways, especially during the fall season when leaves are falling or after mowing and grass is everywhere.
Mow the yard.
Pull weeds in flower beds, especially if there are a lot and are tall weeds.
Roll up water hoses or store them in garage.
Store away yard tools that could be out in the yard or leaning against the house.
Have all exterior lights on.
If conditions are good and realtor wants an edited dusk scene, turn on all lights in rooms with windows.
Close All Doors and Garage Doors.

Interior

Keep away from photographers camera view and make sure your reflection is not in a mirror, tv, or glass picture frame. Stay away from doorways and windows.
Have all your lights on and fans off (note some photographers like to do shoots with lights off so you can check with your realtor but fans should not be moving). Don't forget oven hood and oven lights (if oven is clean). Keep lights on until shoot is finished.
Replace burned out light bulbs.
Clean Fans
Sweep Floors
Remove all trash cans into a closet or somewhere out of site including bathrooms.
Hide toilet plungers and scrub brushes.
Put toilet lids down.
If nice shower, have shower curtain half way open.
Declutter Counters
Hide electrical cords.
Hide Laundry Baskets (unless they are decorative)
If you have a lot of stuff under beds, make sure out of site from both sides.
Keep your pets in a room until photographer is ready for that room.
Turn on fireplaces (this can be done when photographer arrives).
Personal Photos - keep in mind these will be on the internet so if you don't want your family photos to show, you might remove them. This is your personal choice.
Hide away all medicine, and bills that show personal information along with money and expensive jewelry.