Getting your home ready for its shoot.

A few days before

• Finish small repairs and touch-ups you’ve been meaning to get to.
• Replace burned-out bulbs, and match bulb colors within each room so the light looks even.
• Clean windows and glass doors, inside and out where you can.
• Mow, edge and trim a day or two before the shoot so the lawn looks fresh but settled.

Outside

Exteriors are usually the first photo buyers see, and drone shots show the whole lot.

• Move cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the house.
• Put trash and recycling bins out of sight, such as in the garage or behind a side gate.
• Coil or put away hoses, and clear yard tools, toys and sports gear.
• Sweep walkways, porches and the patio.
• Close the garage door.
• Pools and spas: clean the water, remove the cover, put away pool toys and cleaning equipment.
• Set out patio furniture and cushions as if you were about to host.

Every room

• Turn on every light: overheads, lamps, under-cabinet and accent lights.
• Open blinds and shades, and set them all the same way.
• Turn off ceiling fans, TVs and computer screens.
• Put away personal photos, mail, documents and anything with your name or address on it.
• Clear floors of shoes, bags, cords and pet items. Hide pet bowls, beds and litter boxes.
• Close closet and cabinet doors.

Kitchen

• Clear the counters, leaving one or two decorative pieces at most.
• Put away dish soap, sponges, dish towels and drying racks.
• Clear the front of the fridge of magnets, papers and photos.
• Tuck small appliances and the trash can out of sight.

Bathrooms

• Put toilet lids down.
• Remove toiletries, razors and medications from counters, tubs and showers.
• Hang fresh, matching towels, or remove towels altogether.
• Remove bath mats and toilet rugs.

Bedrooms and living areas

• Make the beds and smooth comforters and throws.
• Fluff and straighten pillows and cushions.
• Clear nightstands, dressers and coffee tables down to a few simple items.
• Tidy bookshelves and remove extra clutter from open shelving.

On shoot day

We move through the home room by room. The shoot goes fastest when the home is empty, or when anyone at home stays one room ahead of the camera.

• Secure pets in a crate or yard, or take them along for an outing.
• Share gate codes, lockbox details and alarm instructions when you book.
• We won’t move heavy furniture, so arrange rooms the way you want them photographed.

Drone and twilight shoots

Aerials depend on the weather and on FAA airspace rules for the property’s location. If wind or rain grounds the drone, we’ll reschedule the aerial portion. For twilight photos, we shoot around sunset, so leave every interior and exterior light on.

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