Interior Photo Prep – Make Every Room Shine

1. Declutter Surfaces and Remove Personal Items – Clear counters, tables, nightstands, and visible personal items so the space looks clean and guest-ready.
2. Open Curtains and Blinds – Let in natural light and make sure window treatments are straight and consistent.
3. Match Lightbulbs Throughout – When a room already has good daylight, warm or mismatched lamps and fixtures can stay off. For fixtures that need to be on, use bulbs that match each other in color temperature.
4. Clean Reflective Surfaces – Wipe mirrors, windows, glass doors, fixtures, and appliances so streaks and fingerprints do not show in the finished images.
5. Hide Power Cords and Chargers – Put away loose chargers, extension cords, remotes, and other small electronics that create visual clutter.
6. Smooth Bedding and Fluff Pillows – Make beds carefully, straighten throws, and arrange pillows so bedrooms look finished and ready for guests.
7. Close Toilet Lids and Remove Toiletries – Clear bathroom counters, remove personal toiletries, straighten towels, and close toilet lids.
8. Add a Simple Natural Touch – After the main prep is finished, a plant, floral arrangement, or bowl of fruit can add warmth without making the space feel staged or cluttered.

💡 Pro Tip: Daylight First
If a room already has good natural light, turn off warm yellow lamps and fixtures. Mixing warm bulbs with daylight can create orange and blue color casts that are difficult to correct cleanly. For fixtures that need to remain on, use bulbs with a consistent color temperature.

Outdoor Photo Prep

1. Wash the Driveway and Walkways – Clean concrete, pavers, porches, and entry areas so arrival photos look maintained and ready for guests.
2. Remove Vehicles from the Driveway – Move cars, trailers, and work vehicles away from the property unless a vehicle is specifically needed to explain parking or access.
3. Trim Hedges and Trees – Tidy landscaping and remove obvious fallen branches or yard debris before the shoot.
4. Hide Trash Cans and Tools – Store garbage bins, hoses, tools, pool equipment, and maintenance supplies out of sight where possible.
5. Clean Exterior Windows – Clean glass doors and windows, especially around patios, pools, docks, and other areas likely to be photographed.
6. Handle Visible Maintenance Before the Shoot – Touch up obvious paint, replace damaged outdoor items, and take care of small repairs that will otherwise stand out in the photos.
7. Stage Outdoor Seating – Straighten chairs, cushions, tables, and umbrellas so porches, patios, decks, and lanais look organized and usable.
8. Mow and Edge the Lawn – Complete normal lawn and landscape maintenance before the photographer arrives.
9. Prepare Outdoor Guest Amenities – Straighten patio furniture, uncover clean pools or hot tubs when appropriate, organize grills and firepits, and make sure docks, porches, and outdoor seating areas are ready to photograph.
10. Check Exterior Lighting – Make sure porch, patio, pool, dock, and landscape lights that may be used during the shoot are working and use reasonably consistent color temperatures.