EXTERIOR:

Week before Shoot:

  • Spruce up landscaping (weed beds, prune, remove leaves, put down fresh mulch/bark, etc.)

  • Pressure wash decks (re-stain if needed). 

  • Clean deck furniture.

  • Clean pool and remove pool vacuum and hoses at least the day before the shoot to avoid wetting the decks. Hide pool supplies.

  • Clean windows.

Day before Shoot:

  • Mow lawn.

  • Sweep or blow off driveway and walkways (Do not use water on driveway on the day of the shoot.)

  • Remove all pool, BBQ and outdoor furniture covers.

  • Remove empty planters or items that cause clutter (i.e. toys, bikes)

  • Remove seasonal items (pumpkins, Christmas wreaths, etc.)

  • Remove security yard signs, if possible.

  • Remove any debris or logs from fire pit. I will digitally add logs and flames to the photos.

  • Place a few matching chairs around the fire pit.

Day of Shoot (prior to the arrival of photographer):

  • Remove cars from driveway &/or in front of house.

  • Close garage doors. (We will not shoot in the garage, so this is a good place to stash items which need to be hidden.)

  • Hide/remove garbage cans and recycling bins.

  • Remove garden hoses or at least coil up neatly.

  • Turn on fountains.

  • Remove cobwebs from eaves.

  • Remove pet’s waste and toys from yard.

  • If a twilight shoot, turn on ALL interior and exterior lights.

INTERIOR:

  • Replace all burned out lightbulbs. Try to have consistent bulb temperatures throughout the house (all incandescent or CFL.)

  • Remove all personal photographs, especially large ones.

  • Remove ALL clutter (magazines, newspapers, boxes, etc.)

  • Try to have only 1 item, maybe 2-3 items on each horizontal surface.

  • Do a THOROUGH cleaning! (Dust, vacuum, clean windows, mop floors, clean cabinets and countertops, polish furniture, etc.)

  • Clean fireplace(s). Remove ashes and clean glass. Leave the fireplace empty, and I will digitally add flames.

  • Remove all pet bowls, dishes, litter boxes, pet beds, etc.

  • Hint: We will not photograph closets and the garage, unless they are special features. They are good places to stash items during the shoot.

Kitchen:

  • Clear countertops. Only leave out 1-2 small appliances. NO knife blocks, baking supplies, mail, etc.

  • Clear refrigerator of magnets/artwork.

  • Hide all soap and sponges.

  • Put out a fresh, clean dish towel.

  • Strategically place a bowl of fruit or a low vase of flowers and maybe a bottle of wine with a couple of wine glasses.

Bathrooms:

  • Clear countertops.

  • Remove dirty towels and all floor mats/rugs.

  • Remove shampoo/conditioner bottles, soap, washclothes, kleenex and ALL personal items from counters, sink, shower, tub, toilet area.

  • Clean all glass/mirrors until they sparkle.

  • Clean light fixtures.

  • Put out clean, matching towels, either folded or hung neatly.

  • Think spa-like!

Bedrooms:

  • Make beds neatly.

  • Remove any and all clutter or personal items from dressers and nightstands.

  • Remove phone/charging stations.

  • Clean under bed, removing anything that might show.

Office:

  • Clear away paperwork and clutter.

  • Organize bookshelves.

  • Put away identifying items (family photos, diplomas, awards.)

  • Unplug and hide cords.

  • Turn off monitors.

Day of Shoot (prior to arrival of photographer):

  • Hide ALL garbage cans and hamper bins.

  • Lower ALL toilet lids.

  • Open ALL blinds, shades, curtains, unless there is something to hide outside.

  • Turn off overhead fans.

  • Turn on ALL lights, including lights under cabinets and over the stove.

  • Crate pets in garage or other area not included in photo shoot or plan to take them on a walk during the shoot.

  • Take a deep breath, relax, and let us show off your home!