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!