Better Homes & Gardens shared this list of 34 things to do to prepare a home for professional photography.
Inside the Home
- De-clutter as much as possible. Put away toys, clothing, dishes, towels, shoes etc. It’s a lot cheaper to put these things away before the photo shoot than to pay to have the photos “photoshopped”.
- Depersonalized to a certain degree. Photos of young children and any potentially offensive art (believe me, I’ve seen it all!) should be put away.
- Remove any seasonal/holiday decorations that can quickly outdate your photos.
- Dust and vacuum.
- Make all the beds, fluff all the pillows, and check the bed skirts.
- Clean the kitchen sink and put away all the dishes.
- Clear all kitchen counter tops and put away toasters, can openers, etc.
- Clear all bathroom counter tops and put away all personal items.
- Remove all shampoos, conditioners, body-washes, etc. from the shower.
- Put out the guest towels and hide all the others.
- Hide all trash cans.
- Remove all magnets and decorations from the refrigerator.
- If there are pets, hide all food/water bowls, pet beds, and pet toys.
- Put all toilet seats and lids down.
- Replace all burned out light bulbs.
- Consider decorating the tables with your prettiest place settings.
- Consider putting out vases of fresh flowers.
Outside the Home
- Seasonal: Have the lawn trimmed, leaves raked, bushes and trees pruned.
- Clean up after any animals
- Put away all garbage cans, hoses, garden tools, toys, bikes etc.
- Hide any “cute” yard decorations.
- In snowy climates, shovel snow from walkways, driveways, patios, decks when necessary.
- If there is a pool, hot tub, or spa, take any security gate down, uncover, and clean.
- If there will be any twilight photos taken, replace any broken lighting on the home, around the landscape, and in the pool.
- Open the umbrellas on any patio sets.
- When in season, uncover grills.
- Remove any seasonal/holiday decorations.
- Consider adding splashes of bright colored flowers to the landscape and in pots.
Right Before the Photographer Arrives
- Turn on ALL interior lights – even lights in furniture cabinets.
- Turn OFF all ceiling fans.
- Light fireplaces and candles.
- Open all blinds, shades, and curtains.
- Clear all cars and vehicles from the driveway and the street in front of the home.
- Please secure any potentially aggressive animals in a safe location, away from all rooms being photographed.
34 Tips to Prepare a Home For Professional Photography
Better Homes & Gardens

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