How to Prepare Your Home for Professional Photos

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions start online. Professional photos help your property stand out, attract more buyers, and spark showings. The good news? Your home doesn’t have to be perfect to look great in photos. A little preparation goes a long way.

Here’s a guide to help you get photo-ready without the stress.

Before the Shoot

Outside

• Remove cars from the driveway and, if possible, from the street in front.

• Put away personal items, garden tools, hoses, toys, and seasonal décor.

• Sweep driveways, walkways, patios, and porches.

• Arrange patio or deck furniture

• Mow the lawn and tidy landscaping.

• Clean pools or ponds and remove covers.

• Turn on all exterior lights.

Main Living Areas

• Hide personal photos, clutter, trash cans, cleaning supplies, and pet items.

• Remove extra furniture or rugs that make rooms feel smaller.

• Open blinds or shades

• Replace burnt-out bulbs.

• Turn on all lights.

• Make sure TVs, fans, and computer screens are turned off.

Kitchen

• Clear countertops completely — store small appliances, food, and towels.

• Empty the sink and hide dish racks or soaps.

• Remove magnets, calendars, and notes from the fridge.

• Wipe down all surfaces, backsplash, and appliances.

Dining Room

• Straighten and push in chairs.

Bedrooms

• Make beds neatly with pillows.

• Clear nightstands and dressers.

• Put away clothes and shoes; tidy closets.

• Remove small rugs if possible to show off flooring.

Bathrooms

• Remove all toiletries from counters, tubs, and showers.

• Close toilet lids.

• Hang fresh towels or remove them.

• Check that all lights are working.

  
  

On Photo Day

• I’ll photograph both the inside and outside of the home, including all major rooms. If there are special features you’d like highlighted, please let me know.

• The session usually takes 45–60 minutes depending on the size of the property.

• To keep things moving smoothly (and to avoid being caught in wide-angle shots), it helps if everyone — including pets — steps outside, stays on another floor, or relaxes in a small room during the shoot.

A Final Note

Your home doesn’t need to be perfect — buyers are looking at the space, not the small details. If you’d like to go the extra mile, this list covers everything you can do to prepare.

(⭐ The items marked in red are the most important.)

My job is to handle the photography and editing so your home shines in its best light. With your preparation and my expertise, we’ll make sure your listing stands out. 👉 Please use this link to download a printable version of this checklist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mtSdSU38_ak39o6bI8z41AgFoisPXUtw3LNDAXiu2g8/edit?usp=sharing