Preparing Your Home for Photography: How to Get the Best Results

When I photograph a home, my goal is simple: showcase your property in the best possible way.

Professional photography can make a huge difference, but the final result also depends on how the home is prepared before I arrive. A clean, organized space helps buyers focus on the home—not the distractions.

Outside the Home

Before your photography session, I recommend:

• Move vehicles, garbage bins, and recycling bins away from the front of the home.

• Sweep driveways, walkways, patios, decks, and porches.

• Put away garden hoses, tools, toys, and anything that creates clutter.

• Mow the lawn within a few days of the shoot, trim bushes, remove weeds, and rake leaves if needed.

• Arrange outdoor furniture and clean pools or water features if applicable.

• If possible, wait until after the photos are taken before installing real estate signs.

Inside the Home

To help your home look its best:

• Turn on all lights and turn off ceiling fans.

• Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and avoid mixing different bulb colours.

• Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light where appropriate.

• Remove unnecessary clutter from every room.

• Clean bathrooms, remove personal items, close toilet lids, and wipe mirrors and glass.

• Make all beds neatly and remove chargers, clothing, and personal items from bedrooms.

• Organize offices by hiding cables and clearing desks.

• In the kitchen, keep countertops clean with only a few decorative items. Remove dish towels, soap bottles, pet bowls, trash cans, and anything attached to the refrigerator.

A Quick Note

These recommendations are completely optional.

I'll always photograph your home as it is, and I'll professionally edit every image to create the best possible presentation. However, editing has its limits. My job is to represent your property accurately, not to create something that isn't there.

I can improve lighting, colours, and overall presentation, but I won't make changes that misrepresent the condition of your home. The better your home is prepared before the shoot, the better the final images will be.

At the end of the day, I'm representing your listing. My goal is to help it make the strongest first impression possible while keeping everything honest, professional, and realistic.

Thanks for taking the time to prepare your home. A little effort before the shoot can make a big difference in the final result.