Before the Photoshoot

How to Prep Your Home for Photos

Everyday clean is not always photo-ready. Prep the home like you would for an open house — before the photographer arrives.

These steps must be done prior to arrival — not on the photographer’s time. Photo day is for photography. Cleaning and decluttering do not start when they walk in.

Use this checklist for sale listings and rental listings. A camera catches everything buyers and renters will notice online.

01 · Curb Appeal

Outside

First impressions start in the driveway. Clear the front so the home — not the clutter — leads every shot.

1
No cars in the drivewayPark away from the front of the house — not along the curb in front of the home.
2
Hide garbage cans & hosesMove bins, recycling, and garden hoses out of sight.
3
Patio & toys tidyNeaten patio furniture. Put away pool toys and all outdoor toys.
4
Front door closedKeep the front door closed for exterior shots unless asked otherwise.
5
Nothing that dates the photosRemove holiday décor and seasonal items that will look outdated later.
6
No political or realtor signsRemove yard signs, flags, and competing brokerage signage before shoot time.

Clear driveway

Clean entry

Neat outdoor living

02 · Whole Home

Inside

Light, calm, and clear. The less visual noise, the larger and more inviting every room looks online.

1
All lights on — including lampsIf bulbs are mismatched colors, leave those fixtures off.
2
All fans completely offCeiling fans blur in photos. Turn every fan off.
3
Lift small area rugsRemove small rugs that hide nice floors.
4
Open window treatmentsOpen blinds and curtains unless the neighbor’s home is too close.
5
Declutter every surfacePapers off counters, items off the fridge and tables. Less is better — including large kitchen appliances like toasters and air fryers.
6
Remove baby / pet gatesTake down restraining gates when possible.
7
No seasonal décor insideHoliday decorations date the listing photos.
8
Replace dead or mismatched bulbsBurned-out or mixed-color bulbs show up clearly on camera.
9
Personal photos (optional)Remove framed photos from counters and walls if you prefer privacy — or ask us to blur them.

03 · Heart of the Home

Kitchen

Kitchens sell homes and rentals. Clear counters photograph like more space and a move-in-ready lifestyle.

1
Minimize small appliancesStore what you can. Leave only essentials if needed.
2
No drying rack on the counterPut dishes away and clear the sink area.
3
No towels on oven / fridge handlesRemove hanging dish towels.
4
Hide the trash canMove garbage cans out of frame.
5
Clear the sinkNo dish soap, sponges, or scrub brushes on the sink.
6
Clear the fridgeNo magnets, papers, or clutter on or on top of the refrigerator.
7
Pet bowls & beds awayRemove pet food dishes and pet beds from living areas.

Clean quartz counters

Shiny empty sink

Open & bright

04 · Spa-Ready

Bathrooms

Bathrooms should feel hotel-clean. If you can see it through glass, the camera can too.

1
Toilet seats downEvery bathroom, every toilet.
2
Put away shampoo bottlesGlass showers show everything — store products out of sight.
3
Clear hooks & door backsNo robes, towels, or hanging items on hooks or door backs.
4
Declutter countersNo toothbrushes, razors, makeup, or daily products on the vanity.
5
Remove bath matsTake bath mats off the floor for a cleaner look.
6
Hide plungers, brushes & trashRemove plungers, toilet brushes, and garbage cans from view.

Where to stash the extras

We typically do not photograph closets, laundry rooms, or garages unless requested. Use those spaces to store excess items so they stay out of the main living areas.

Important on photo day

If items still need a home, we understand you cannot move everything at once. Photographers do not move belongings room to room during the shoot. Prep as much as you can beforehand.

During the shoot

All occupants should wait outside or on an opposite floor. This keeps the shoot efficient and ensures no one appears in frames or blocks the photographer.

Final Check — Before They Arrive

Walk the property once more. Confirm each line before the photographer gets there.

Are all cars out of the driveway?
Are all lights and lamps turned on?
Are all fans turned off?
Is the house decluttered and ready?

This is your one shot at an “open house” that hundreds of people will study online every day. Let’s make yours the best-looking home on the market.

Questions before photo day?

Ask in advance — not after the photographer arrives.
Lana Kim · Black Friday Realty · eXp Realty

Call / Text (917) 703-5880 Email Lana