Professional real estate photography can make a major difference in how a listing is presented online, but the quality of the final images also depends on how well the home is prepared before the photographer arrives.
The good news is that preparing a home for real estate photos does not require a full redesign. Most of the time, the goal is simply to make each room feel clean, open, bright, and easy for buyers to understand.
Here are a few of the most important things sellers and agents can do before a real estate photoshoot.
Declutter as Much as Possible
The camera sees everything.
Countertops, nightstands, bathroom vanities, desks, and other surfaces tend to photograph best when they are mostly clear. Removing extra items helps rooms feel larger and keeps buyers focused on the home instead of the belongings inside it.
In kitchens, try to remove small appliances, dish racks, cleaning supplies, and excess decorations from the counters.
In bathrooms, put away toothbrushes, toiletries, towels, trash cans, and personal items.
You do not have to make the house feel empty, but a little less clutter almost always photographs better.
Clean the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to attract a lot of attention in listing photos, so these rooms are worth a little extra preparation.
Make sure sinks are empty, countertops are wiped down, mirrors are clean, and cabinet fronts are free of fingerprints or smudges.
Close toilet lids, straighten towels, and remove bath mats when possible.
Small details like these can make a surprisingly big difference in the final photographs.
Open Blinds and Curtains
Natural light helps a home feel bright and inviting.
Before the photoshoot, open blinds and curtains wherever possible and make sure windows are not blocked by furniture or decorations.
If the home has attractive views, opening the window coverings also gives the photographer a better opportunity to show them.
Turn On the Lights
Before the photographer arrives, turn on interior lights throughout the home and replace any burned-out bulbs.
Try to keep bulb temperatures reasonably consistent as well. A room with some bright white bulbs and some very warm yellow bulbs can look uneven in photographs.
Exterior lights, lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and decorative fixtures can also help add warmth and depth to a room.
Make the Beds and Straighten the Bedrooms
Bedrooms should feel calm and simple.
Make the beds, straighten pillows, remove clothing, clear nightstands, and put away laundry baskets, phone chargers, and other personal items.
In children’s rooms, you do not need to remove every toy, but reducing clutter can help the room feel larger and more organized.
Prepare the Exterior
The outside of the home is often the first image buyers see, so curb appeal matters.
Move vehicles out of the driveway when possible. Put away trash cans, garden hoses, toys, tools, and other loose items.
Mow the lawn, sweep porches, straighten patio furniture, and make sure outdoor spaces are ready to photograph.
If the property includes a pool, patio, deck, fire pit, or other outdoor feature, take a few minutes to make those areas look inviting.
Remove Pets and Pet Items
If possible, have pets out of the home during the photoshoot.
Also put away food bowls, pet beds, litter boxes, toys, crates, and other pet-related items.
This keeps the rooms looking clean and also makes it easier for the photographer to move efficiently through the home.
Let the Photographer Photograph the Home as It Is Meant to Be Seen
One of the best things you can do before a real estate photoshoot is finish the preparation before the photographer arrives.
Once the shoot begins, the photographer can focus entirely on composition, lighting, angles, and making the property look its best.
At Chris W Jones Media, my goal is to create photographs that help buyers understand the layout, features, and character of a home while presenting the property in a clean, natural, and professional way.
If you have an upcoming listing in Nashville or Middle Tennessee, a little preparation before the photoshoot can go a long way toward creating stronger listing images.
