Property Prep Lists – Residential

In order to ensure your property is ready to be shown at its best, you should consider a few things before the photographer arrives.

Doing all of these, or as many as are applicable, will make your session as straightforward as possible. If you’re in any doubt at all please consult your photographer or agent before the session.

Cleaning and moving items within the property

For insurance reasons, unless specifically agreed in advance, the photographer will not be responsible for cleaning the property or moving any items. This is the responsibility of the homeowner or their representative and should be completed before the photographer arrives on location.

Please make sure that both the inside and outside of the property are cleaned, washed, and cleared before the photographer arrives to ensure the best possible result.

Exterior

  1. If possible, remove all cars from the driveway for a clear front view.
  2. Remove all Wheelie Bins, etc.
  3. Remove Garden Tools & Equipment.
  4. Wind up & hang any garden hoses (or remove them).
  5. Remove covers from any outdoor furniture and clean as necessary.
  6. Open any patio umbrellas.
  7. Remove any fallen leaves.
  8. If possible, mow the lawn, and wash the driveway.
  9. If you have pets please ensure all signs of animal waste are cleared.
  10. Wash all external windows and check for streaks/smears.
  11. Any pool area should be fully cleaned (do you want pool covers open or closed?)

Lighting

  1. Decide whether you want your lights on or off for the shoot.
  2. If you want them on please;
    1. Make sure they are all turned on and warmed up.
    2. Make sure that all the bulbs work.
    3. Make sure that all the lights have the same colour temperature output (some are more yellow, others can be more blue), this will be very obvious in photos, if you have a mixture of light colours perhaps consider not having all the lights on.
  3. If you want them off please;
    1. Make sure that all window coverings are as open as possible, we want as much natural light as possible.

Interior

  1. Turn on all lights if you are using them.
  2. Make sure that all lights are the same colour temperature (If mixed perhaps it might be better with lights off).
  3. Open all blinds, and curtains (using tie-backs where possible).
  4. Remove pet bowls, toys, and litter boxes.
  5. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter.
  6. Remove personal photos, remotes, portable electronics, toys, waste bins etc.
  7. Ensure no personally identifiable information is on display (letters, utility bills, etc).
  8. Remove newspapers, magazines, and unread letters.
  9. Hide or at least tidy/tie all exposed cables.
  10. Remove notes, photos, and magnetic letters (especially if someone has used them to spell naughty words).
  11. Square up rugs, tables, etc.
  12. Consider getting carpets/rugs properly cleaned.
  13. Clean interiors of all windows/mirrors (and check for streaks/smears).
  14. Clear all countertops (floral arrangements, pottery etc can definitely remain).
  15. Wipe down all surfaces so that they are clean and clear of fingerprints (The camera is amazing at picking up fingerprints).
  16. Clean appliances, taps etc.
  17. Put clothes away, don’t have washing hanging to dry (unless you have a dedicated laundry area).

Kitchens / Utilities / Laundries

  1. Ensure all appliances are cleaned.
  2. Make sure all plinths and the top of cabinets are cleaned.
  3. Remove any items with may be fixed to the appliances (sticky notes, magnetic words, etc).
  4. Declutter the worktops as much as possible.

Bedrooms

  1. Make beds.
  2. Tidy Shelves/desk/play areas.
  3. Put clothes away.
  4. Remove or hide items from bedside tables, dressing tops etc.

Bathrooms

  1. Remove personal care items.
  2. Clean/Wipe down all surfaces ensuring that they are clean and clear of fingerprints (The camera is fantastic at picking up fingerprints and smears on surfaces).
  3. Don’t forget to clean any shower screens.
  4. Lower all toilet seats and replace the toilet roll with a full roll (why not fold the first sheet into a triangle for that little extra touch).
  5. Remove and waste bins.
  6. Consider removing/hiding any bath/shower mats unless absolutely necessary.

The Weather

We love to talk about the weather in the UK, it has a habit of ruining the best-laid plans. Please check the weather before the session as this may impact the images, for example, external photos may not be possible if it’s raining and drones do not mix well at all with wind & rain.

If in doubt please call to check with me first to avoid disappointment or possible costs for return visits/rescheduling.

Close Menu
╳