How to prepare property for a photo shoot?
It is a Sales Representative responsibility to arrange these activities with his/her clients.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in rescheduling or additional fees for reshooting.
This is a partial list of typical items needed to be removed, but not a complete list. Please inquire about questionable items.
We appreciate your cooperation!
General
- Check both indoors and outdoors for clutter. Make sure everything is neat and tidy.
- Please make sure all loose items throughout your home are put away. This includes personal items like cell phones, iPods, shoes, books, brief cases, jewelry, etc. Please have children’s toys, playpens, highchairs put in rooms that will not be shot like the laundry room. If you are going to be home, please have all inside lights on. Leave venetian blinds down and turned slightly upwards.
- Try to avoid being in the room where the photographer is taking photos to prevent being in the shot.
- Avoid scheduling other workers to be in the home at the same time, as it may hinder the photography process. We just end up in each other’s way and it makes it difficult for everyone to do their job appropriately.
- Make arrangements for pets. They should be kenneled or at doggie day care, so the photographer can access all areas of the home for photographing.
- Please ensure pillows are properly arranged, and remove all throws from chairs. If any lights are set on timers, please deactivate the timers. Please put away remotes.
Outdoors
- Spruce up your lawn and garden. Trim shrubbery and replace or remove dead plants if necessary.
- Yard and patio/porch should be neat and tidy. Outdoor furniture should be clean and neat.
- Mow the lawn and water if it has turned brown in the summertime.
- Clear clutter – toys, bikes, brooms, etc.
- Winter – keep the pool clear and clean.
Living Areas
- Remove clutter and tidy up tables, furniture and shelves
- Move excess furniture out of the room (pet crates, tray tables, etc.). A clean, open, clutter free space is best.
- Replace burnt out light bulbs! These really stick out in the photos.
- Don’t tuck things behind doors or under furniture. The camera catches it every time!
Kitchen
- Clear any clutter from the counters. Move the basket of mail, meds, brown bananas, cooking tools (spatula, etc.), toaster, and toaster ovens. (Can be placed in oven).
- Make sure dishes are put away. Don’t leave them in the sink or on the drain board. Remove any wet cloths, soaps, etc., from the sink area. Empty and put away the garbage can.
- Remove all items from the fridge, including those on top.
- Remove any hand towels from the oven or cabinets. Dish racks should also be removed.
Dining Room
- If possible, a table setting is appropriate. Flowers and plants are fine, but not too many as that can clutter the shot.
Bathrooms
- Close the toilet lid and empty the garbage can.
- Clean the mirror and glass surfaces. The flash really highlights those smudges and water marks.
- Hang towels neatly from the towel rack. Remove clothing from hooks or the back of the door.
- Please remove all toiletry items from sink like toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, etc.
- Please pick up any wipe off rugs or toilet bibs (unless to cover floor impairment).
- For sunken tubs, whirlpool tubs, etc., please remove shampoos, soaps, etc. (Closets are a good place to put items to be removed.)
The Photographer Will NOT
- Move furniture
- Clean or dust
- Pick up clutter (toys, dishes, pet beds etc.)
- Photographers will not wait for areas to be cleaned as they have several tours each day. Each tour deserves its full-time allotment.
The Photographer Will
- Make minor adjustments for better photo composition.
- Work with you to find a time that is convenient for photographing.
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