Prep Is Everything!

My goal is to deliver the highest-quality images and videos possible. Keep in mind that I can only capture photos as good as the rooms and property look — prep is everything! All homes should be camera-ready well before I arrive on location.

To help ensure your photos and videos turn out their best, I’ve put together a basic checklist to look over so everything is staged and prepped for our shoot.

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Tip 1: Clean and declutter.
Staging your property is key! Try to have everything finished a day before your shoot. I may move a few items as I photograph to improve composition, but everything should be ready beforehand. All clutter can be stored in the garage if needed.

 

Tip 2: Update lighting if possible.
If you can, switch out all bulbs to daylight-balanced lighting. This will improve the color and brightness of your images. Most homes have warm yellow bulbs, and while I can work with that, having proper color balance in-camera makes a big difference before we even start editing.

 

Tip 3: Pets and pet items.
Remove all pet toys, food, and water bowls. As much as I love pets, please plan to have them out of the house for the duration of the shoot. Sessions can range from 1–4 hours depending on the size of the property, and moving pets (and their things) from room to room can slow down the process.

 

Tip 4: Plan to be out of view.
It’s best to plan on being away from the property or staying in an area that won’t be seen during photos or video. With video work, lights and equipment move around often — we don’t want anyone accidentally appearing in the background or casting shadows that can’t be removed later.

 

Tip 5: Exterior prep.
Make sure cars are out of the driveway and trash cans are stored in the garage. Tuck away any hoses. If you have a dog, please clean up the yard completely. Remove any pet or kids’ toys left outside. Clean and vacuum pools and hot tubs. Remove For Sale signs.
Do basic landscaping — mow the lawn the day before, rake leaves in the fall, and tidy up decks or patios. Make sure BBQs and outdoor furniture are clean and arranged neatly.

 

Tip 6: Twilight shoots.
These sessions move quickly since we only have a small window of time to capture the perfect light. Make sure all outdoor lighting works properly the day before — replace any flickering or burnt-out bulbs. Turn on every light in the home, and don’t forget about backyard ambiance: tiki torches, pool lights, hot tub lights, fire pits, Edison bulbs, etc.

 

Tip 7: Bathrooms and kitchens.
Kitchen countertops should be clean and clear of all food. Hide trash cans in a closet. A few simple staging items are fine, but keep things minimal.
In bathrooms, remove everything from the counters and clean thoroughly. Hide away soaps, shampoo, razors, toothbrushes, and toothpaste — and don’t forget to put the toilet lid down!

 

Tip 8: Bedrooms and living rooms.
Remove all toys, shoes, and personal photos you don’t want visible. Hide remote controls, wires, and modems where possible. Open all blinds or curtains that reveal great views — sometimes, it’s that view you’re selling!