Before the Shoot

Preparing Your Property for Photography Day

Great photos start before the camera comes out. The checklist below takes most owners about two hours and makes the difference between a listing that looks professional and one that looks staged in a hurry. Please have everything ready before the scheduled arrival time — the camera sees every cord and coffee mug that the eye has learned to ignore.

One principle guides it all: rental photos sell a ready-made stay, not empty space. Every amenity mentioned in your listing should appear in the photos at its best — we hide clutter and personal items, not the things your guests are paying for.

Throughout the Home

• Deep-clean every room, including floors and mirrors — glass and reflections show everything. Windows: no need to do the whole house, but wipe any that are visibly streaked or dusty in the rooms we'll be shooting
• Turn on all lights, including lamps and under-cabinet lighting; replace any burnt-out bulbs with matching color temperature
• Open all curtains and blinds evenly; raise shades to the same height
• Turn off all TVs and computer screens; switch ceiling fans off (they blur in photos)
• Remove personal items: family photos, mail, documents, medications, chargers and visible cords
• Put away pet bowls, beds, toys, and litter boxes; plan for pets to be out of the house or securely away during the shoot
• Hide trash bins, laundry baskets, and shoes

Kitchen

• Clear the counters of everyday clutter, then stage the amenities guests are choosing you for: set up the coffee station (machine, mugs, a jar of pods or beans), the toaster or kettle — clean, aligned, ready to use
• Remove everything from the refrigerator door: magnets, notes, photos
• Empty and wipe the sink; put away sponges, dish soap, and used towels
• Hide worn or mismatched items — anything that stays in the frame should look like it belongs in a hotel

Bedrooms

• Make beds hotel-style: linens ironed or steamed, pillows plumped, bedspread pulled tight — wrinkled bedding is the single most common reason photos disappoint
• Clear nightstands down to a lamp and one or two objects
• Nothing on the floor or visible under the beds; closet doors closed

Bathrooms

• Remove all personal toiletries: toothbrushes, razors, half-used bottles. Guest amenities stay — refilled dispensers, wrapped soaps, neatly arranged toiletry sets are worth showing
• Close toilet lids; empty trash bins
• Hang fresh, neatly folded towels. Bath mats can stay if they're clean and in good shape — straighten them square to the tub; swap out anything faded, frayed, or bunched up

Show Off Your Amenities

• Guests filter listings by amenities — if you offer it, we should photograph it: dedicated workspace, smart TV, board games, welcome basket
• Set up the extras: crib or high chair if you list them, beach chairs and gear, bikes, EV charger
• Uncover and wipe down the grill; stage the fire pit or outdoor dining area as if guests arrive tonight

Exterior & Curb Appeal

• Move all vehicles off the driveway and away from the front of the house
• Hide garbage bins, hoses, and garden tools; put away children's toys
• Mow the lawn and sweep walkways a day before
• Arrange patio furniture, put out cushions, open the umbrella
• Pool or hot tub: remove the cover, skim the water, tuck away maintenance equipment

If Video or a 3D Tour Is Booked

• Everything above applies to every room — the camera moves through the whole property, nothing stays off-frame
• Plan for a quiet house: no contractors, cleaners, or occupants moving between rooms during capture

I don't move heavy furniture, clean, or handle personal belongings — for reasons of care and liability, that part stays in the owner's hands.

Questions before the shoot? Call (860) 625-5655 or reply to your booking confirmation — I'd rather answer twice than have you guess once.

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