Getting Ready for Your Shoot
A short checklist to help your property look its best on shoot day. If the home is already tidy, this will go quickly.
About 20 minutes of prepThe Essentials
- Clear kitchen and bathroom counters down to a few intentional items
- Put away personal items, mail, toiletries, laundry, and dishes
- Turn on every light, including lamps, and replace any burnt-out bulbs
- Open all blinds and curtains for natural light
- Turn ceiling fans off so the blades photograph cleanly
- Make the beds and straighten the pillows
- Turn off televisions and computer screens
- Store vacuums, mops, brooms, and cleaning supplies out of sight
- Bring in trash and recycling bins, including any at the curb
A Few Special Notes
- Pets. Please keep pets crated, in a closed room, or offsite during the shoot. Tucking away bowls, beds, and litter boxes helps the photos as well.
- Driveway and curb. Please move all vehicles, including your own, off the driveway and away from the front of the home. A clear driveway makes a noticeable difference in exterior and aerial shots.
- Garage. Keep the garage door closed unless the space is a feature you would like photographed.
- Refrigerator. Clear magnets, photos, calendars, and artwork from the doors.
Room by Room
Kitchen
Clear the counters to a few intentional pieces, such as a bowl of fruit or a cutting board. Empty the sink, hide sponges and soap, and put small appliances away.
Living Areas
Straighten cushions and rugs, tuck away remotes and visible cords, and put away toys and shoes.
Bedrooms
Make the beds neatly and clear the nightstands down to a lamp or a single item. Close closet doors.
Bathrooms
Clear the counters, hang fresh towels, and close toilet lids, shower curtains, and hamper lids.
Outside
- Tidy the entry and sweep the porch or walkway
- Mow the lawn and clear any leaves or debris
- Coil and put away hoses and lawn equipment
- Straighten patio furniture and cover the grill
- Put away toys, trampolines, and sports equipment
- Skim the pool and remove floats and pool toys
- Turn on fountains and water features
- Remove seasonal decorations, flags, and yard signs
- Turn off sprinklers so walkways stay dry
Booked for Video or Aerial?
Video
Hide visible cords and chargers, silence phones and doorbells, and keep pets and family members out of frame while we are filming.
Aerial and Drone
A clear driveway and yard matter most here. If you are in a quiet neighborhood, a brief heads-up to neighbors is a courteous touch, as the drone will be in the air for a short time.
Drone Permissions
If your HOA, gated community, or building management requires advance approval for drone flights, please arrange it before shoot day. We handle FAA airspace authorization on our end, but community-level permission has to come from the owner or listing agent.
Access and Arrival
A quick note on any of these before shoot day saves everyone a return trip.
- Gated community. Please send us the gate code or add us to the guest list ahead of time.
- Security system. Please disarm the alarm, or send the code if you will not be there.
- Entry. If you will not be home, let us know how we should access the property.
- Vacant homes. Please confirm the power and water are on so lights and fixtures work.
On the Day
- Please have the home fully ready before your scheduled window begins.
- Feel free to step out while we work. Shoots move fastest when we can move freely from room to room.
- If something comes up and the home will not be ready, just let us know as early as you can so we can adjust.
Questions before shoot day? We are always happy to help.