Pre Shoot Checklist

Preparing your home for a photographer can be challenging and time-consuming. To make the process easier, we have created a checklist that will help you feel prepared for the big day. Use these tips to maximize your time with the photographer and make your house shine!

General

• Declutter all services and organize all shelving

• Remove family photos

• Remove personal ornaments and Memorabilia
• Remove animal food bowls, bedding, and toys

Exterior

• Remove cars from the driveway and front of the home, either in the garage or down the street. Garage doors must remain closed.

• Hide garbage cans, hoses, and gardening tools.

• Mow the lawn and remove any leftover debris (twigs, branches, discernable weeds).

• Remove any toys or sports equipment from the lawn and driveway.

• Uncover pools and hot tubs if clean; skim leaves. We will turn on lights and hot tub jets. Please put away cleaning equipment.

• Clean and arrange outside furniture, open patio table umbrella, tidy chairs, and plump cushions.

• Remove grill cover and hide utensils.

• Sweep sidewalks, driveway, patio, decks, and pool area.

• Tidy woodpiles into stacks and clear any bark or kindling piles from view.

• Remove all flags, hanging ornaments, and home security signs.

Lighting

• Turn on ALL lights in the house; replace burnt-out bulbs.

• Turn ON ceiling fan lights; please keep fan OFF.

• If a window has curtains, please open them. If the window has blinds, lower them but keep horizontal slats open.

• Turn all TVs and computer screens OFF.

• Any glass door/window/mirror should be clean and free of streaks or fingerprints.

Kitchen/Dining Room

• Recommended: Use standard dining table set up (i.e. plates, napkins, placemats, cutlery. Place bowl of fruit or flowers to add color, if possible).

• Clean off and wipe down all countertops.

• Remove appliances, knife blocks, toasters, etc. ONE nice, modern-looking device can stay (i.e., coffee maker or tea kettle on stove).

• Remove all items from the refrigerator (no magnets, pictures, etc.)

• Remove throw rugs, hanging towels, and paper towels.

• Hide garbage can, remove dishes, and drain stopper.

• Straighten and tidy all chairs.

Bedrooms

• Make all beds; use decorative pillows if available.

• Remove ALL clutter from end tables, dressers, and nightstands. This includes personal photos, drinking cups, alarm clocks, etc.).

• Store away the phone, tablets, charging cords, books, tissues, and other items.

• If possible, remove all personal photos.

• Address any clutter under the bed that may show in photos or video.

• Walk-in closets should be clean and kept.

Bathrooms

• Arrange clean hand and body towels to be orderly.

• Hide all trash cans, plungers, or toilet scrubbers.

• Remove floor mats, and be sure to close the toilet seat. Apply fresh toilet paper roll.

• Remove hygiene products from the counter, including bar soap, medications, and toothbrushes.

• Remove shampoos, razors, and loofahs from the shower; close the shower curtain or door.

• Clean streaks from shower glass.

Living Room/Family Room

• Vacuum, sweep, and mop where appropriate. This includes sweeping/dusting wooden floors.

• Tidy couches, fluff pillows, and remove clutter from tables/desks. 

• Remove remotes, magazines, visible electric cords, and pedestal fans.
• Add a coffee table book or nice homeware to coffee table.
• Tidy any shelving, placing books, games, and decorations in an orderly fashion. Remove clutter and personal photos. Shelves should be as clear and uncluttered as possible.

• Dust off any screens.

• Sweep wooden floors.