Preparing a home to be photographed
Pre-Shoot
- Schedule the photo shoot – consider golden hour on a day with fair weather.
- Schedule cleaning and landscaping a couple of days before your shoot.
- Provide the photographer with access (i.e. lock box code) and make sure nothing is locked preventing access to the entire property (i.e. exterior fence).
Interior
- Clean and declutter: Make sure the interior of the property is clean and tidy, and remove any clutter that may detract from the photos.
- Focus on key areas: Pay particular attention to the key interior areas of the home such as the kitchen, living area, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
- Make sure lighting is ideal: Natural light is best, so make sure curtains and blinds are open and any dark corners are illuminated.
Exterior
- Schedule landscaping a few days before the shoot. Lawns and hedges look their best when they’ve had a couple of days to recoup from a trim.
- Clean and tidy: Pay attention to outdoor furniture and overall appearance. Double-check the outside for little items that do not show well in photos – broken flower pots, trash, tree limbs, etc.
- Schedule service for hot tubs (drain, clean, and refill) and/or pools (cleaning) for the day before your shoot. Ensure all amenities show their best before photography.
- Stage the exterior: Consider adding outdoor furniture and decor to showcase the property’s outdoor living spaces.
Overall
- Consider the location: Highlight any unique features of the location, such as views of mountains/lakes/nearby attractions.
- Take or ask for a variety of photos: Take a range of photos that showcase the different areas of the property.
- Photo Editing: Photos should be edited to improve the lighting, color, and clarity. Good editing is consistent across all photos to provide aesthetic continuity. Make sure edits highlight what’s great while not making the property look unrealistic. Keep it honest and don’t edit out features that a guest will see in person.
- Consider including neighborhood photos, nearby attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest to give renters a sense of the location. No more than two or three and only if these add value to your listing.
- Update the photos: Make sure to update the photos regularly to ensure they accurately reflect the current state of the property.