Preparing for the shoot

Cleaning and staging should be finished before the appointment, ideally the day before. I will move small items such as flowers or a picture to improve composition, but larger items and staging accessories need to be in place before I arrive.

General preparation

• Be shoot ready. Cleaning and staging done in advance, preferably the day before.
• Secure or remove pets. Dogs must be secured or off the property for the safety of the equipment. Cats should be secured too. Hide food and water bowls.
• Plan not to be seen. Occupants should be off the property or in areas out of frame. Rooms overlap in photographs, people cast shadows and reflections, and equipment is set up throughout.
• Use the garage for storage. I do not normally shoot garages, so it is the best place to hide things.

Outside

• Clear the cars from the driveway, and from the street in front if possible.
• Hide trashcans at the side of the property or in the garage.
• Hide hoses the day before, since moving them leaves puddles.
• Prep the yard at least 24 hours ahead. Mowed and cleared of toys and tools.
• Turn off sprinklers. Do not water on the day of the shoot.
• Pick up after the dog.
• Prep the pool and spa. Clean, covers removed, and instructions left for the realtor.
• Prep water features. Fountains and waterfalls clean and ready to run.
• Remove the for-sale sign if it is already installed. Visible signs violate MLS photo rules and cannot always be edited out. Schedule sign installation after the shoot.
• Clean patio furniture. Dust and cobwebs removed, but do not hose it down on the day.

Inside

• Declutter the kitchen. A few items on the counters are fine; dishes, sponges, and rags put away. Clear the refrigerator of magnets and pictures, and remove throw rugs.
• Declutter bathrooms. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and razors hidden. Decorative soaps, candles, and flowers preferred. Remove throw rugs.
• Prep bedrooms. Beds made, items put away.
• Hide trashcans in closets or the garage.
• Hide portable fans. Ceiling fans sell; portable fans give the wrong impression.
• Hide cords and remotes. Some cords cannot be hidden, but remotes and consoles can.
• Clear entryways of shoes and umbrellas.
• Open blinds with views. The photographs will show the view where there is one, and clean light where there is not.
• Turn on every light before I arrive, and replace burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours ahead.
• Turn off ceiling fans.

Twilight shoots

Twilight has a tight schedule to catch optimal light, so please have these ready before I arrive.

• All interior and exterior lights on, with burned-out bulbs replaced 24 hours ahead.
• Spa cover removed, spa running, spa lights on.
• Pool lights on.
• Water features running.

Thank you for taking the time to work through this. If you have any questions, please contact me any time.

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