Before the photo session
Get your home
photo-ready.
A little preparation helps your home look its best and keeps your photography or video session running smoothly.
Before we arrive: Please finish cleaning, staging and decluttering.
Throughout the home
- Clean floors, counters and windows.
- Turn on all lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Set dimmers around halfway.
- Switch off ceiling fans, televisions and computer screens.
- Open blinds and curtains to welcome natural light.
- Put away shoes, coats, loose cords and everyday clutter.
- Put away personal photographs and documents you do not want pictured.
Kitchens & bathrooms
- Clear countertops of personal items and cleaning supplies.
- Put away dish towels, sponges and drying racks.
- Remove toiletries from sinks, showers and tubs.
- Close toilet lids and hide bathroom bins.
- Clean mirrors and shower glass.
- Display neat decorative towels.
- Remove small rugs and mats to show the flooring.
Living spaces & bedrooms
- Make beds and arrange pillows neatly.
- Clear nightstands and dressers of personal items.
- Remove items visible under beds.
- Put away laundry, toys and pet supplies.
- Complete cleaning and staging before the session.
Outside & access
- Prepare the yard, patio and main entry before we arrive.
- Put away toys, hoses, tools and visible trash cans.
- Move vehicles out of areas you want photographed.
- Secure pets away from the photography areas.
- Arrange property access in advance and let us know about any special instructions.
We photograph the home as presented.
Cleaning, staging, moving furniture and removing clutter are not included. Minor adjustments to lights, blinds or pillows may be made. Please put away personal belongings and complete preparation in advance.
Preparing for video?
Keep people and pets clear of the recording areas so we can move smoothly through the property. If you have an agent introduction planned, arrive ready to record with your short script prepared.
Planning a Twilight Shoot?
Test interior, exterior and landscape lighting before the appointment and have it ready to switch on. Prepare patios, landscaping and exterior views before sunset. Have any pool lighting or outdoor features planned for the shoot ready to use, and arrange property access for the evening session.
The First Showing · 513-200-3611 · TheFirstShowing.com/preparing-basics/