As a property photographer with over 17 years of experience covering the beautiful areas of Somerset, Bristol, and Bath, I’ve seen it all. From sprawling farmhouses near Glastonbury to modern apartments in the heart of Bristol, the one thing that universally makes a home look its absolute best in photos is simple: decluttering. Before I even take out my camera, the most crucial preparation is creating a clean, inviting space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. I send this checklist to every client before a property photography shoot in Somerset, Bristol, or Bath.
Great property photography is about selling a lifestyle, a dream. When potential buyers are scrolling through listings, you have a split second to grab their attention. A cluttered, overly personal space can be an instant turn-off. It distracts the eye and, more importantly, makes rooms appear smaller and darker. My job is to capture your home in the best possible light, quite literally. I specialise in using natural light and advanced High Dynamic Range (HDR) techniques to create bright, airy, and realistic images. A well-prepared, clutter-free room allows that beautiful Somerset light to flood in and work its magic, making your property look its absolute best.
To help you prepare, I’ve put together my definitive room-by-room checklist. Think of this as our pre-shoot game plan to get your home camera-ready.
01The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is often the most important room for buyers. They imagine cooking, entertaining, and family life here. We want it to look spacious, clean, and functional.
- Clear the Worktops: This is the golden rule. Remove everything – the toaster, the kettle, the knife block, the fruit bowl. You want to show off the full expanse of the work surface. A single, stylish coffee machine or a small pot of fresh herbs is okay, but less is always more.
- Hide the Bins: No one wants to see your rubbish! Tuck the bin away in a cupboard or move it out of the room entirely for the shoot.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean all appliances until they sparkle. Remove all magnets, photos, and calendars from the fridge door.
- Do the Washing Up: An empty sink is essential. Don't leave washing up on the drainer or a bottle of washing-up liquid and sponges by the sink.
02The Living Room: A Space to Relax
This is where buyers will picture themselves unwinding. It needs to feel calm, comfortable, and spacious.
- Cull the Clutter: Tidy away magazines, remote controls, and children's toys. A neatly stacked book or two on the coffee table is fine.
- Remove Personal Photos: This is a big one. You want buyers to imagine their own family in the house, not be looking at yours. Replace them with neutral art if you can.
- Cable Management: Tidy away the 'spaghetti junction' of cables behind the TV. Use cable ties or trunking to create a clean, streamlined look.
- Plump the Cushions: A simple touch that makes sofas and chairs look instantly more inviting.
03The Bedrooms: A Peaceful Retreat
Bedrooms should feel like a sanctuary. A calm and tidy bedroom suggests a peaceful place to rest.
- Make the Bed: This is non-negotiable! Use fresh, neutral-coloured bedding if possible. A neatly made bed with plump pillows makes a huge difference.
- Clear All Surfaces: Bedside tables should be clear, apart from perhaps a small lamp and a book. Remove everything from the tops of chests of drawers and dressing tables.
- Hide the Laundry: Ensure the laundry basket is empty and out of sight.
04The Bathroom: A Touch of Spa-Like Serenity
Think 'luxury hotel' when preparing your bathroom. It should be sparkling clean and completely free of personal items.
- Clear Everything: Remove all toothbrushes, toiletries, razors, and kids' bath toys. A single bottle of nice hand soap is acceptable.
- Fresh Towels: Put out a set of fresh, fluffy, neutral-coloured towels. Make sure they are neatly folded or hung.
- Clean, Clean, Clean: Make sure taps, mirrors, and shower screens are polished and free of watermarks.
- Put the Toilet Seat Down: Always!
05The Hallway: The First Impression
The hallway is the first thing a buyer sees, both in photos and in person. It sets the tone for the rest of the house.
- A Clear Path: The hallway should be as clear as possible to create a sense of space and a welcoming entrance. Remove coats, shoes, bags, and post from view.
06The Garden & Exterior: Kerb Appeal
The outside is just as important as the inside, especially as all my photography packages include drone shots to show off your property's setting. Whether you have a small courtyard in Bath or extensive grounds near Wells, kerb appeal matters.
- Tidy Up: Mow the lawn, sweep up leaves, and get rid of any weeds.
- Hide the Bins: Move wheelie bins and recycling boxes out of shot.
- Add a Touch of Colour: A few well-placed pots with colourful flowers can make a world of difference.
- Stow Away Toys: Put away any garden toys, tools, and the BBQ.
Preparing your home for a photoshoot takes effort, but it’s one of the best investments you can make in the selling process. It allows me to create stunning images that will capture the hearts of buyers across Somerset and beyond.
If you’re ready to sell and want your property to stand out from the crowd, get in touch today to discuss how I can help.
