What Should I Do Before a Property Photography Shoot? The Complete Checklist

Before I arrive to photograph your property, the most important things to do are to thoroughly declutter and clean every room, open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light, and turn on all the lights. A tidy, well-lit space allows me to capture your home at its absolute best, which in turn attracts more buyers and can even increase the final sale price. This preparation is the single most effective thing you can do to ensure you get stunning photos that make your property stand out online.

01Why is preparation so important?

I get asked this a lot, and it’s a great question. You're hiring me, a professional photographer, so shouldn't I be able to make any space look good? Well, yes and no. My job is to capture your property in its best possible light, using my experience and equipment to highlight its best features. However, I can only photograph what's there. If a room is cluttered, dark, or untidy, the photos will reflect that. Think of it like this: you wouldn't show up for a professional portrait session without brushing your hair or wearing your best clothes. Preparing your home for a photoshoot is the same principle. It’s about presenting the product – your home – in the best possible way to its potential buyers.

Great property photography is a team effort. Your preparation and my photography skills work together to create images that stop people scrolling. In a crowded market, especially in competitive areas like Bristol and Bath, professional photos are your number one marketing tool. They are the first impression potential buyers will have of your home, and we want that impression to be a fantastic one. A well-prepared home photographs beautifully, leading to more viewings and a faster sale. It’s a small investment of your time that can pay huge dividends.

02What's the first thing I should do?

The absolute number one priority is to declutter. This is the most significant and impactful task you can undertake. We're aiming for a 'show home' look, not a 'lived-in' one. Potential buyers need to be able to mentally place their own belongings into the space, and that’s hard to do if it’s full of your personal items.

Go through each room, one by one, and be ruthless. Remove anything that isn't essential or decorative. This includes stacks of magazines, remote controls, excess ornaments, family photos, children's toys, and general 'stuff' that accumulates on surfaces. Kitchen worktops are a key area – clear everything off except for maybe a nice coffee machine or a bowl of fresh fruit. In bedrooms, make sure clothes are put away and surfaces are clear. The goal is to create a sense of space, light, and calm.

Don't just hide things in cupboards, as I may need to photograph inside them (like built-in wardrobes). Use boxes and temporarily store them in the garage, a friend's house, or a spare room that isn't being photographed. It might feel a bit strange living in such a minimalist space for a day or two, but I promise you, it's worth it for the final images.

03How clean does my house need to be?

Think 'spotless'. A deep clean is essential. My high-resolution camera will pick up every detail, including dust, smudges, and stains you might not normally notice. Buyers will zoom in on the photos online, so we need to make sure everything is pristine.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Windows: Clean them inside and out. This makes a huge difference to the light coming into the room.
• Surfaces: Dust and polish all surfaces, including skirting boards, light fittings, and picture frames.
• Floors: Hoover and mop all floors. If you have carpets, consider getting them professionally cleaned if they have any stubborn stains.
• Kitchen: Clean all appliances until they sparkle. This means the hob, oven, extractor fan, and sink. Make sure there are no dishes in the sink or on the draining board.
• Bathroom: This is a big one. Clean the toilet, shower, bath, and sink until they are gleaming. Remove all personal toiletries – no one wants to see your shampoo bottles and toothbrushes. A pristine, spa-like bathroom looks amazing in photos. Put out fresh, clean towels (preferably plain and neutral-coloured).

04What about lighting?

Light is the most important ingredient in photography, and we want as much of it as possible. Before I arrive, please go through the entire house and do the following:

1. 1.Open all curtains and blinds. We want to flood every room with natural light. Make sure they are hanging neatly.
2. 2.Turn on all the lights. This includes the main ceiling lights, lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and even the lights in the extractor hood. This creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

I’ll handle the technical side of balancing the light, but having all sources of light on gives me the best possible canvas to work with. Don't worry if some bulbs are different colours; I can correct that later. However, it is a good idea to replace any broken or flickering bulbs before the shoot.

05Should I do anything with my garden?

Absolutely! The outside of your property is the first thing buyers will see, both online and in person. Kerb appeal is crucial. A tidy garden and a welcoming entrance can make a huge difference.

• Mow the lawn and trim the edges.
• Weed the flowerbeds and add some fresh flowers or plants if you can. A splash of colour looks great.
• Tidy up any children's toys, gardening tools, or clutter.
• Hide the wheelie bins. Put them in the garage or down the side of the house.
• Give the patio or decking a good sweep or even a pressure wash if it needs it.
• Clean the front door and make sure the house number is clearly visible.

Whether you're in a rural part of Somerset or have a city garden in Bristol, showing that the outside space is well-maintained is just as important as the inside.

06Any tips for making my home look its best?

This is where we get into the art of 'staging'. It's about adding small touches that make your home feel more appealing and luxurious. It’s what I do for my higher-end packages, like my Ultimate package (£349), but you can easily do it yourself.

• Fresh Flowers: A simple vase of fresh flowers on a dining table or coffee table can bring life and colour to a room.
• Fruit Bowl: A bowl of fresh fruit (like green apples or lemons) in the kitchen adds a nice touch.
• Bedding: Use fresh, clean, and ironed bedding. Neutral colours are best. Add a couple of decorative cushions and a throw to make the bed look inviting.
• Towels: In the bathroom, put out a set of fresh, fluffy towels. Again, neutral colours work well.
• Set the scene: You could set the dining table for a meal (but keep it simple – just placemats, plates, and glasses). In the living room, you could have a couple of art books on the coffee table.

The key is not to overdo it. We want it to look natural and aspirational, not staged and fake.

07What should I definitely hide?

This is a quick-fire list of things to make disappear before I arrive:

• Personal photos: We want buyers to imagine themselves living there, not feel like they are intruding in your space.
• Pets' belongings: Food and water bowls, beds, toys, and litter trays.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, shower gel, toothbrushes, etc.
• Fridge magnets and children's drawings.
• Drying racks with laundry on them.
• Piles of mail and paperwork.
• Remote controls, phone chargers, and loose wires.
• Bins: Hide all kitchen and bathroom bins.

08What about my pets?

I love pets, but a photoshoot is not the best time for them to be around. It's best to arrange for them to be out of the house for the duration of the shoot. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it avoids them accidentally getting in the shot. Secondly, and more importantly, it's a matter of safety. I'll be moving around with expensive camera equipment and tripods, and it can be a hazard for both me and your furry friends.

09Where should the photographer park?

This is a small but very helpful point. If you have a driveway, it would be fantastic if you could leave a space for me. I'll have a fair bit of equipment to bring in, so being able to park close to the property is a huge help. If there's no driveway, just let me know the best place to park nearby. It’s one less thing to worry about on the day of the shoot.

Preparing your home for a photoshoot might seem like a lot of work, but it's an investment in the sale of your property. The time you spend preparing will be reflected in the quality of the photographs, which will ultimately help you achieve a faster sale and a better price. I work with clients all over the UK, from large developers to individual homeowners in Somerset, and the one thing that always makes a difference is preparation.

If you're ready to get your property on the market and want photos that do it justice, head over to my website and check out the instant quote calculator. My packages start from just £149, and I can help you decide which one is right for you. Let's work together to make your property shine.