Home Prep Checklist

In order to ensure that I can provide the highest quality images/video possible, please review this checklist & prepare the home accordingly.  Anything that should not be included in the photos should be stored out of sight, as I don’t move anything for safety & liability reasons.

 

Exterior

  • All vehicles, including boats, trailers & RV should be removed from the driveway & from the front of the house.  

  • Close all garage doors & keep closed for the duration of the shoot.

  • Move trash cans, water hoses & sprinklers to the garage or shed.

  • Delay watering the lawn until after the shoot, to avoid wet spots on the driveway or sidewalk.  

  • Mow the lawn & store mower out of sight.  Sweep debris from the driveway, sidewalk, deck or patio.

  • Trim trees & bushes to show a clear view of the house, front & back.

  • Put deck & patio umbrellas up, unless it’s windy.

  • Add flower pots  for pops of color.

Interior

  • Turn all lights on and ceiling fans off.

  • Put all toilet lids down.

  • Clear counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms, except for a small appliance or two.

  • De-clutter the refrigerator by removing anything on the outside of it.

  • Store out of sight all cleaning products & equipment.

  • Vacuum carpets & polish wood floors.

  • Clean windows and mirrors so they are streak free.

  • Set all window blinds to the same height and curtains opened equal amounts.

  • Store out of sight all trash cans from the kitchen & bathrooms.

  • Make beds as wrinkle free as possible.  

  • Remove alarm clocks and other items from nightstands, including charging cables.

  • Remove newspapers, stacks of magazines and all TV/video remotes.  

  • Store out of sight all pet feeding bowls, beds and toys. 

  • Secure pets in an area that will not be photographed or remove from property temporarily.

  • Add a bowl of fruit for a pop of color on the kitchen counter or island.

Exterior twilight photography - additional items

For twilight shoots, please prepare the following, in addition to the other exterior items above.  There is often only a small window of time to catch great light when the sun is setting, so I ask that these items be done well before I arrive.

  • Turn on all interior and exterior lights: All lights throughout the property should be turned on. Any burned out or missing bulbs should be replaced.

  • Remove the cover from the hot tub; turn on the hot tub & lights.

  • If there is a swimming pool, remove the cover & turn on the lights.

  • If there are any water features, turn them on, as well as any landscaping lights around them.