Prepare Your Home for Real Estate Photography

As a photographer who has photographed many different luxurious interiors and beautifully designed architectural properties, ranging in size, value and location around Cape Town over the past couple of years; I get asked frequently if there is anything the property owner/manager/tenant can do in order to prepare the home/space for the shoot. This has led me to creating a document which I now send to my clients; giving them steps and tips to follow in order to prepare the property best for my arrival.

Property Photographer | Real Estate Photography

Inside the Home

• The home needs to be cleaned and dusted.

• De-clutter the home as much as possible. Put away clothing, shoes, toys, loose documents, cables, fridge magnets, etc.

• All bathroom counter tops and shelves should be cleared of all personal items such as toothbrushes, skincare products, face clothes, etc.

• Each bed in the house should be made and pillows fluffed preferably with your best, matching linen.

• Bed side tables should be kept neat and all books and accessories should be packed away.

• Try keep the cables leading to appliances neat and tidy. E.g. Next to/around your beds, TV, desks, etc.

• Remove any seasonal decorations you may have around your home as it would out date the images.

• The kitchen sink should be cleaned and all dishes put away.

• Clear all kitchen counter tops of clutter and appliances only leaving 2 or 3 basic appliances.

• Remove all body products from the showers and baths in the home.

• Hang towels neatly in the bathroom and remove any used towels.

• Hide away any trash cans in the home.

• Lower all toilet seats and lids in the house.

• Any light bulbs that have blown in the house should be replaced.

Outside the Home

• Clean up any mess left behind animals.

• All gardening equipment should be put away. E.g. hoses, tools, sprinklers, etc.

• Remove any covers from pool/hot tub if applicable and ensure it is clean and free from any algae.

• Ensure that the grass is cut and the foliage is neatly trimmed.

• Any light bulbs that have blown outside needs to be replaced if the shoot occurs late evening.

• Any seasonal decorations outside should be removed as it would out date the images.

Before the Photographer arrives

• All lighting in and around the home should be turned on. Including bed side lamps, furniture lighting, cabinet lighting, etc.

• If lighting is dimmable - please put them on its brightest.

• Any ceiling fans should be turned off.

• Unlock and open any security gates the property has.

• All blinds, shades and curtains should be opened and drawn up (unless the window doesn't look out onto anything aesthetic).

• Driveways should be cleared of any vehicles.

For information on what you as the agent/home owner can do in order to prepare for a property photographer to capture your home please feel free to contact us.