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Pre-Shoot Checklist

Get Your Listing Photo-Ready

Great photos start before the photographer arrives. The more prepared the property is when we get there, the more time we can spend creating images that stop buyers mid-scroll. Share this checklist with your seller at least 48 hours before the shoot.

Whole Home

  1. Turn on every light in the home before we arrive — all overhead lights, lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and accent lighting.

  2. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use matching color temperature bulbs throughout. Soft white or daylight works best — avoid mixing both in the same room.

  3. Turn off all ceiling fans. Fan blades blur in photography and distract from the space.

  4. Open all blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.

  5. Declutter every room. Aim for a clean, model-home feel rather than a lived-in look. Remove roughly half of what is normally displayed on shelves, coffee tables, and side tables.

  6. Remove all personal items, including family photos, religious items, and political memorabilia.

  7. Hide all pet items completely — crates, food bowls, beds, toys, and litter boxes.

  8. Tuck away all cords, chargers, remotes, and personal electronics. Turn off and hide all screens.

  9. Clean windows inside and out. Smudges and streaks show clearly in high-resolution images.

  10. Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, and wipe down all surfaces. Dust baseboards and light fixtures.

Kitchen

  1. Clear all countertops completely. One or two tasteful accent pieces are fine — everything else should be put away.

  2. Remove dish racks, sponges, hand soap dispensers, and small appliances from the counter.

  3. Remove everything from the top of the refrigerator.

  4. Remove all magnets, notes, children's artwork, and anything else from the refrigerator door.

  5. Clean all appliances thoroughly, especially stainless steel surfaces. Fingerprints and smudges are highly visible under professional lighting.

  6. Straighten all barstools and chairs.

  7. Remove trash cans from view or place them inside a cabinet.

Bathrooms

  1. Remove all personal items from counters, the shower, and the tub — shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors, and toothbrushes.

  2. Clear all counter surfaces completely. The goal is a clean, hotel-like appearance.

  3. Hang fresh, neatly folded towels.

  4. Clean mirrors, fixtures, faucets, and all glass surfaces. Streaks are clearly visible in high-resolution photography.

  5. Close all toilet lids.

  6. Remove bath mats if they are worn, mismatched, or visually distracting.

Bedrooms

  1. Make all beds neatly. Use neutral, wrinkle-free bedding where possible.

  2. Clear nightstands completely or leave one simple decorative item.

  3. Remove personal photos and framed artwork from walls and dressers if they are cluttered or distracting.

  4. Space out clothes in closets so they do not appear overstuffed. We may photograph walk-in closets as a selling feature.

Living Rooms

  1. Straighten all pillows and throws.

  2. ​Remove children's toys, games, sports equipment, and any items that feel out of place.

  3. Clear all cords, charging cables, and electronics from view.

  4. Remove remote controls from coffee tables and side tables.

Exterior

  1. Mow the lawn and edge all walkways.

  2. Trim any overgrown shrubs or bushes, especially those blocking windows or architectural features.

  3. Remove all vehicles from the driveway and from directly in front of the property.

  4. Remove trash cans, recycling bins, garden hoses, and all lawn equipment from view.

  5. Clear the front porch and entryway completely. Remove doormats, seasonal decorations, potted plants, and any clutter.

  6. Clean up flower beds. Remove dead plants, leaves, and debris.

  7. Straighten, clean, or cover all outdoor furniture. Replace worn or faded cushions if possible.

  8. Remove all pool toys. Ensure pools and hot tubs are clean, and covers are removed or neatly stored.

Garage

  • We do not photograph garage interiors by default. If you would like the garage included in the shoot, or if the garage has built-in storage, a workshop, a golf simulator, or any other feature that adds value to the listing, please let us know in advance. You can note this at booking or email us at info@framesvisual.com before your appointment.

A Note From the Photographer

When the property is ready before I arrive, I can focus entirely on making it look exceptional. The homes that are fully prepared always photograph better — and better photos mean more buyer attention, more showings, and stronger offers.

If you have any questions about preparing for your shoot, email us at info@framesvisual.com. We are happy to help.

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