get photo ready

• Remove any personal items you do not want to be photographed
• De-clutter all flat surfaces, especially soap, sponges, and all tissue boxes
• Hide all paperwork (bills, ads, business cards, etc)
• Remove pet cages and pet beds (garage will work)
• Remove any firearms, knives, bows, and related items (including replicas or airsoft)
• Remove all fans, air purifiers, humidifiers, floor AC units, shredders, visible garbage cans, etc.
• Remove clutter from walls (one or two tasteful posters are ok), and exercise equipment
• Hide power cords, phone chargers, tablets, and laptops
• Organize all bookshelves and DVD shelves, remove any clutter
• Ensure all light fixtures and lamps are in working order
• Clean windows inside and out
• Vacuum all floors
  
• Clean up and mow yard, prep patio furniture, clean up after pets

The morning of the photoshoot, do a once-over to ensure this full list has been completed.

• Remove magnets from the fridge
• Remove all dishes, dirty and clean, from the counter and sink (dog/cat dishes too)
• Remove all spices, cooking oils, pans, etc. from the stove area
• Remove washcloths and towels or ensure they match and are folded neatly
• Fancy looking appliances are ok, but remove anything that looks out of place (less is more)
• Clean counters, stove-top, and fridge doors

• Check that Bedside lamps are in working condition, not on a timer
• Make sure beds are made, toys are hidden or organized, and laundry is put away
• Remove bath-robes, all hygiene items, bath toys, jewelry, and appliances
• Remove garbage can, plunger, toilet brush, and air freshener cans
• Replace toilet paper with fresh roll
• Clean all mirrors and glass (shower doors), clean all soap scum from the shower
• Make sure all towels match, and are hanging neatly
• Hide or tidy the laundry soap and irons etc.

• Turn off all ceiling fans
• Turn on all lights, lamps, and under-cabinet lighting
• Close all windows
• Open all blinds/curtains (if there is a house right outside the window, tilt blinds open)
• Remove all cars/ boats/RVs/basketball hoops/hoses from in front of the house
• Move pets to the garage, or some other closed room to be photographed last

It is the responsibility of the homeowner and agent to ensure this list has been completed before the scheduled photoshoot.  The homeowner or agent will be responsible for moving and staging anything that needs to be moved during the photoshoot.  The photographer reserves the right to re-schedule with a trip fee (Up to $55) if the property is not ready when they arrive. Remember, if the camera can’t see it, it’s not in the photo.  Closets are a great place to hide things.  The owner should discuss with the agent which closets are worth imaging inside, walk-ins only. These will need to be brought to the photographer’s attention.