A great real estate photo shoot starts before the photographer arrives. The properties that photograph best are the ones where the agent and seller have done the preparation work in advance. The properties that photograph worst are the ones where that preparation was skipped.
This checklist covers everything that should happen before we show up. Print it out, send it to your sellers, and review it the day before the shoot.
Exterior Prep
- Remove all vehicles from the driveway and front of the property
- Put away trash cans, recycling bins, garden hoses, and tools stored outside
- Mow and edge the lawn within 48 hours of the shoot
- Trim shrubs or hedges that have grown over walkways or are blocking the facade
- Clean the pool and remove floating toys, noodles, and cleaning equipment
- Clear the driveway of marks, stains, or debris — power wash if needed
- For waterfront properties: check the dock, remove personal items and rope clutter
Interior Prep
- Depersonalize main living areas — remove family photos, collections, refrigerator magnets
- Remove excess furniture — a crowded room photographs as a smaller room
- Clear kitchen countertops completely — leave one or two intentional items at most
- Put away toasters, knife blocks, paper towel holders, dish racks, and mail
- Make all beds with the best bedding available
- Replace any burned-out light bulbs — warm bulbs (2700K-3000K) photograph better
- Clean all mirrors, shower doors, and glass surfaces
- Remove bath items from showers and tubs — leave one or two clean, folded towels
- Close all toilet lids
Lighting Prep
- Open all blinds and curtains to let in natural light
- Turn on all lights throughout the home before we arrive
- This includes under-cabinet lighting, closet lights, and decorative fixtures
- If the property has smart lighting, set the best scene and leave a note
Final Walkthrough
Do a final walkthrough 30 minutes before the shoot with fresh eyes. Walk through every room as a buyer would and look for anything that does not belong.
Check the bathrooms again. Check the countertops. Check the garage if it will be photographed. Check the back patio and the pool area.
The half hour before the photographer arrives is the most valuable time you can spend on a listing.
A Note on Timing
Schedule your shoot day to give yourself enough time for last-minute prep. A shoot scheduled for 9am should have sellers done with prep by 8:30.
In South Florida, exterior light is typically best in the morning on east-facing facades and in the late afternoon on west-facing and pool-facing properties. When you reach out to schedule, mention the orientation of the home and we will recommend the best time of day for exterior shots.
Agents who follow this checklist consistently get better results out of every shoot — not because the photography changes, but because the property is ready to be photographed.
"He thoroughly considers angles, lighting, lines, and composition to capture every space in its best light. The photos were sharp, vibrant, and read exactly as they should."
— Shalice Smith, residential real estate clientCloud View Productions serves agents and brokerages throughout Southeast Florida. Reach out to schedule your next listing and we will walk through any questions you have before shoot day.