Photography Prep Checklist

Get Your Home
Photo-Ready.

Great listing photos start before the camera arrives. A little preparation makes a big difference in how fast — and for how much — a home sells. Work through this checklist before your shoot.

Start the Checklist
Why It Matters

Prepared vs.
Unprepared.

The camera sees everything. A prepared home photographs brighter, feels bigger, and lets buyers picture themselves living there.

Unprepared room before photography Unprepared
Prepared room ready for photography Prepared
Room by Room

The
Checklist.

Tap items to check them off as you go — your progress is saved on this device. Aim to have everything done before the photographer arrives.

Photo-Ready Meter 0%

Exterior & Curb Appeal

  • Mow the lawn, edge, and trim landscaping
  • Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the house
  • Hide garbage bins, hoses, and lawn equipment
  • Clear the porch and deck of clutter; arrange patio furniture
  • Sweep walkways and remove cobwebs from entryways
  • Remove pool covers and store pool toys (if applicable)
  • Turn on exterior lights

Whole-House Basics

  • Turn on every light and replace burned-out bulbs
  • Open all blinds and curtains
  • Turn off ceiling fans and TVs
  • Declutter counters, tables, and shelves
  • Hide cords, chargers, and remotes
  • Remove small floor rugs and door mats
  • Put trash cans and laundry baskets out of sight

Kitchen

  • Clear countertops — store small appliances, dish racks, and soap
  • Remove magnets, papers, and photos from the refrigerator
  • Empty the sink and put dishes away
  • Hide sponges, towels, and cleaning supplies
  • Wipe down counters, appliances, and the stovetop

Bathrooms

  • Clear countertops of all toiletries
  • Close toilet lids
  • Hang fresh, neatly folded towels
  • Remove plungers, brushes, scales, and trash cans
  • Take shampoo bottles and razors out of showers and tubs
  • Clean mirrors and glass shower doors

Bedrooms

  • Make all beds and straighten pillows and bedding
  • Clear nightstands and dressers
  • Put away clothes, shoes, and laundry
  • Tidy closets — they may appear in photos
  • Store personal items and valuables

Pets (We love them, the camera doesn't)

  • Put away food bowls, beds, toys, and crates
  • Hide litter boxes and clean up the yard
  • Vacuum pet hair from furniture and floors
  • Plan for pets to be secured or away during the shoot

Day of the Shoot

  • All vehicles out of the driveway
  • Every light on, every fan off
  • Blinds and curtains open
  • Do a final walkthrough of each room
  • Secure pets or take them along
  • Plan to step out while we shoot — it goes faster!

Scan to open this checklist on your phone — tap items to check them off as you go

Questions?

Ready For Your
Close-Up?

Not sure about something on the list? Reach out — we're happy to help you get the most out of your shoot.

Email Us Book a Shoot

[email protected] · listings.houndsandhouses.media/portal