Preparing Your Home for Professional Real Estate Photography: A Complete Guide

When it comes to selling your property, your photos are your first online impression and often the difference between a buyer clicking on your listing or scrolling past it. Great photography showcases your home at its best, highlighting space, light, and lifestyle. But even the best photographer can’t work magic if the property isn’t prepared!

Here’s our comprehensive guide to preparing your home for a photo shoot, ensuring your property shines in every frame.

1

Start Outside. First Impressions Count

Your exterior sets the tone for the whole viewing experience.

• Move cars out of the driveway.

• Hide bins, water hoses, gardening tools, and anything that doesn’t belong.

• Remove washing from the line and turn off reticulation (wet concrete can look stained).

• Mow the lawn a few days before the shoot and remove weeds from paths.

• Clear spiderwebs, sweep leaves, and tidy up the garden.

• Store away bikes, toys, and pet accessories.

• Give the front door area a clean, and remove shoes or racks from entrances.

2

Pools and Outdoor Features

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool or spa, make sure it looks inviting.

• Remove creepy crawly vacuums, pool toys, and cleaning tools.

• Skim leaves from the water and ensure pool lights are working (for twilight shoots).

• Remove covers and store them out of sight.

• Turn on water features and keep spas running until the shoot is over.

3

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should feel calm, clean, and inviting.

• Vacuum carpets and clear bedside tables of personal items.

• Make sure all lamps work and use bulbs of the same tone.

• Dress the bed with crisp linen, tucked sheets, and cushions.

• If wardrobes will be shown, keep them neat and minimal.

• Hide laundry bags, fans, heaters, and under-bed clutter.

4

Kitchens

A clean, clutter-free kitchen photographs beautifully.

• Remove fridge magnets, clutter from fridge tops, and excess appliances.

• Hide dish drainers, cleaning products, and cords where possible.

• Empty and clean the sink, and keep oven handles clear of towels.

• Make sure range hood lights are working and bright.

• Remove rugs from the kitchen floor for a streamlined look.

5

Living Areas and General Interiors

Your goal is to create a bright, spacious, and welcoming atmosphere.

• Ensure all bulbs work and match in colour temperature.

• Hide power leads and tidy curtain cords.

• Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light.

• Remove personal photos, calendars, and whiteboards.

• Clean mirrors and windows until they sparkle.

• Hide remotes, gym equipment, and unrelated items from rooms.

6

Bathrooms

Bathrooms should look fresh and spa-like.

• Hide bins, cleaning products, shampoos, razors, and personal items.

• Remove floor rugs and hanging clothes from behind doors.

• Clean shower screens and remove bath toys.

• Style with fresh towels, plants, or candles.

Extra Styling Recommendations

• Use throws, cushions, and candles to add warmth and colour.

• Visit K-Mart or similar for affordable styling pieces.

• Keep kids’ toys to a minimum for a tidy, spacious look.

• Light candles for twilight shoots.

• Use your garage as the perfect hiding spot for clutter (unless it’s a selling feature.)

• Paint or clean decking for a glossy finish.

• Set the TV to a paused natural scene for added ambience.

The Bottom Line

Professional photography is one of the most powerful tools in your property marketing. By preparing your home properly, you’ll ensure every photo captures its best features  leading to more enquiries, more inspections, and ultimately, a better sale price.