A thoughtful shoot starts before the camera arrives. A clean, organised property lets the architecture, light and layout take the lead. Use this guide with your agent or homeowner to agree on what will be ready and which spaces matter most.
Ready matters more than perfect. Prioritise clean surfaces, clear sightlines and the details that make the property distinctive.
01 / Shoot preparation
Before shoot day: agree on the plan
Preparation works best when everyone knows what is being captured. Confirm these details ahead of time instead of deciding them while the camera is being set up.
- Confirm the property address, access arrangements, parking and the person meeting the photographer. Share access codes privately through the agreed channel.
- Confirm which services and spaces are included. Mention finished basements, detached buildings, balconies and any features you especially want shown.
- Arrange cleaning and any staging before the appointment. Allow time for the final tidy-up before the scheduled start.
- For condos, check building access, concierge procedures, elevator arrangements and permission for any shared spaces you want photographed.
- Flag anything that could affect the shoot, including occupied rooms, ongoing work or areas that will not be ready.
02 / Shoot preparation
Throughout the home: clear the visual distractions
The aim is a welcoming, believable space with room to see the home itself. You do not need to remove every sign of life or buy new furniture.
- Clean visible floors, windows, mirrors and reflective surfaces. Check for streaks, fingerprints and dust in bright areas.
- Put away loose cables, chargers, bins, cleaning products, laundry and everyday clutter. Use a room or storage area that will not be photographed.
- Remove personal paperwork, family photographs and anything you do not want visible in public marketing or reflected in a mirror.
- Check bulbs and that the lights you want shown work. Make blinds and curtains accessible so lighting can be discussed on arrival.
- Finish moving furniture before the shoot. Ask your agent about staging choices rather than relying on the photographer to rearrange heavy items.
03 / Shoot preparation
Living rooms and bedrooms: make the space easy to read
Clear sightlines and simple surfaces help viewers understand the room and where their own furniture might fit.
- Straighten sofas, chairs, cushions and rugs. Clear coffee tables and leave a small number of intentional accents.
- Make beds neatly, smooth bedding and clear bedside tables of medication, charging cables and personal items.
- Close wardrobe doors and put away laundry, shoes and storage boxes. If a walk-in closet is part of the shoot, prepare its interior too.
- Let us know about a view, fireplace, built-in storage or other detail that should be included in the brief.
04 / Shoot preparation
Kitchens and bathrooms: focus on clean surfaces
These rooms contain plenty of small objects and reflective finishes. A few careful minutes here can simplify a photograph considerably.
- Clear kitchen counters of dishes, food packaging, cloths and most small appliances. Keep only the items that support the presentation.
- Clean the sink, taps, backsplash and appliance fronts. Remove fridge magnets, notes and personal photographs.
- In bathrooms, put away toiletries, toothbrushes, bath mats that obscure flooring, bins and cleaning supplies.
- Clean mirrors and shower glass, close toilet lids and straighten towels. Check reflections for items you intended to hide.
05 / Shoot preparation
Exteriors and twilight: prepare the whole frame
The approach to the property is part of the story. Look at the home from the street and from the main garden or patio views.
- Move vehicles away from the driveway and main frontage where practical. Let household members know which areas should stay clear.
- Put away bins, hoses, tools, loose toys and garden clutter. Tidy outdoor seating and prepare the areas included in the shoot.
- For a twilight appointment, check interior, exterior and landscape lighting in advance. Discuss the main viewpoints and access before the scheduled time.
- Share the exact address when requesting drone coverage. Conditions, location and applicable flight restrictions affect whether aerial capture is suitable.
06 / Shoot preparation
On the day: keep rooms ready and routes clear
Once a room is ready, keep it that way until it has been captured. Moving a pile of belongings from room to room interrupts a consistent presentation.
- Do a final walk-through before arrival. Check beds, counters, lights, mirrors and the main exterior views.
- Arrange a comfortable place for pets and coordinate with occupants so rooms can be captured without people moving through the frame.
- For video and 360 tours, prepare connecting spaces, hallways and corners as carefully as the main rooms. A walkthrough can show more than a single photograph.
- Be available for questions and point out priorities at the start. Confirm any last-minute changes before capture begins.
- If the property is not ready or the weather may affect the planned coverage, contact the studio as soon as possible to discuss the options for your booking.
One last walk-through
Your photo shoot
preparation checklist.
Tick off each item before the photographer arrives. Print this page to keep a copy with your shoot notes.
Studio6ixMedia · studio6ixmedia.com/shoot-preparation
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