Homeowner Checklist
Real Estate Photo Prep Checklist
This checklist is designed to be your game plan for capturing your listing. Our goal is to work with our clients to showcase the property beautifully while ensuring our clients (and homeowners) can return to their regular activities as quickly as possible. Having the home 100% prepared before the photographer arrives is the best way to achieve this.
Appointment Reminders & Policy: Our system will send a text and email appointment reminder approximately 36 hours before a scheduled shoot.
To avoid any cancellation, rescheduling fees, or having to return for a reshoot, clients are requested to make schedule changes at least 24 hours in advance of their appointment.
The Golden Rules
Interior cleaning:Surfaces should be dry for photos. Please complete any last minute interior cleaning at least one hour before our arrival.
Staging:All staging should be completed at least one hour before our arrival.
Moving items:Photographers will not move furniture and should not have to wait for things to be moved from room-to-room.
People and Pets:Homeowners and pets should NOT be present during the shoot (yes, we have Supra access).
Last minute clutter:Any remaining clutter should be tucked away in closets, storage areas, or the garage to keep things moving smoothly.
How long is the appointment?
Most appointments require the photographer to be inside at least one hour. You will find the estimated duration in your booking email.
If you have ordered a higher end package, we may be using up 4 different cameras. For this reason, you should expect us to be inside for up to about 3 hours (depending on the services ordered and the size of the home).
Exterior Prep
Remove all real estate signage from the yard and windows.
Mow lawns, trim shrubbery, and tidy up gardens.
Roll up hoses and hide anything you do not want in the photos.
Clean and open outdoor umbrellas; remove if faded.
Clean and uncover pools, hot tubs, fountains, etc.
Turn ON water features such as hot tubs, fountains, etc.
Remove pool vacuums and hoses.
Sweep driveways and walkways.
From inside, look out the windows. Hide anything you do not want in the photos.
Move all vehicles from the driveway and park 1-2 houses away.
Have a leaf blower with a charged battery, or broom available if possible.
Windows & Lighting
Clean all windows inside and out.
Open curtains wide.
Turn ON every single light in the house (overhead lights, lamps, range lights, etc.).
Turn OFF every single fan in the entire home.
Kitchen & Dining
Clear countertops of all clutter (toasters, coffee makers, paper towels, etc.).
Remove all magnets, calendars, and notes from the refrigerator.
Empty the sink and hide all dish towels, sponges, and soap.
Set the dining table with simple, neutral place settings.
Bathrooms
Clear countertops of all personal items (toothbrushes, soap, cosmetics).
Lower all toilet lids (critical!).
Remove all items from showers and tubs (shampoo, sponges).
Ensure mirrors and glass surfaces are streak-free.
Replace old towels with clean, fresh, neutral-colored ones.
Living Areas & Bedrooms
Remove all personal photos and highly personalized décor.
Hide all TV remotes and visible electronics cords.
Fluff all pillows and smooth out bed linens.
Clear nightstands of all personal items (water bottles, chargers).
Camera-Ready Examples
Real Atlanta properties prepped and captured by Agents Choice Media

Decluttered kitchen prepared for a real estate photography appointment

Bright living room staged and ready for real estate listing photos

Clean kitchen countertops with under cabinet lighting ready for professional real estate photography

Hot tub, pool, and exterior lighting turned on for professional real estate photography

Exterior home lighting turned on to prepare for a professional twilight real estate photo shoot

Clean bathroom countertops, mirrors, and shower areas prepared for professional real estate photography
Make Your Next Listing Stand Out
Ready to book your professional real estate photography & video appointment? Check our real-time quote builder or request a shoot now.