Prepping the home for a successful photo shoot

Recommendations for a Successful Home Photoshoot

To ensure your home is showcased in the best light during a photoshoot, follow these recommendations:

1. Illuminate Your Space:
   • Turn on all indoor and exterior lights, including lamps, even during daytime shoots.
   • Replace any burnt-out bulbs and strive for a uniform lighting temperature throughout the space. Warm lighting often yields a more inviting atmosphere than cool white or daylight bulbs, but consistency in color temperature is key. Avoid mixing different types of lighting within the same fixture to maintain visual harmony.
2. Minimize Movement:
   • Turn off all ceiling fans and other moving objects to prevent blurring in photos.
3. Manage Pets:
   • Secure pets in a designated area or arrange for them to be off-premises during the photoshoot to avoid distractions and unexpected movements in the frame.
4. Optimize Camera Angles and Exposure:
   • Prepare for wide-angle shots and long exposures, some of which may exceed one minute. Encourage people to stay outside the home to avoid casting shadows or reflections during these shots. Similarly, keep pets away from areas like sliding glass doors where they can inadvertently affect the photo’s outcome.
5. Declutter Your Space:
   • Embrace the principle that less is more. A clutter-free environment makes for more appealing and professional-looking photographs.
6. Specific Areas of Focus:
   • Kitchen: Clear countertops as much as possible and remove fridge magnets and pictures.
   • Bedrooms: Ensure beds are neatly made, lamps are functional, and nightstands are clutter-free.
   • Bathrooms: Conceal toiletries, toothbrushes, toilet plungers, bath toys, and similar items out of sight.
   • General: Store away shoes, backpacks, coats, pet dishes, and remove or reposition pet enclosures.
7. Personal Items:
   • While not strictly necessary, consider removing or substituting family photos with neutral artwork, such as landscape scenes, for the duration of the shoot. This helps depersonalize the space, making it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the home.
8. Exterior Preparation:
   • Move vehicles away from the home’s exterior to clear the view.
   • Tidy up outdoor areas, ensuring the lawn is mowed a few days prior to the shoot for an optimal appearance.

By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll create a welcoming and visually appealing environment for your home photoshoot, enhancing the attractiveness of your property to potential buyers or viewers.