My 10 top tips to prepare your home for photography
Use my simple guide here containing the absolutely most essentials preparation steps when your presenting your property for photography.
I’ve worked in the property photography industry for the last six years, working alongside both big and small clients. These range from individuals, commercial clients, hotels, Airb&b, HMO and R2R, interior designers, maritime and so forth. If it has an interior - I’ve photographed it!.
Along the way, I’ve made all the mistakes possible - but that’s also where I’ve learnt all the important lessons. I’ve worked with designers from all backgrounds, I’ve picked up their techniques and introduced my own. By no means is this an infinite guide, but more of a starting point.
Tip #1
Declutter all kitchen work surfaces
A clear and tidy work surface is essential for the viewer to understand the amount of space available. Not only will it look clean, it will also be clear from all unessential items.
Don’t forget any items on the fridge too. ‘If in doubt, take it out!’
Tip #2
Clean exterior windows and fully open the curtains
Make sure to clean your windows before the photography appointment, photoshop can eliminate a lot of dirty marks - but nothing beats a real clean window. Especially if you have a great view!
Tip #3
Check all light bulbs
A few days before your photography appointment, it’s worth taking a few moments to visit each room of your house to make sure no light bulbs require replacing. This also includes lamps, spotlights, outside lights and extractor hood bulbs. Although your photography appointment may be booked during daylight hours, the ambient lights simply add a warm home touch to your images, making your home feel inviting.
Tip #4
Set up any garden or balcony furniture
A few minutes before your appointment, brush off any dirt or leaves from your garden furniture and add any pillows or cushions which are part of the set. If you want to go that extra step further, add some fresh orange juice or a bottle of wine to the table. This will create a warm and inviting feel to your garden. Small things like this can really change the mood of an image.
Tip #5
De-clutter the bathroom
‘If in doubt, take it out’. This is a phrase I use almost every day. The bathroom and kitchen photos are the real focal parts of any house. Take a box and put in any clutter which is inside the bathroom. This means all cosmetic bottles, toothbrushes, bleach, toilet roll holders and so forth. An empty bathroom works wonders in property photography.
Tip #6
Curb appeal is important
The exterior image is another really important image. Move any bins and cars that are in front of the property or in the grounds. This can be done before the photographer arrives at the property. A clear and clean driveway shows the full extent and size available. You may also want to do any last minute gardening, cutting the grass, removing any weeds and pressure wash the driveway.
Tip #7
Clean all carpets and floors
Hiring a professional carpet cleaner a day before the photography appointment can really give the carpets a new lease of life. Clean carpets and hard wood floors look brilliant on photographs. Spend half a day to make sure your floors are just as clean as the rest of the property.
Tip #8
Hide all wires
Make sure to remove any wires and chargers that may still be visible in the room. Especially look out for phone chargers and wires under tables and console units. Remember to fully close all unit drawers, so they sit flush with the rest of the unit. If you have a lot of wires visible behind the unit but you’re unable to hide them, consider using cable ties to make them sit neat.
Tip #9
Clear the back of all doors
There are certain angles where internal doors need to be fully open, whether that is to get a full view from the bedroom into the ensuite bathroom or to make more space for the photographer. Hide all dressing gowns, coats, bags and so forth and place them out of view. Dressing gowns and so forth really don’t make a property look desirable.
Tip #10
Double your preparation time
‘I never knew just how many things I had until I came to sell’ - This is a phrase I hear at least six times a week. One of, if not the most important parts of making your home photo-ready is to allow yourself more than enough time. Take a moment a few days before your appointment to organise your to-do list. Giving yourself double the amount of time to prepare is guaranteed to make the photography appointment run smoothly and achieve that stunning set of images you're looking for.
