Shoot Prep Guide

The Right Mindset

The simplest way to think about this: prepare the property as if a guest is checking in today. Not "pretty good" — actually ready. If you wouldn't want a guest to see it, the camera will find it.

Cleaning

• Have the property professionally cleaned before the shoot
• Vacuum all floors including under furniture edges — the camera catches dust in corners
• Vacuum vent and return covers — they stand out in wide shots
• Clean all mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces — streaks show up in photos
• Wipe down all countertops, appliances, and surfaces
• Clean stovetop, oven window, and microwave inside
• Clean and polish faucets and fixtures
• Empty and clean all trash cans — replace with fresh bags, no bag showing above the rim
• Take out all trash

Linens & Towels

• Wash all bed linens — don't overstuff the dryer, and pull them out as soon as the cycle ends so they don't set wrinkles
• Make all beds neatly — smooth while the sheets are still warm from the dryer
• Wash and fold all towels
• Stack or display towels neatly in bathrooms — folded consistently
• Fold and store extra bedding neatly (in a closet or at the foot of the bed if it's part of the aesthetic)

Kitchen

• All dishes put away — nothing on drying racks
• Silverware and kitchen drawers organized
• Pots and pans cleaned and stored neatly
• Coffee and drink supplies stocked and arranged (guests should be able to picture using them)
• Counters completely clear except for intentional decorative items
• New sponge at the sink
• Dish soap neatly placed, no old bottles

Bathrooms

• Fresh roll of toilet paper on the holder — not a partial roll
• Paper towels restocked
• Toiletries organized or stored out of frame
• No personal care items visible (razors, medication, etc.)
• Clean toilet, inside and out
• Trash can emptied with a fresh bag not showing

Bedrooms & Closets

• All personal items removed
• Nightstands clear of personal items — keep only intentional decor
• No visible charger cables or electronics
• Matching hangers in each closet if possible
• Closet interiors tidy — we may open them for staging shots
• Remote controls placed neatly, not just left wherever they landed

Lighting & Electrical

• Every light bulb working — walk the property the night before and test them all
• Replace any bulbs that are out, burned, or flickering
• Check that all bulbs match in temperature within each room where possible — mixing warm and cool bulbs in the same space creates color problems in photos
• Light switch plates and outlet covers in good condition — no missing or cracked covers

Staging & Details

• No personal items anywhere in the property
• TV screens wiped clean — they reflect light and catch dust
• No visible power strips, extension cords, or cable clutter
• Fan blades dusted
• Books, decorative objects, and throw pillows arranged intentionally
• Open all blinds and curtains fully — let in as much natural light as possible
• If there are plants, water them beforehand — wilting leaves show up clearly

Outdoor Spaces

• Sweep patios, decks, and entryways
• Move cars out of the driveway and off the street in front of the property if possible
• Coil or store hoses neatly — or get them out of frame entirely
• Pool or hot tub clean and cover removed
• Outdoor furniture arranged as guests would use it
• Grill cleaned and closed
• Trash and recycling bins moved out of frame
• Lawn mowed and edges trimmed if a shoot is coming up — overgrown grass reads as neglect in photos

A Note on Candles & Scents

No open flames during the shoot — candles look great in photos but are a hazard around equipment. If you want to use candles as props, we can style unlit ones. Skip heavy air fresheners on shoot day too.