You booked the photos. Now what?
The difference between a listing that stops someone mid-scroll and one that gets skipped past usually comes down to preparation — not production. We can shoot with the best gear on the Cape, but if the kitchen counter is covered in mail and the master bedroom has yesterday’s clothes on the chair, even great photography won’t save it.
Here’s exactly how to get your home ready before we show up.
The Night Before
Start here, not the morning of. Rushing on shoot day shows.
Declutter every surface. Countertops, tables, nightstands, bathroom vanities — clear them down to the essentials. Think: one or two intentional items, not a pile. The camera sees everything, and clutter shrinks a room visually.
Do a full lap with a laundry basket. Walk every room and toss anything that doesn’t belong — toys, shoes, charging cables, pet bowls, mail, anything personal. You’re not hiding your life, you’re letting the home speak.
Hide cords and devices. Power strips, phone chargers, routers — tuck them out of frame wherever you can. If something can’t be hidden, it’ll be addressed in editing, but it’s faster and cleaner if it’s not there.
The Morning of the Shoot
Turn on every light in the house. Every lamp, every overhead, every under-cabinet strip. We use professional lighting, but warm ambient light from your existing fixtures adds depth and makes spaces feel lived-in — in the best way.
Open all blinds and curtains. Natural light is your best friend. Windows showing blue sky or a nice yard are a selling point; leave nothing blocked.
Make all the beds. Every single one. Fresh linens if you have them. Tuck the corners, fluff the pillows, and pull the duvet straight. This takes five minutes and makes an enormous difference in a bedroom photo.
Set the dining table simply. A clean tablecloth or runner, a simple centerpiece. Nothing over-the-top — just intentional.
Put toilet seats down. Every one. Always.
Park cars away from the house. For exterior and drone shots, a clear driveway reads much better. Coordinate with neighbors if necessary — a neighbor’s car parked in front of your home during a wide exterior shot is a tough edit.
Room-by-Room Checklist
Kitchen
- Clear all countertops except 1–2 styled items (a fruit bowl, a plant, or a coffee maker if it’s nice)
- Remove magnets and papers from the fridge
- Hide dish soap, sponges, and drying racks
- Put away small appliances you don’t want featured
- Clean the stovetop and sink
Living Room
- Remove remotes, magazines, and throw blankets (or fold them neatly)
- Straighten all pillows and cushions
- Clear the coffee table — one book or a small vase is enough
- Pull furniture away from walls if it’s been pushed back
- Vacuum rug and floor
Bedrooms
- Make beds fully — fitted sheet, top sheet or duvet, pillows stacked
- Clear nightstands down to a lamp and maybe one book
- Close closet doors
- Remove personal photos if you prefer privacy (optional, but common)
Bathrooms
- Clear the vanity — keep only one or two nice items (a candle, hand soap, a small plant)
- Remove personal care products, toothbrushes, razors
- Put out fresh, matching towels — fold or roll them neatly
- Clean mirrors and chrome fixtures (they reflect in photos)
Exterior
- Mow and edge the lawn if the season allows
- Sweep the porch, walkway, and driveway
- Remove trash bins from view
- Put away garden tools, hoses, kids’ toys, and yard equipment
- Add a simple potted plant near the front door if you have one
A Few Things We’ll Handle
Some things you don’t need to stress about:
Weather and sky. Every exterior we shoot comes with a blue sky guarantee. If the sky is overcast, we replace it in post — no charge, no rescheduling required.
Minor clutter in editing. If something small gets missed, we can address it. This shouldn’t be your plan A, but it’s a safety net.
Timing and flow. We know how to move through a home efficiently. Your job is prep; ours is everything else.
How Long Will the Shoot Take?
For a typical single-family home on the Cape, plan for 90 minutes to 2 hours for photo and standard video. Add 30–45 minutes for drone. 3D Matterport tours add time depending on square footage. We’ll give you a specific window when you book.
One Last Thing
You know your home better than anyone. If there’s a particular angle you love, a feature you want highlighted, or a view you’re proud of — tell us when we arrive. We come with a plan, but we shoot with our eyes open.
Ready to book? Schedule your shoot →
