This kind of list can feel a little obvious at first, as most of it is common sense: clean up, put things away, open the blinds, and make the home look cared for.

But I still think it is worth spelling out plainly because I want to photograph your home at its best.

I really enjoy photographing homes. I like working with listing agents to focus on the features they want to highlight, and I especially enjoy seeing how each home is different. Every property has its own layout, light, details, and strengths. The better the home is prepared before I arrive, the more I can focus on those things.

Capturing your home works best when the space feels clear, settled

Most of the prep for a property shoot comes down to removing clutter and cleaning up every room. But there are a few details that can make a real difference, which I've included.

And by no means should you feel like you have to overdo it. I am not expecting every inch of the house to be perfectly dusted, and the goal is not to make the home feel empty or overly staged. The goal is to clean up each room, and to remove all the other smaller distractions.

Clean up and Let the Room Breathe

The best preparation is simply cleaning and then subtracting. After cleaning each room, begin removing the small distractions and clear off all surfaces so we can let the room's full layout carry the image.

Think: What should the camera see first, and what would quietly support that?

So, before our session, walk through each room from the doorway. This is often close to where the camera will begin. Look for anything that would interrupt a first impression: bright colors, loose cords, extra shoes, laundry baskets, stacks of mail, remote controls, pet items, cleaning supplies, or anything sitting out where it does not belong.

A room does not need to be stripped of personality, but it does need to be clean, tidy, and uniform.

Clear the Main Surfaces

Counters, tables, nightstands, bathroom vanities, and desks tend to collect the most visual clutter. These surfaces matter because they sit close to the camera and can quickly make a clean room feel busy.

Put away excess things.

In kitchens, clear most items from the counters and clean off all surfaces. Plants, cutting boards, or simple appliances can stay, especially if it helps the space feel lived in without crowding the image.

In bathrooms, I think it is best to err on the side of overly staging it, because that's one room that should not remind viewers that this bathroom is lived-in, in my opinion. So, there are several things to do. Remove everything from the counter and shower and hide it from view, which includes toothbrushes, razors, and soap/shampoo bottles. Old towels should be removed, and any decorative towels should be neatly folded. Hide from view trash cans, plungers, and cleaning products.

For bedrooms, I cannot emphasize enough that beds should be neatly made. Bedsheets should be tucked and smoothed so that there are no bumps showing through on the cover. Pillows should be smoothed and pillow inserts should face away from the doorway. Since the bed is usually the visual anchor of the room, it should feel calm and finished.

Clear the nightstands, and remove laundry, chargers, water bottles, and personal items from view.

Use Light Well

Open blinds and curtains before I arrive unless there is a specific reason not to. Natural light helps a room feel more open and gives me more light to work with.

Turn on lamps and interior lights. Be mindful to keep all ceiling fans off. Replace any burned-out bulbs ahead of time, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and exterior fixtures.

When listing your property, it is best to avoid mixing too many different bulb colors in one room. If that is the case with your home, now is the time to fix that. If one lamp is warm and another is cool, the room can feel uneven in the final images.

Do a Floor and Corner Check

Floors and corners are easy to overlook in person, but the camera will pick them up. All things should have their place to put away; stray shoes, bags, cords, toys, pet beds, trash cans, and anything else should be removed from view.

This is especially important in smaller spaces, where every visible object carries more weight in the frame.

Prepare the Exterior

The first impression often starts before anyone steps inside. Sweep the porch and clear the driveway. Trash bins should be either either put away or hidden from front-facing view. Coil up loose hoses, straighten outdoor furniture, and remove loose items from the yard. If you haven't cleaned the pollen off your porch rockers, now would be a good time to do so.

If there are planters, cushions, doormats, or porch decor, make sure they look intentional and only keep out if they are clean/non-distracting. Also keep in mind, small exterior details can help a property feel cared for, but too many competing items can make the entrance look cluttered. Please remove all flags, as I want 100% of the home's exterior to be visible.

Finally, all cars should be moved away from the driveway. I would advise to park streetside if possible. The property should be the sole focus.

Think About What the Photos Need to Show

Good property photos serve a very effective purpose. They are not simply pretty pictures, because they help someone understand the home.

The camera needs to show how rooms feel, how spaces connect, where the light comes in, and capturing the parts that make the home appealing. When viewers see these pictures, they should see all of the right things.

Before the session, make sure the most important features are the easiest to see. If there is a room, angle, detail, or feature that matters to you or your listing agent, make sure it is clean, accessible, and ready.

A Simple Final Walkthrough

Before I arrive, walk through the home once more with the camera in mind:

Open curtains.
Clear counters.
Straighten bedding.
Hide cords.
Remove trash cans.
Check mirrors and glass.
Put away personal items.
Clear the driveway.
Turn on useful lights.
Look at each room from the doorway.

The house does not need to be perfect. It just needs to feel cared for, clean of debris, and ready to be seen.

The better the preparation, the better I can do my part.