How to Prepare Your Property for a Professional Photo Shoot

Even the best photographer can only work with what's in front of them. A well-prepared property will always photograph better than one that isn't — and the difference in the final images can be dramatic. Follow this room-by-room guide to get the most from your shoot.

General Preparation (Every Room)

• Remove all clutter from surfaces — benchtops, tables, shelves, floors
• Put away personal photos and documents
• Remove bins, recycling containers, and cleaning products from view
• Replace any blown lightbulbs — consistent warm lighting reads much better
• Turn on all lights (we prefer to control this, but have them on ready)
• Open all blinds and curtains to maximise natural light
• Clean all windows inside — dirty glass causes glare and haze

Kitchen

• Clear all benchtops completely — remove appliances, utensils, dish racks
• One or two simple styling items (a bowl of fruit, a plant) are fine
• Clean stovetop, splashback, and sink until they shine
• Remove all fridge magnets and anything stuck to the front of the fridge
• Put the bin out of sight

Living and Dining Areas

• Fluff and arrange cushions neatly
• Remove remotes, magazines, kids' toys, and everyday clutter
• Straighten rugs and furniture alignment
• A few simple decorative items (vase, coffee table book) add warmth
• Remove excess furniture if the room feels crowded — less is more

Bedrooms

• Make all beds — iron the bedlinen if possible, especially the main bedroom
• Matching, neutral pillow cases photograph much better than mismatched
• Remove items from bedside tables (water bottles, chargers, medications)
• Keep wardrobes closed and clear floors completely
• Remove clothes, gym equipment, and any items that don't belong

Bathrooms

• Remove all personal items — shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, razors
• A neatly folded fresh towel or two adds a hotel-like finish
• Clean mirrors, chrome fixtures, and tiles until they sparkle
• Put the toilet seat down
• Remove bath mats and floor items

Exterior and Garden

• Mow and edge the lawn — do this the day before, not the morning of
• Remove all cars from the driveway and front of the property
• Put away hoses, gardening equipment, kids' toys, and bikes
• Clean the front path, porch, and any outdoor furniture
• Remove bins — move them inside or to the side of the property
• If there's a pool, ensure it's clean and the pool cover is off

On the Day of the Shoot

• Have the property ready 15–20 minutes before the scheduled time
• Ensure pets are secured or removed from the property
• Let us know about any specific features you want highlighted
• We'll handle the rest — lighting, angles, and composition

A Note from Us

We'll always do our best to work with whatever state the property is in on the day. But even 30 minutes of preparation before a shoot can make a significant difference to the final result. If you'd like a printed version of this checklist to send to vendors, just ask — we're happy to provide one.