Preparing for a Photoshoot

Finalize the Space

  • Complete punch-list items: no blue tape, unfinished trim, or exposed wires.

  • Remove protective films from windows, appliances, and fixtures.

  • Ensure landscaping is tidy and season-appropriate. A freshly mowed lawn and trimmed beds are ideal, but a few small dry patches or minor imperfections are fine. I can clean those up in post-production.

Styling and Furnishings

  • Confirm that furniture is in place and styled as it would be lived in (or lightly staged if vacant).

  • Keep accessories intentional as less is more, but fresh flowers, plants, or seasonal accents add life.

  • If a designer or stylist is preparing the home, please allow enough time for them to finish before photography begins. At minimum, some spaces should be photo-ready when I arrive so we can get started right away and make the best use of natural light.

Kitchen Prep

  • Plan to have small countertop appliances (toaster, blender, coffee maker, etc.) moved right before we begin photographing the kitchen. Clear counters always photograph stronger. Please coordinate this with the homeowners.

Lighting Prep

  • Replace any burnt-out bulbs (match color temperature if possible).

  • Clean fixtures, shades, and glass.

  • For exteriors, check that landscape lighting is working if we’ll shoot at dusk.

Twilight Photography

  • If we are planning a twilight session, please coordinate with the homeowners ahead of time. We’ll need every interior and exterior light in the house turned on, including porch, landscape, and pool lighting. This creates the warm, inviting glow that makes twilight images so striking.

Scheduling & Cleaning

  • If the home will be professionally cleaned, schedule the cleaners for the day before the shoot, not the same day. This ensures everything is fresh and avoids overlap with photography.

  • If the homeowners already use a cleaning service, please coordinate with them so it aligns with the shoot date.

Pre-Shoot Reference Photos

  • Before moving personal belongings, countertop appliances, or other items, I’ll take a few quick photos of each space. This way, we can return everything to its proper place after the shoot.

Pets

  • Pets are usually best kept out of sight so we can work efficiently. However, they can also make a wonderful addition to the photos if planned thoughtfully. If you’d like pets included in a few shots, please let me know in advance so we can stage those moments intentionally.

Arrival & Setup

  • Please plan for about 30 minutes after my arrival to bring in equipment and set up before we begin photographing.

Timing

  • Allow access to the property at least 30–60 minutes before the shoot for setup.

  • Avoid scheduling movers, cleaners, or contractors during the shoot window.

A Note on Photoshop

I can edit out small distractions after the fact, but the strongest images always come from a space that’s complete and ready before I arrive. Retouching adds time and may incur additional costs, and it can never match the quality of photographing a perfectly prepared home.