Preparing home for a photo shoot

 

General Prep:

 

•     Turn on all the lights, inside and out.

•     Turn off the ceiling fans.

•     Open the blinds, shades and curtains.

•     Replace any burned out lights.

 

Home Exterior:

 

•     Remove all cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles etc. from the driveways and do not park directly in front of  the house.

•     Move garbage and recycling cans out of sight.

•     Remove all garden tools, hoses, and clutter.

•     Pick up after pets.

•     Mow the grass, rake up leaves and debris, pull weeds and remove any dead vegetation.

•     Sweep driveways, sidewalks and patios.

 

Swimming Pools and Spas:

 

•     Make sure they are clean.  Sweep dirt off the bottom and skim off the debris floating on top.

•     Remove the cover, pool sweep, floating chlorine dispenser and pool toys.

•     Straighten lounge chairs, put away cleaning tools, and set up any patio umbrella (If available).

•     Turn on pool lights, waterfalls or anything that might have to do with the pool or spa.

 

Living & Family Room:

 

•     Remove newspapers and magazines and put away books.

•     Tuck the remote controls in a drawer to get them out of sight.

•     Conceal exposed cables and cords as best that you can.

•     Remove clutter, personal photos, the kids toys, etc. from bookshelves, tables and the floor.

•     Dust and vacuum.  Dust can show in a photograph.

•     Wash any glass surfaces including table tops, cabinet doors and windows.  Smudges and dirt on glass will be noticeable in     the photographs.

 

Bedrooms:

 

•     Make the beds neatly; straighten the bed spread and pillows.

•     Tidy up, dust and vacuum.

•     Pick up and put away clothes and shoes.

•     Remove items from bedside tables  books, magazines, pictures, clock radios, etc.

•     In the kids rooms put excess toys out of sight, take posters and drawings off the walls, and straighten up overall. 

 

Kitchen:

 

•     Put small appliances, knife blocks and kitchen gadgets away and off the counters

•     Remove photos, notes, papers and magnets from the refrigerator.

•     Clean the major appliances  refrigerator, oven, stove top, range hood, and dishwasher.

•     Wipe down the counter tops.

•     Don't leave any dirty dishes in the sink or spounges and brushes.

•     Move trash cans out of site.

           

Dining Room:

•     Dust the furniture and vacuum the floors.

•     Setting the table with nice dinnerware, napkins and a centerpiece can give a homey feel.

•     If you have a China cabinet make sure things are straight and tidy inside.

 

Bathrooms:

 

•     Clear off the counter tops; toiletries, tissues, hair products.

•     Remove personal care products and children's bath toys from the shower and tub.

•     Make sure towels are folded neatly and are straight on the towel bars.

•     Close the lid on the toilets.

•     Mirrors and shower doors should be clean.