Real Estate Photography Pre-Shoot Checklist

Make sure your listing is ready before the photographer arrives. Use this real estate photography checklist to prepare every room, exterior space, and important detail.

✅ General Prep – Entire Home

  • Replace any burnt-out light bulbs.
  • Open blinds and curtains to maximize natural light.
  • Clean windows and mirrors.
  • Hide personal items such as medications, toiletries, laundry, and children’s toys.
  • Declutter countertops, shelves, nightstands, and dressers.
  • Hide or neatly organize visible cords and charging cables.
  • Hide trash cans, laundry baskets, pet bowls, and litter boxes.
  • Vacuum, sweep, and mop floors.
  • Remove unnecessary rugs or mats that make floors feel visually busy.
  • Remove temporary signs, notes, papers, and other items that may distract from the space.

🛋️ Living Room / Family Room

  • Fluff pillows and neatly arrange throws.
  • Clear clutter from coffee tables and side tables.
  • Tuck away remotes, game controllers, and cables.
  • Straighten furniture and create clear walking paths.
  • Organize bookshelves with minimal, intentional décor.
  • Remove unnecessary furniture that makes the room feel crowded.
Wide angle view of modern living area at a luxury home in the Homestead Redlands area of Miami. Lots of light and high ceilings. Real estate photography by Golden Pixxel Media.

🍽️ Kitchen & Dining

  • Clear countertops of everyday items; leave only a few intentional decorative elements if desired.
  • Put away dish racks, soap bottles, sponges, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.
  • Remove magnets, notes, photos, and other items from the refrigerator exterior.
  • Clean appliances and polish visible surfaces.
  • Empty the sink and put away dishes.
  • Hide small appliances that aren’t needed for the photo.
  • Set the dining table with simple, tasteful décor if desired.
  • Straighten chairs and bar stools.
Luxury kitchen with a city view at Aston Martin Residences in Miami. Pendant lights hanging over the kitchen island and round support column off the side of the kitchen.

🛏️ Bedrooms

  • Make all beds with clean, neatly arranged bedding.
  • Fluff pillows and straighten blankets.
  • Store phones, tablets, and charging cables.
  • Clear nightstands and dressers except for minimal, tasteful décor.
  • Remove personal items and visible clothing.
  • Store laundry hampers and clutter in closets.
  • Check under beds and furniture for anything visible.
  • Straighten curtains and blinds.

🚿 Bathrooms

  • Clear counters of toiletries and grooming products.
  • Close toilet lids.
  • Hang fresh, neatly folded towels.
  • Remove floor mats and scales.
  • Remove bath toys and personal items.
  • Hide cleaning products and toilet brushes.
  • Polish mirrors, faucets, and other fixtures.
  • Make sure shower glass is clean and free of water spots.
Modern and chic luxury master bathroom at Aston Martin Residences. Double vanity on the right with enclosed bathtub and shower area on the left. Large mirror with light around the edges.

🌴 Exterior & Curb Appeal

  • Mow the lawn and trim bushes and landscaping.
  • Sweep driveways, walkways, patios, and balconies.
  • Hide trash and recycling bins.
  • Hide hoses, gardening tools, and other equipment.
  • Clean the pool and arrange pool furniture neatly.
  • Remove toys and unnecessary items from patios and pool areas.
  • Arrange outdoor furniture and cushions.
  • Open umbrellas if appropriate.
  • Turn on water features and outdoor lighting if possible.
  • Remove vehicles from the driveway and front of the property.

📸 Final Touches Before Shoot

  • Turn on all lights, including lamps, under-cabinet lighting, and other accent lighting.
  • Turn off TVs and computer screens.
  • Turn off ceiling fans.
  • Open appropriate blinds and curtains.
  • Close toilet lids.
  • Remove visible pet items.
  • Secure pets during the shoot.
  • Remove vehicles from the driveway and front of the property.
  • Make sure the photographer can access every room and exterior area.
  • Leave the home during the shoot or remain in areas that aren’t being photographed.