Bright white kitchen with pendant lights, ready for a listing photoshoot

For sellers and listing agents

Photoshoot Prep.

We cannot begin shooting until the property is 100% ready. Use this checklist to get every room camera-ready, then share or print the PDF for your sellers.

See the difference prep makes

Drag the slider to compare the same room before and after prep.

Clean an open white kitchen with a gray island after photoshoot prep
Cluttered an open white kitchen with a gray island before photoshoot prep
BeforeAfter prep
  • Counters cleared
  • Fridge front cleared
  • Towels, soap and trash can hidden
  • Jacket and pet bowls put away

The prep checklist

Tick items off as you go. Your progress saves on this device.

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Outdoor preparation

Indoor preparation

The night before

Day of the shoot

Drone and twilight shoots

Matterport and 3D tours

A 3D tour captures every room, so prep the spaces you'd normally skip.

What we do

  • Adjust blinds and lighting.
  • Close toilet seats in bathrooms.

What we will not do

  • Move or rearrange furniture or items.
  • Handle cords (TV/cable, power cords, etc.).
  • Make beds, clean, dust, or declutter.
  • Handle pets and pet items.
  • Touch personal hygiene items (shampoo, toothbrushes, brushes).
  • Use "Photoshop" to alter items like vehicles, power lines, walls, or cords.

Please note: Please avoid scheduling other services on the day of your appointment. For our photographers' safety, pets must be crated or in a separate room with the door closed. If pets are loose, we may need to reschedule the appointment.

Room-by-room quick tips

Kitchen

Clear counters down to one or two decor pieces. Hide the dish soap, sponges, towels and trash can.

Bathrooms

Clear the vanity completely. Remove bath mats and used towels, and close the shower curtain.

Bedrooms

Make beds tightly with pillows set up. Clear nightstands and put away clothes and chargers.

Living areas

Fluff and line up pillows, fold or remove blankets, and put remotes, toys and cords out of sight.

Exterior

Clear the driveway, hide bins and hoses, and give the lawn a fresh mow a day or two before.

Home office

Clear the desk down to a monitor and one decor piece. Hide paperwork, mugs, the shredder and every cord.

Backyard & patio

Cushions on, umbrella open, grill uncovered. Put away hoses, toys and bins, and blow off leaves.

Walk-in closets

Nothing on the floor. Use matching hangers, line up shoes and remove hampers and boxes.

Twilight and drone

Every light on, every car moved, and nothing on the roofline or lawn you wouldn't want seen from above.

Prep questions

What happens if the home isn't ready when the photographer arrives?

We cannot begin shooting until the property is 100% ready. Our photographers don't clean, declutter or move furniture, so please finish the checklist before your appointment time.

Will the photographer tidy up or move furniture?

No. We adjust blinds and lighting and close toilet seats. We don't move or rearrange furniture, handle cords, make beds, clean, or touch personal items.

What should we do with pets?

For our photographers' safety, pets must be crated or in a separate room with the door closed. If pets are loose, we may need to reschedule the appointment.

Can you edit out cars, cords or trash cans afterward?

We don't use "Photoshop" to alter items like vehicles, power lines, walls or cords, so move or hide them before the shoot.

Can other services happen during the shoot?

Please avoid scheduling other services, like cleaners or contractors, on the day of your appointment.

Home ready? Let's shoot it.

Send your sellers the checklist, then book your shoot. Questions? Contact us.

Need furniture and styling too? We'll introduce you to Steel City Home Staging — our Pittsburgh staging partner. Consultations are free.

Book a staging consult