GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Be Shoot-Ready: Please ensure that cleaning and staging are completed before I arrive, preferably the day before your photoshoot. While I may adjust small items such as flowers or pictures to enhance the composition, larger items must be in place prior to my arrival, and any staging accessories should be set up as well.

2. Secure or Remove Pets: While I love pets, they cannot be present during the photoshoot. Dogs must be secured or removed from the property to ensure the safety of both myself and my equipment. Additionally, MLS rules prohibit any people or pets from being included in photos. Cats should also be secured; they typically cause fewer issues as they tend to hide. It’s also advisable to remove pet food and water bowls from view.

3. Plan to be Out of Sight: All occupants should either be off the property or remain in areas not visible during the photoshoot. This is crucial as room overlaps in photos can create shadows or reflections, and there’s a risk to the equipment set up throughout the property.

4. Use the Garage for Storage: I usually do not take photos of garages, making it an ideal space to store items you would like to keep out of sight.

OUTDOOR PREP

1. Clear the Driveway: Ensure that no cars are parked in the driveway. Additionally, you can relocate any vehicles from the street in front of your home to ensure a clear view of the property.

2. Hide Trash Cans: Store trash cans on the side of the property or in the garage to improve the appearance of your home.

3. Hide hoses: Do this the day before the shoot, as hoses can drip water onto the pavement when moved, leaving puddles in your pictures.

4. Mow and Trim the Lawn: Complete all yard work at least 24 hours before your photoshoot to ensure a neat appearance.

5. Turn Off Sprinklers: Do not water the lawn on the day of the shoot to avoid creating puddles.

6. Prepare Pool and Spa: Clean any pools or spas and remove coverings. Could you provide the realtor with instructions on how to turn on the spa if necessary?

7. Clean Patio Furniture: Dust off outdoor furniture and remove any cobwebs. Avoid hosing down furniture on the day of the shoot, as this can result in puddles.

INDOOR PREP

1. Declutter Kitchen: Keep only a few items on the counters; dishes, sponges, rags, and similar items should be stored away. Remove all magnets, pictures, and other decor from the refrigerator. Additionally, take out any throw rugs from the floor.

2. Bathrooms: Hide personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, and similar products to maintain a clean and organized space. It's best to display decorative items, such as unused soaps, candles, or flowers. Remember to remove throw rugs from the floor.

3. Prep Bedrooms: Ensure all beds are made and personal items are put away in all bedrooms.

4. Trashcans: To avoid distractions, hide all trashcans in closets or the garage.

5. Cords and Remotes: Hide TV remotes, game consoles, and any noticeable cords when possible, although some electrical cords may remain visible.

6. Entryways: Remove shoes, umbrellas, and other similar items from entryways to create a clean and inviting entrance.

7. Blinds: Open blinds to showcase views when possible. If a window faces an unappealing view, allow natural light to enter instead.

8. Lighting: Before I arrive, please make sure that all interior lights are turned on. If any bulbs are burnt out, please replace them at least 24 hours ahead of the photoshoot. *(For editorial style photography lights may be left off for stylistic reasons)

TWILIGHT PREP

f you have scheduled a twilight shoot, please prepare the following items before my arrival. Twilight shoots have tight schedules to ensure optimal lighting, so it's essential that everything is ready beforehand.

1. Turn on all interior and exterior lights: Ensure that all lights throughout the property are turned on. Please replace any burned-out bulbs at least 24 hours prior to the photoshoot.

2. Prepare the spa: If you have a spa, please remove the cover and turn it on before I arrive. Make sure to turn on the lights in the spa as well.

3. Activate pool lights: If you have a pool, please turn on the pool lights before my arrival.

4. Turn on water features: If your property has fountains, waterfalls, or similar water features, please ensure they are turned on before I get there.