PHOTO SHOOT PREP GUIDE

How to Get Your Home Ready for Stunning Real Estate Photos

By Rozen Film & Photo — Helping your home look its best.

First impressions matter — especially online. A few simple steps before your photo shoot can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels.
Our goal is to help you (and your agent) showcase your home in the best possible light so your listing attracts more attention and sells faster.

Download Guide (PDF)

General

GENERAL PREP FOR THE WHOLE HOME

Declutter Every Room
Put away items like toys, remotes, stacks of mail, or excess décor. Clear spaces make rooms look bigger and more appealing in photos.

Clean Surfaces
Wipe down countertops, mirrors, and windows. A polished home photographs brighter and fresher. Vacuum and mop.

Hide Personal Items
Remove family photos, paperwork, and valuables. This keeps buyers focused on the home, not the current owner.

Open Curtains and Blinds
Let in as much natural light as possible — it creates an inviting, airy feel.

Turn On All Lights
Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use the same warmth (all soft white or all daylight) for a consistent look. Lighting adds warmth and makes spaces shine.

PREP FOR THE LIVING + DINING ROOM

Straighten Furniture
Arrange seating neatly, with chairs pushed in at the table. This helps the room feel inviting and organized.

Minimize Décor
A few tasteful pieces are fine, but avoid overcrowding.

Hide Wires & Electronics
Bundle or tuck away cords, remotes, and gaming consoles.

Add Light
Turn on lamps and open blinds to create a bright, cozy feel.

Living/Dining

PREP FOR THE KITCHEN

Clear Counters
Put away small appliances, dishes, and food. A clean counter helps your kitchen look larger and more functional.

Empty the Sink
No dishes should be visible — it’s one of the first details buyers notice in photos.

Tidy the Refrigerator
Remove magnets, notes, and papers. Clean lines and minimal clutter look great on camera.

Sweep & Shine
Wipe stainless steel surfaces and clean floors — reflections matter!

Kitchen

Bedroom

PREP FOR THE BEDROOM

Make the Beds Neatly
Smooth sheets, fluffed pillows, and a folded blanket make a huge difference.

Clear Nightstands & Dressers
Remove phones, chargers, books, and water glasses. Simple surfaces look calm and spacious.

Keep Floors Clear
No clothes, shoes, or bags visible in the photos.

Tidy Closets / Walk-in Closets (if photographed)
A clean, organized closet subtly suggests great storage space.

PREP FOR THE BATHROOM

Clear the Counters
Put away personal items — toothbrushes, razors, and bottles should be out of sight. A single hand soap and towel is perfect.

Close Toilet Lids
A small detail, but it makes a big difference in photos.

Shine Everything
Clean mirrors, faucets, and glass — bright reflections elevate every shot.

Hang Fresh, Neutral Towels
White or light-colored towels photograph best and give a spa-like feel.

Bathroom

Exterior

PREP FOR THE EXTERIOR

Mow & Edge the Lawn
A well-kept yard immediately boosts curb appeal.

Hide Outdoor Clutter
Put away hoses, bins, toys, and garden tools. Tidy spaces photograph bigger and better.

Sweep Porches & Patios
Clean outdoor surfaces show off their full potential.

Remove Vehicles
Keep driveways and streets clear for wide, unobstructed shots.

Pets

PREP FOR PETS

Your pets are part of the family and we love them too — but for photo day, we want every buyer’s focus on your home. A clean, calm, pet-free space helps your photos shine!

Tidy Up Pet Areas
Remove bowls, toys, beds, and crates before your photo shoot. These can be distracting and make rooms feel cluttered.

Clean Floors & Furniture
Vacuum up pet hair and wipe surfaces where pets like to lounge. This helps keep your home looking fresh and photo-ready.

Hide Pet Essentials
Tuck away food bags, litter boxes, and leashes. Even small pet items can pull focus in photos.

Plan for the Day
If possible, take pets out during the photo session (have them in a dedicated room). This helps keep them calm and ensures we can move through the home smoothly.

Day Of

DAY OF SHOOT FINAL TOUCHES

Turn on all interior and exterior lights
Open blinds and curtains throughout
Make one last clutter check
Move cars and trash cans from in front of the house
Step outside and look at your home — if anything catches your eye, it’ll show up in photos

YOU'VE DONE IT!

With these steps complete, your home will be truly photo-ready

At Rozen Film & Photo, we’ll take care of the rest — capturing every detail to help your home stand out online.

If you or your agent ever have questions about preparing for your session, we’re always happy to help. Every home is different, and we’ll guide you through what works best for yours so you can feel confident on photo day.

Thank you for trusting Rozen Film & Photo — we can’t wait to showcase your home!

PHOTO SHOOT PREP GUIDE

GENERAL PREP FOR THE WHOLE HOME

Declutter Every Room Put away items like toys, remotes, stacks of mail, or excess décor. Clear spaces make rooms look bigger and more appealing in photos.

Clean Surfaces Wipe down countertops, mirrors, and windows. A polished home photographs brighter and fresher. Vacuum and mop.

Hide Personal Items Remove family photos, paperwork, and valuables. This keeps buyers focused on the home, not the current owner.

Open Curtains and Blinds Let in as much natural light as possible — it creates an inviting, airy feel.

Turn On All Lights Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use the same warmth (all soft white or all daylight) for a consistent look. Lighting adds warmth and makes spaces shine.

PREP FOR THE LIVING + DINING ROOM

Straighten Furniture Arrange seating neatly, with chairs pushed in at the table. This helps the room feel inviting and organized.

Minimize Décor A few tasteful pieces are fine, but avoid overcrowding.

Hide Wires & Electronics Bundle or tuck away cords, remotes, and gaming consoles.

Add Light Turn on lamps and open blinds to create a bright, cozy feel.

PREP FOR THE KITCHEN

Clear Counters Put away small appliances, dishes, and food. A clean counter helps your kitchen look larger and more functional.

Empty the Sink No dishes should be visible — it’s one of the first details buyers notice in photos.

Tidy the Refrigerator Remove magnets, notes, and papers. Clean lines and minimal clutter look great on camera.

Sweep & Shine Wipe stainless steel surfaces and clean floors — reflections matter!

PREP FOR THE BEDROOM

Make the Beds Neatly Smooth sheets, fluffed pillows, and a folded blanket make a huge difference.

Clear Nightstands & Dressers Remove phones, chargers, books, and water glasses. Simple surfaces look calm and spacious.

Keep Floors Clear No clothes, shoes, or bags visible in the photos.

Tidy Closets / Walk-in Closets (if photographed) A clean, organized closet subtly suggests great storage space.