What does Photo Ready really mean?
Last weekend I arrived at a listing ready to take photos and create the floor plan. The sellers said "Just tell us what you want us to move in each room." It's times like this I wish I had a time machine. I have compiled a list of preparations based on questions asked DURING shoots.
Need to be done a few days in advance:
- Check the light bulbs-ALL of them, interior and exterior. I turn on every light for photographs. Replace any bulbs, lamps or light fixtures which are burnt, missing or performing poorly.
- Pack up family and personal photos. You're moving anyway, right?
- Pack up your nick-nacks, and collections. See above.
- Change out heavy window treatments for lighter and brighter
- Mow, shovel or rake-depending on the season
- Everything else the stager or listing agent puts on the list
Morning of:
- Turn on every light
- Open all the blinds, curtains
- Coil up the strings from the blinds
- Tuck away most of your kitchen counter appliances
- Paper towels don't photograph well-put them away
- Remove all evidence of a pet
- Put trash barrels, wheelbarrows, shovels, garden hoses, etc in the garage
- Park cars in the street, garage, or at the end of a long driveway
- Be sure that walkways, steps and entryways are clear
- Remove daily living necessities. Oral hygiene is good, but toothbrushes don't photograph well.
For the last one, I recommend one box per room. Toss everything necessary-for-living, but un-photogenic in the box that morning. Replace those things after photos.
Sure, I will often move things around for my clients. I want the photos to look spectacular after all. If there is a pile of clutter in one corner of the room, it's easy enough to avoid in photos, but it also eliminates shooting towards that area. These tips will make the shoot go faster and smoother for all of us. And most importantly-make the photographs of your listing look spectacular!
Life is better when there are flowers to photograph!
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