Preparing Your Home for Photos

Here are some things you can do to prepare your home for a photo shoot.

OUTSIDE

A dry driveway looks best in photos. Please refrain from washing it down

Make sure to do these:

  • Sweep driveway, walkways, porches, patios and decks

  • Mow the lawn

  • Trim bushes, hedges, etc.

  • Remove weeds from flower beds

  • Rake fallen leaves

Remove these:

  • Vehicles

  • Trashcans

  • Children & pet toys

  • Hoses

  • Lawn and garden tools

LIVING ROOM

Arrange furniture to accentuate your fireplace or other distinctive features

Make sure to do these:

  • Open window coverings for natural light

  • Turn off ceiling fans

  • Test/replace light bulbs

  • Arrange pillows and cushions

  • Fold and drape any blankets

Remove these:

  • As much clutter as possible

  • Children's toys/video games

  • Newspapers/magazines

  • TV remote controls

  • Easily moveable family photographs

  • Cords/chargers

KITCHEN

Leave out a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit for a pop of color

Remove these:

  • Clutter and personal items from counters

  • Dish towels and paper towel rolls

  • Pet dishes

  • Items on refrigerator doors

  • Small appliances (blenders, toasters, etc.)

  • Trash cans

  • Floor mats

Make sure to do these:

  • Clear and wipe down the counters

  • Test/replace light bulbs

  • Open window coverings for natural light

  • Leave out a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit for a pop of color

BATHROOMS

Sparkling clean shower doors can enhance a bathroom’s appeal

Remove these:

  • Clutter from countertop

  • Toiletries from shower/tub

  • Old or dirty towels

  • Plunger, toilet brush, etc

Make sure to do these:

  • Close toilet lids

  • Test/replace light bulbs

  • Open window coverings for natural light

  • Clean the shower, mirror & sinks

BEDROOMS

BEDROOMS APPEAR THEIR BEST WHEN THEY’RE BRIGHT, OPEN, AND FREE OF CLUTTER

Make sure to do these:

  • Make beds neatly

  • Open window coverings for natural light

  • Test/replace light bulbs

  • Fluff decorative pillows

Remove these:

  • Personal items on nightstands/dressers

  • Children's toys

  • Clothing and shoes

  • Trash cans and hampers

  • Family photographs

Don't forget the details!

• Make sure all light fixtures have the proper type of bulbs — do not mix fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.

• If time and budget permits, have windows professionally cleaned and consider removing darkening screens to allow more light.

• At computer workstations, tidy cables, wires, and papers, and straighten up bookcases.

• If your child's name is visible in their bedroom, consider removing it. If removal isn't possible, inform the photographer, and we'll try to edit it out of the final photos.

*Lone Star Visuals will not move anything in the home including furniture due to liability concerns. Please be sure to have your home prepared ahead of time for the shoot