Property Photography Top Tips

EXTERNALS AND GARDENS

• Remove vehicles from driveways
• On-Street properties – park your vehicle to “book” the space at front door – we’ll move it later to give a clear view of the property’s front
• Cut grass and tidy borders
• Remove Wheelie Bins out of sight
• Take down Washing Lines.
• Remove Rotary Dryers or, if they are stuck in, retract them and use a proprietary cover if possible
• Remove Hosepipes and Reels, or store neatly

Optional – Provide Outdoor Plants in Pots and Hanging Baskets

Optional – If possible, avoid booking the photograph shoot on Bin/Recycling days as neighbouring properties and street scenes will look unsightly

GENERAL ADVICE FOR ALL INTERIOR AREAS

• De-clutter as much as possible but don’t go overboard!
• Remove small items that detract the eye from the overall room but keep it “homely” – if in doubt leave it and I will advise when I visit.
• Check light bulbs are working in all ceiling lights, room lamps, cooker hood, electric fires
• Windows should be closed
• Blinds should be open and hanging straight
• Curtains tied back or hanging evenly at either side
• Carpets vacuumed and solid floors cleaned
• Avoid evidence of Pets – bowls/baskets etc

Optional – Props
Props can add ambience to a room but are not essential. Examples include…

• Fresh flowers (try to avoid seasonal flowers that can date the photo, e.g. daffodils.)
• Pot plants
• Bowls of fruit
• Bottles of wine
• Cafetiere (contents can be cold)
• Candles (unlit)
• High-end Magazines/Books on Coffee Table

KITCHENS

• Worktop surface and Hob clean
• Sink clean and remove Racks from Drainer
• Remove Tea Towels from Oven/Grill Handles
• Hide all cleaning Cloths/Sponges
• Remove items fixed to Fridge/Freezer Doors
• Hide Swing/Pedal Bins
• Washing machine empty and door closed

RECEPTION ROOMS

• Arrange cushions on sofas and chairs neatly
• Minimal items on and under Coffee Tables
• Consider removal of personal photographs
• Mantelpieces tidied
• Arrange Dining Chairs evenly around the Table
• TV and Computer Monitors switched off
• Hide TV/Audio/Satellite cabling as far as possible

BEDROOMS

• Beds made and covers smoothed as flat as possible
• Pillows and Cushions neatly arranged
• Underneath bed storage shouldn’t be visible – use a Valance or push further out of sight
• De-clutter surfaces of Dressing Tables and Bedside Cabinets
• Mirrored Wardrobe doors clean
• Avoid clothing hanging from back of bedroom doors e.g. Dressing Gowns, Jackets etc
• Toys in Childrens rooms tidied away

BATHROOMS/ENSUITE

• Toilet Seat down
• Fresh Toilet Roll in holder
• Fresh matching Towels
• Remove Bath Mat – especially if plastic/rubber
• Remove personal items such as Toothbrushes/Razors/Medicines etc
• If recently used, dry Baths/Showers/Sinks
• Mirrors clean
• Remove Children’s Bath Toys
• Remove bottles of chemicals/cleaning materials
• Hint – attractive looking toiletries can often be obtained cheaply from Pound Shops

open fires or stoves

If you have open fires or stoves, either light them or leave them swept clean.