You’ve already taken the first step in making the best of your property by arranging for professional photographs. You only get 1 first impression and you're just a couple of steps away from making it the best you can. To maximise the effectiveness of the photography, you have to prepare your property beforehand.   

Luckily I've compiled a comprehensive list of things to do in different rooms for your property or holiday let. All of these tips are useful and all will enhance your pictures, you don't have to do all of them but the more you do, the better your pictures will be and the more visual value they will carry.  
 

 It's good to put yourself in the mind of the viewer when looking about your property, you have to allow them to imagine being in those spaces themselves and how they could possibly use them. You have most likely done it yourself when looking at properties to buy or staying at a holiday let or hotel. The viewer does not need to see where you keep your tomato sauce bottles or stacks of board games but how they can enjoy or live in that space they are looking at. So let's get cracking!

 

 

 

 

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These tips apply to ALL rooms:

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• Declutter but not to the point where it looks unlived in, you want it to be inviting for the viewer. Optional extras like flowers, fruit bowls or ornaments are good substitutions for the less desirable clutter like tissue box on your coffee table, fruit bowl for your pile of magazines on the kitchen top. 
   

• Where possible make the rooms look spacious, moving/removing furniture can improve the usability of the room and appeal in the viewer's mind. 
   

• The place is clean, dusted and tidy, all draws cupboards doors closed. 
   

• Be sure to have bulbs in your fixtures and lamps (preferably the same light colour) so the viewer can see the authentic lighting and ambience of the rooms. 
   

• Symmetry. Make sure where you have symmetry in your rooms. For example, the bedside tables next to the bed are at the same distance from the bed or the lamps on them are both positioned central on the bedside tables. These details might seem trivial but they add a lot of extra time to the shoot if they have to be adjusted at the time and if they are not done then they can affect the appeal of the image. 
   

• Open all curtains and blinds to let natural light in. 
   

• Clean the interior windows to maximise the view and light from outside (less appealing views I will blow out so don't worry).
   

• Remove any personal pictures of family, but If you can't don't worry, I can also blur them out if needed. 

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Outside/Exterior
 

 The outside of your property is one of the most influential pictures. If possible, I will schedule the shoot for a sunny clear day but if it isn’t, not to worry I can control the weather in Photoshop. 
 

• Remove any vehicles from the road side of the drive obscuring your property. 
   

• General garden tidy – mow the lawn, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, pull the weeds - all that green fingered good stuff. 
   

• Hide the bins. 
   

• Tidy any kids toys or those projects you’ve been 'meaning to get round to' away. 
   

• Clean the windows. 

  

Kitchen
 

 The heart of the house for many people, so the usability and practicality have to be on full display. 
 

• Make sure the kitchen sink is empty and clean (no dirty plates). 
   

• Remove all condiments and clutter from the kitchen work tops as well as non-essential appliances. 
   

• Remove the kitchen bins, mops, brushes, high chair and any pet food bowls etc. 
   

• Take all artwork and fridge magnets off the fridge or cupboards. 
   

• Wipe down your appliances such as kettle, microwave etc for fingerprints and smudge marks. 

  

Dinning/Reception rooms

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• Set your dining table as best you can. 
   

• Expose your wooden floors and remove and rugs you may have concealing them - most people love wood flooring! 
   

• Arrange your cushions and remove any dog blankets or throws used to protect your sofas. 
   

Bedrooms
 

• Make the bed and try to choose bedding that compliments the room if possible. (If it is a divan bed please make sure it has valance on).  
   

• Everyone stores items under their beds but try to make it so they are not visible or recessed enough to be out of sight. 
   

• Any mirrors cleaned. 
   

• Remove any hanging items of clothing.

 

Bathroom

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• Tidy away all toiletries from the bath sides, ledges toothbrushes etc. 
   

• The bathroom must be spotless but pay attention to the shower screen and mirror, especially as any dirt will be highlighted by my flash photography. 
   

• Fresh, clean bath towels neatly folded and stacked. 
   

• A new full toilet roll.  
   

• Clean matching bathmats.

 

Utility/Hallway/Dressing room 

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• Keep the floor space clear by removing any shoes/brollies/boxes or other items that tend to accumulate. 

  

 If you would like to for myself to come round prior to the shoot - to help you organise, prepare and stage your property for shooting, that can be arranged for an additional fee.