📸 My Photography Guide
Getting Ready for Photography Day
Professional photography is one of the most important marketing tools we’ll use to showcase your home. For many buyers, the photographs are their very first impression—and often determine whether they schedule a showing.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping buyers fall in love with your home before they ever walk through the front door.
This guide will help you make sure your home looks its very best on photography day.
💗 A Note From Karyn
By the time we reach photography day, you’ve already put a lot of work into preparing your home, and I want you to know that it truly makes a difference.
Professional photography highlights your home’s best features, but it’s the preparation beforehand that allows those features to shine.
Don’t worry about making everything perfect. We’ll focus on the details that help your home photograph beautifully and create a strong first impression online.
We’ll take it one step at a time, and I’ll be here to guide you through it.
📅 The Day Before Photography
Checklist
☐ Finish all recommended home preparation tasks.
☐ Complete any last-minute cleaning.
☐ Dust furniture, shelves, and ceiling fan blades.
☐ Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors.
☐ Clean mirrors and glass.
☐ Wipe fingerprints from stainless steel appliances.
☐ Mow the lawn and trim landscaping if needed.
☐ Sweep porches, patios, sidewalks, and driveways.
☐ Hide garbage and recycling containers.
☐ Charge cordless landscaping lights if applicable.
☐ Put together your Photography Bin.
📸 Let’s Make a Photography Bin!
One of the easiest ways to prepare for photography day is to create a Photography Bin.
Think of it as a temporary home for everyday items that can distract from your home’s beautiful features.
Fill your Photography Bin with items like:
☐ Shampoo & conditioner
☐ Soap & body wash
☐ Toothbrushes & toothpaste
☐ Hair dryers & curling irons
☐ Lotions & cosmetics
☐ Kitchen sponge & dish soap
☐ Paper towels (if they create clutter)
☐ Tissue boxes
☐ Small trash cans
☐ Pet bowls & pet supplies
☐ Phone chargers & charging cables
☐ TV remotes
☐ Children’s toys
☐ Everyday countertop items
Once everything is in one place, simply store the bin in a closet, basement, garage, or take it with you during the photography appointment.
When the photographer leaves…
Just bring it back inside.
No searching.
No wondering where everything went.
Just one bin.
💡 Karyn’s Insight
Creating a Photography Bin saves time, reduces stress, and makes putting your home back together quick and easy after the photo session.
🌅 Photography Day Checklist
Exterior
☐ Park vehicles across the street or down the block, if possible.
☐ Leave the driveway clear and clean.
☐ Close all garage doors.
☐ Roll up garden hoses.
☐ Remove garbage and recycling containers from view.
☐ Put away lawn equipment and garden tools.
☐ Straighten outdoor furniture.
☐ Remove pet waste from the yard.
☐ Clean the grill if it will be visible.
☐ Make sure the pool or hot tub is clean, if applicable.
Interior
☐ Turn on every light in the home.
☐ Turn OFF every ceiling fan.
☐ Open all blinds and curtains.
☐ Remove family photos if we discussed doing so.
☐ Straighten chairs and bar stools.
☐ Fluff pillows.
☐ Fold throw blankets neatly.
☐ Empty all trash cans.
☐ Empty the kitchen sink.
☐ Put away dishes.
☐ Wipe kitchen counters one last time.
☐ Wipe fingerprints from appliances.
☐ Close all toilet lids.
☐ Open all shower curtains or shower doors.
☐ Remove toiletries from showers and countertops.
☐ Hang fresh towels.
☐ Hide pet bowls, litter boxes, toys, and beds.
☐ Turn televisions and computer monitors off.
☐ Hide charging cords where possible.
☐ Make every bed.
☐ Remove laundry baskets.
☐ Take one final slow walk through the house.
💡 Karyn’s Insight
Photography captures details we often stop noticing. Stand in the doorway of each room and look at it as if you’re seeing it for the very first time. If something catches your eye, chances are it will catch the camera’s eye too.
🚗 Before You Leave
☐ Take your Photography Bin with you or place it neatly out of sight.
☐ Take pets with you whenever possible.
☐ Take your Showing Bin (valuables, medications, important documents).
☐ Lock all doors.
☐ Leave every light on.
☐ Leave ceiling fans off.
☐ Give yourself a pat on the back—you’ve done the hard work!
📄 Ready for Photography Day?
Keep a printable copy nearby so you can quickly prepare your home before the photographer arrives.