Empire Architectural Photography

Preparing for a Real Estate Photo or Video Shoot

The Maria Barr Team at Sotheby's International Realty holds all of our listings to an exceptional standard for marketing. Part of this effort requires your cooperation in making sure your home is properly staged for your photo shoot. Your photos are an important part of your online marketing and our goal is to have them look as good as they possibly can. Please comply with the suggestions below before we arrive for the shoot to be sure the photos meet brand standards and to maximize your online impact. The photographer is not responsible for moving personal items of the client, for liability and efficiency reasons.

  • Make sure all lights are functioning properly with no bulbs burnt out. Color temperature of bulbls

    should “match” each other. (i.e. all warm or all cool, or if not, leave the non matching light off)

  • Open all blinds and shades.

  • Remove personal items and “knick knacks” from tables, mantels, counters, etc. In general less is better.

  • Remove small rugs and carpets as they can appear distracting in photos.

  • Remove any cardboard storage boxes and unnecessary items.

  • Clear off window sills. Clean windows and if possible, remove screens especially if views are an

    important aspect of your property.

  • Vacuum, sweep, and dust. Our high-resolution photos do show any dust or dirt.

  • Seasonally, set up deck and patio areas. Remove grill covers, hoses and garbage cans as well as pool

    supplies etc.

kitchen

  • Put away all dishes and dishrack

  • Remove soap, bottles, sponges etc,

  • Clear off refrigerator top and remove magnets, papers etc.

  • Remove small appliances from counters.

 

Bedrooms

  • Make beds, bedspread should be even and level with the floor.

  • Remove items from side tables. Tissues, remotes etc.

  • Remove stuffed animals, laundry baskets etc.

 

Bathrooms

  • Remove all soap, shampoo bottles, loofahs, etc.

  • Clean mirrors and metal fixtures.

 

Outdoors

  • Put away hoses, garbage cans, lawn tools, etc.

  • Move vehicles away from the shoot area.

Other notes: Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty performs a rigorous quality control check on our photographic assets. We are not permitted to have the following in our photos; toilets, pets, people, cars and vehicles unless they contribute to a “lifestyle” shot. We do not include garage interiors, unfinished basements or workshops in marketing photos.

A photo shoot typically takes between 1 and 3 hours. We suggest the homeowner not be present so we can move through the home more quickly but this is at the client’s discretion and comfort level.