How to Prepare Your Home for a Real Estate Photo Shoot: Room-by-Room Checklist

Great real estate photography starts before the photographer arrives. A prepared home photographs dramatically better — and since rooms need to be camera-ready (and empty of people) during 3D scans, preparation is not optional. Here is the checklist we share with LuxQue clients before every shoot.

Whole-House Basics

• Deep-clean everything — cameras see more than eyes do, especially glass, mirrors and countertops
• Turn on every light and replace any burned-out bulbs (working lighting is essential for interior quality)
• Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light
• Hide personal items: family photos, mail, chargers, pet gear, trash cans
• Set thermostats comfortably and turn off ceiling fans (moving blades blur)

Kitchen

• Clear the counters — leave at most one or two styled items (a bowl of fruit, a plant)
• Remove refrigerator magnets and papers
• Hide dish racks, sponges and paper towels

Living Spaces

• Straighten pillows and throws; remove remotes and cords from view
• Style shelves loosely — less is more on camera

Bedrooms

• Make beds hotel-crisp; iron or steam duvets if possible
• Clear nightstands down to a lamp and one accent piece

Bathrooms

• Remove all toiletries from counters and the shower
• Fresh, matching towels only; close toilet lids

Exterior & Curb Appeal

• Mow, edge and sweep; hide hoses, bins and vehicles from the driveway
• Power-wash if needed — exteriors are your first impression online and from the air
• For twilight or drone shoots, exterior and landscape lighting should be working

Day-of-Shoot: What to Expect

A typical photography appointment takes 1–2 hours depending on the size of the property. If we are also capturing a Matterport 3D tour, plan on roughly 30–45 minutes per 1,000 sq ft — and because rooms must be empty for the scan, you do not need to be on site. If you will not be there, just send us entry instructions ahead of time.

Poor Weather? Usually Not a Problem

Our cameras use HDR imaging to balance exterior light, so overcast days rarely affect interior quality as long as the home is well-lit inside.

Book Your Shoot

LuxQue Media provides luxury photography, video, 3D tours and complete listing marketing across New Jersey and the NYC metro area. Call (201) 632-5882 or get in touch to schedule.