When I show up for a real estate photoshoot, the house is already staged and ready to go. That prep work makes a huge difference in the final photos, and it’s usually the thing that separates a listing that gets clicks from one that gets scrolled past.
When my wife and I bought our first home, we evaluated listings based on photos before we ever realized we were doing it. Houses with bright, well-lit, open photos felt more inviting. Houses with confusing photos or missing rooms made us less interested in seeing them in person. That experience is part of why I started offering real estate photography in the first place.
So here’s a checklist you can use (or send to your sellers) before photo day.
Clean the Whole Home
This is the step that pays off the most in photos. A camera picks up smudges, dust, and streaks that you stop noticing when you live somewhere.
Clean all windows inside and out, including sliders and glass doors
Wipe down countertops, backsplashes, and appliance fronts
Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces
Vacuum and mop, including under furniture where it shows
Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards
Clean bathroom fixtures, shower doors, and grout
If you’re looking for a window washing company in Southeast Michigan, I highly recommend Tim Paul at Tried and True Window Washing based out of Canton, MI.
I was able to work with Tim on a business and branding photoshoot and he is one of the friendliest and kindest business owners I’ve ever met.
Customers rave about his work, and his rates are reasonable. I recommend Tim to homeowners and real estate agents in the area.
Declutter Every Room
Buyers need to picture themselves in the space, and that’s hard when they’re looking at someone else’s stuff. The goal is to make rooms feel open and generous, not empty.
Clear all countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms (leave one or two intentional decorative items)
Remove small appliances you don’t use daily
Take magnets, photos, and papers off the refrigerator
Clear nightstands down to a lamp and minimal decorations
Remove personal photos, diplomas, and name-based decor
Clear shoes, coats, and bags from entryways
Tuck away pet bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys
Remove trash cans from view, or at least from the main rooms
Thin out closets if they’ll be photographed - packed closets read as “not enough storage”
Fix the Lighting
Lighting is most of what makes a room feel warm instead of flat. I bring my own equipment, but natural light does a lot of the work. We’ll schedule your photoshoot at a time that works well for lighting in your area.
Open all blinds, curtains, and shades
Replace any burnt-out bulbs
Use the same bulb color temperature throughout a room (mismatched warm and cool bulbs are noticeable in photos)
Turn on every lamp and overhead light before I arrive
Pull sheer curtains back so the window frames show
Staging, Room by Room
A few small adjustments go a long way.
Kitchen: Clear the counters, hide the dish soap and sponges, straighten bar stools, and put away towels that look used.
Living room: Fluff and straighten pillows, fold throw blankets, center the rug and coffee table, and hide remotes and charging cords.
Bedrooms: Make every bed with clean, wrinkle-free bedding. Match the pillows. Clear the floor completely.
Bathrooms: Put away toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries. Hang fresh towels. Close every toilet lid.
Dining room: Center the table, straighten the chairs, and add a simple centerpiece.
Offices: Hide cords, clear the desk, and make the room look clean and organized.
Here are some examples of clean, well-staged rooms:
Exterior Real Estate Staging
Exterior photos help buyers find the home when they drive by, and they set the first impression on the listing. If we’re doing aerial drone media, the yard and surrounding area will be visible from above too, so curb appeal matters more than you’d think.
Mow, edge, and clear leaves or snow
Put away trash bins, hoses, and lawn equipment
Move cars out of the driveway and off the street in front of the house
Clear the porch of packages, mats that look worn, and seasonal decor that’s out of season
Straighten patio furniture and add cushions if they’re stored away
Clean up around the firepit, grill, or pool area
Sweep walkways and the driveway
The Day of the Real Estate Photoshoot
A few last things right before I show up:
Turn on all the lights
Turn off ceiling fans (they blur in photos)
Close the garage door unless we’re shooting the garage
Tuck away pet items and trash cans one more time
Plan to have pets and people out of the house or in one room we’ve already shot
What I Handle + Real Estate Photography Equipment
Once the home is staged, I bring everything else. I shoot with a Sony FX30 and a Sigma 10-18mm wide-angle lens to capture a full view of every room, plus a Sigma 18-50mm lens for some exterior shots. For aerial media, I fly a DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine, and I’m FAA Part 107 licensed, which is required for any commercial drone work. I edit everything in Adobe Lightroom and deliver high-quality photos ready to upload to your listings.
You don’t need to provide any equipment. You stage, I show up and shoot - so it’s one more thing off your to-do list.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re a real estate agent or a short-term rental host in Southeast Michigan - including Northville, Novi, Canton, South Lyon, Brighton, Howell, Livonia, and Wixom - I’d love to connect. I offer interior, exterior, and aerial drone photography for listings, Airbnb and Vrbo properties, and rental listings.
Reach out to D Morby Media today and let’s talk about your next listing.
We link to the camera, drone, and lighting gear we use on real shoots. Some of these are affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase through them. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases.