Home Staging Guide for Property Photography
Home staging is an essential step in preparing your property for professional photography. A well-staged home appears inviting, spacious, and well-maintained—qualities that attract potential buyers, generate more interest, and help achieve the best possible price.
Tips for Preparing Your Home
Deep Clean and Declutter
Before the photography session, thoroughly clean and declutter every room from top to bottom. A spotless home captures well in photos and makes a strong first impression. Clear away unnecessary items from countertops, shelves, and tables, and keep rooms as spacious as possible.
Remove Personal Items
When viewing homes, potential buyers want to imagine themselves in the space. Removing personal items such as family photos, personal toiletries, and other personal belongings will allow them to better visualize the property as their own.
Create Open, Welcoming Spaces
Aim to maximize the sense of open space. Ensure that furniture placement allows for an open flow, and remove any bulky items that may crowd the room. Light curtains or blinds to let in natural light can also make rooms feel more airy and inviting.
Turn On All Lights and Lamps
Switching on all available lights, including lamps and ceiling fixtures, helps brighten the space and reduces shadows, giving the home a warm and welcoming feel. Well-lit spaces photograph better and appear more inviting.
Tidy Exterior Spaces
For outdoor shots, remove cars from the driveway, tidy up the garden, mow the lawn, and remove any garden tools, toys, or hoses from view. First impressions matter, and a well-maintained exterior enhances curb appeal.
The Exterior
Move vehicles from the driveway
Remove any clutter (bins, tools etc)
Remove dead plants & leaves Mow the lawn
Clean doors, windows, driveway, patio & garden furniture
Close doors & windows
The Reception & Bedrooms
Open curtains & blinds
Make beds thoroughly
Plump up cushions
Remove clutter from under the bed
Close all cupboards Turn the TV off
Store TV remotes, magazines, kids toys etc out of sight
The Kitchen
Clear worktops & empty the sink
Hide towels, cutlery, utensils & oven gloves
Move bins, pet bowls & bedding out of sight
Close all cupboards
Remove all fridge magnets
The Bathrooms
Toilet lids to be left down
Clear counter tops, removing bottles
Pull back shower curtains
Remove towels from rails or radiators
Ensure toilet roll and brushes are presentable
What if the Property is Empty?
Unfurnished or empty properties require the same attention to cleanliness and tidiness as furnished homes.
Ensure the property is spotless, with floors cleaned, surfaces dusted, and no visible clutter.
Empty properties can also benefit from adding simple furnishings or staging elements (such as a few plants or light furnishings) to help define each space and give prospective buyers a sense of scale.
Home Staging During Holidays and Celebrations
To keep photos timeless and ensure they remain relevant throughout the year, avoid displaying seasonal or holiday decorations (e.g., Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or birthdays).
Decorations can make the photos feel dated and may limit their appeal. Since seasonal decorations cannot be removed during the editing process, it’s best to keep them packed away during the shoot.
Notes for 360° Photography
If your property photoshoot includes 360° or virtual tour content, remember that there is nowhere to hide clutter out of the camera’s view.
As a result, make the most of storage space, and follow all steps to ensure a clutter-free environment throughout the entire property.
Every angle is captured, so it’s important that each area is organized, clean, and staged effectively.
Your Personal Data
To protect your privacy, please ensure that all personal data is removed from view before our visit. Personal data includes (but is not limited to) photographs of friends and family, certificates, bills, letters, and any other documents that may contain sensitive information.
This helps me avoid capturing private details in photos or visual content. I cannot be held responsible for sharing any personal data that you do not remove prior to the shoot, so a thorough check of each area is recommended.
On the Day of the Shoot
On the day of the photoshoot, I may recommend further adjustments to enhance the property’s presentation. While I may suggest moving certain items or refining the staging setup, please note that I do not use props or take responsibility for any cleaning or tidying.
I encourage property owners to have all spaces prepared and cleaned ahead of time to achieve the best possible results. This approach helps ensure a smooth and efficient shoot, capturing your property in its best light.
Following these steps will ensure your property looks its absolute best in photos, helping potential buyers connect with the space and envision it as their future home.