How to Prepare Your Home for Professional Photography

Getting your home ready for professional photography is a crucial step in the selling process. A beautifully presented property not only creates a strong first impression but can also help attract more interest and ultimately lead to a quicker sale.

While a professional photographer will bring out the best in your home with great lighting and angles, preparing the space beforehand makes a world of difference. Here is some friendly advice on how to get your home photo ready.

Start with the Basics

Before the photographer arrives, it is worth finishing any outstanding DIY jobs and giving the property a general tidy. Freshly painted walls, fixed door handles or a re-hung curtain can subtly reassure potential buyers that the home has been well maintained.

Make the Most of Outdoor Space

First impressions matter. A tidy front garden and driveway set the tone for what is inside. Mowing the lawn, trimming hedges and clearing away bins or garden tools can instantly improve kerb appeal. If you have outdoor furniture, consider setting it up to create an inviting space.

Let There Be Light

Good lighting is essential for great property photography. Make sure all bulbs are working throughout the home, including ceiling lights, lamps and spotlights. Bright, well-lit rooms feel more spacious and welcoming in photos.

Tidy and Declutter

Cables trailing around televisions, computers and speakers can be distracting in photos, so it is a good idea to tuck them out of sight. Clear surfaces wherever possible, including kitchen worktops, bathroom shelves, bedside tables and window ledges.

Items that are part of daily life but do not translate well in photos include:

• Fridge magnets and wall calendars

• Tea towels and oven gloves

• Children’s toys and pet beds

• Cleaning products and toiletries

• Coats, shoes and recycling bins

• Overcrowded kitchen counters

It is not about stripping your home of personality, but helping potential buyers see the space itself rather than the items in it.

Style the Key Spaces

In bedrooms, freshly made beds with plumped cushions and smoothed bedding can make a big impact. Straightening curtains and ensuring floors are clear helps create a calm, inviting feel. In the dining area, a simple place setting or vase of fresh flowers adds warmth without looking overly staged.

Store the Overflow

Photographers typically do not capture every nook and cranny. Areas such as lofts, garages, sheds and inside cupboards are usually left out unless they are particular selling points. These can be ideal places to temporarily store items you want out of the way.

If you are short on space, consider boxing up non-essential items. Not only will it help with the presentation of your home, but it is also one less job to do when moving day comes around. Packing away anything you do not need for the next few months can help create a clean, open feel that photographs beautifully.

It Is About Balance

Preparing for a photoshoot is not about perfection. It is about creating an environment that feels welcoming and easy to imagine living in. No one expects your home to look like a show home every day. This is simply a one-off moment to present it in the best possible light.