Empire Architectural Photography

Preparing for Your Real Estate Photo or Video Shoot

Presenting each property to an exceptional marketing standard is foundational to my approach. Professional photography and video are often a buyer’s first introduction to your home, and presentation directly influences perceived value.

To ensure your property shows at its best, it should be fully prepared prior to the scheduled shoot. Clean, decluttered, and thoughtfully staged spaces photograph significantly better and create a stronger online presence.

Please review and complete the preparation checklist before our arrival. For efficiency and liability reasons, the photographer is not able to move personal belongings or rearrange furnishings during the shoot.

The goal is simple: to showcase your home in a way that captures attention and supports the strongest possible result.

General Preparation Guidelines

• Ensure all light fixtures are working properly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs. Bulb color temperature should be consistent throughout each space (all warm or all cool). If a fixture does not match, it’s better to leave it off.

• Open all blinds and shades to maximize natural light.

• Remove personal items and decorative clutter from tables, mantels, countertops, and other visible surfaces. In most cases, less is more.

• Remove small area rugs that may appear visually distracting in photographs.

• Eliminate cardboard storage boxes and unnecessary items from view.

• Clear window sills. Clean windows, and if possible, remove screens — especially if the view is a selling feature.

• Vacuum, sweep, and dust thoroughly. High-resolution photography captures fine detail.

• Seasonally, stage outdoor spaces. Set up patio and deck furniture. Remove grill covers, hoses, garbage cans, pool supplies, and other stored items.

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.