Photography Prep Guide

Get Your Property Camera-Ready

Great photos begin with a well-prepared property. Preparing your home or vacation rental before we arrive allows us to focus our time on what we do best — creating professional images that showcase your property at its very best.

Please have the property fully cleaned, staged and ready before your scheduled photography session.

Before We Arrive

Please complete these final preparations before your scheduled shoot:

  • Property fully cleaned and staged

  • Beds made and pillows arranged

  • Countertops and surfaces cleared

  • Personal items put away

  • All interior and exterior lights working

  • Ceiling fans and TVs turned off

  • Curtains and blinds opened and arranged

  • Vehicles and golf carts moved away from the property

  • Pool, patio and outdoor areas cleaned and organized

  • Property ready before the scheduled start time

What to Expect During Your Shoot

To keep your session running smoothly, all cleaning, staging and preparation should be completed before our scheduled arrival.

Our photography services focus on capturing your property at its best and do not include cleaning, housekeeping or extensive staging.

Before we arrive, please make sure:

  • Furniture is arranged as you would like it photographed

  • Beds are made and rooms are fully cleaned

  • Surfaces are decluttered

  • Personal items and toiletries are put away

  • Toys, pet items and unnecessary outdoor items are removed

  • All areas you would like photographed are accessible


Whenever possible, we recommend that owners, guests, staff and pets remain outside the areas being photographed so our team can work efficiently.

Kitchen

  • Clear countertops of unnecessary items

  • Put away food, dishes and cleaning supplies

  • Remove items from the refrigerator, pet bowls, dish towels and rags

  • Hide trash cans

  • Wipe fingerprints and smudges from appliances

  • Make sure all bulbs are matching and working

  • Close cabinets, pantry doors and drawers

  • Straighten stools and chairs

A few simple decorative items may remain if they complement the space.

Bedrooms

  • Make beds neatly and arrange decorative pillows

  • Remove laundry, hampers and personal belongings

  • Remove family photos, tissue boxes and unnecessary clutter

  • Clear nightstands and dressers

  • Hide visible charging cords

  • Make sure bedside lamps and lights are working

  • Close closet doors and drawers

  • Open and arrange curtains or blinds and turn off ceiling fans

Bathrooms

  • Clear countertops of clutter and personal toiletries

  • Remove visible soaps, bath mats, used towels and laundry

  • Neatly arrange fresh towels

  • Clean mirrors, glass and countertops

  • Hide trash cans and cleaning supplies

  • Make sure all bulbs are matching and working

  • Close toilet lids

  • Close cabinets, closet doors and drawers

Living & Dining Areas

  • Remove unnecessary clutter and personal items

  • Arrange cushions and decorative pillows neatly

  • Straighten furniture and dining chairs

  • Clear coffee tables, side tables and dining surfaces

  • Remove remote controls, cables and visible chargers where possible

  • Turn off TVs and ceiling fans

  • Open and arrange curtains or blinds

  • Remove toys, pet items and anything distracting from the space

Outdoor areas

  • Move cars and golf carts away from the property

  • Hide trash cans and bins

  • Remove children’s toys and unnecessary outdoor items

  • Put away gardening and maintenance equipment

  • Clean and tidy the surrounding areas

  • Clean exterior windows and glass

  • Trim grass and landscaping where applicable

  • Clean the patio and arrange outdoor furniture neatly

Final Details

  • Remove firearms, weapons and other sensitive items from view

  • Remove pet items and visible signs of pets

  • Put away pool and spa toys

  • Hide cleaning supplies and equipment

  • Turn on all interior and exterior lights

  • Open and neatly arrange blinds and curtains

  • Set or straighten the dining table

  • Stage any unique features you would like highlighted

Other Things To Note

  • Closets: Closets are not routinely photographed. If you would like a closet featured, please let us know before the shoot.

  • Laundry Areas: Laundry and utility areas are photographed when they are an important feature of the property or when requested in advance.

  • Balcony Doors: Please keep balcony doors facing the beach closed unless otherwise directed by our photographer.

  • Special Features: If there are specific amenities, views or unique features you would like highlighted, please let us know before the session.

How Long Will the Shoot Take?

Every property is different, but these are good general guidelines:

Photography Only

Approximately 1 hour

Photography + Video + Drone

Approximately 1½–2 hours

PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO + DRONE + 3D TOUR

Approximately 2–2½ hours

Larger properties or properties with extensive amenities may require additional time.

 

Why Preparation Matters

For most buyers and travelers, your online listing is their first introduction to the property.

A clean, uncluttered and thoughtfully prepared space allows your property’s design, amenities and unique features to stand out — helping us create stronger images and make the best possible first impression.

Thank you for taking the time to prepare your property before your Lighthouse Media Group session. We look forward to showcasing it.

 

Ready for Your Shoot?

Download our printable Photography Prep Checklist and use it as a quick reference while preparing the property.

Download Prep List