A little preparation before our photographer’s visit will help ensure your home is captured at its very best.
To ensure the best possible presentation of your home, we recommend decluttering and thoroughly cleaning well in advance of the photographer’s visit. Photographers have been instructed to move or adjust only a minimal number of items, so preparation beforehand is key.
The photography session typically takes between one hour to an hour and a half, depending on the size of your property. This appointment will also include the creation of a floorplan and a 3D tour, providing prospective buyers with a comprehensive view of your home.
For the best results, follow our room-by-room guide to showcase your property in its most appealing light.
Our photographers will ensure your property looks its best, regardless of the weather. While we can’t guarantee sunshine, we can enhance the final images with a bright blue sky for a polished finish.
To make the most of your photos, ensure all surfaces are spotless—giving floors and surfaces a thorough clean and polish will make a noticeable difference.
Clean, streak-free windows allow more natural light to fill your home, so we recommend tackling this in advance, as there won’t be time once the photographer begins setting up.
For a clean and spacious look, declutter key areas such as kitchen worktops and the tops of cupboards. While essentials like the kettle and toaster can stay, consider removing smaller appliances such as smoothie makers or baby bottle sterilisers.
To keep the focus on the kitchen’s space and fittings, remove any fridge magnets or children’s drawings for a crisp, uncluttered image.
Tidy away everyday items like washing-up liquid and dishcloths—potential buyers want to envision a stylish and functional kitchen, not daily chores.
If including a fruit bowl, ensure it’s generously filled to add a fresh, photogenic touch.
Finally, remove pet-related items such as food bowls, beds, and litter trays. However, pets themselves can sometimes add charm to the final images!
Our photographers can blur family photos in standard images, but for 3D virtual scans, all details remain visible. To protect your privacy, remove any personal photographs, valuable antiques, sensitive documents, or artefacts you’d prefer not to be seen.
For a welcoming and stylish look, plump up all cushions, and if they still appear flat, consider replacing them—you can always take them to your new home!
To maintain a fresh and timeless feel, remove newspapers, magazines, and greeting cards, as these can quickly date the space.
If you have a home office setup in the living room, clear away desks, files, and work-related items for the photos to create a more spacious and inviting atmosphere.
If you have an open fire or log burner, it's always best to have it lit for the photos, as it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. A glowing fire adds a cosy, homely feel, making your property even more appealing to potential buyers.
For a clean and stylish look, remove everyday toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel.
Tidy away children’s bath toys, bath mats, toilet brushes, and cleaning products while the photos are being taken to create a fresh, uncluttered space.
Buyers will be more interested in seeing heated towel rails as part of the property, so it's best to remove towels, no matter how stylish they may be.
To create the best first impression, move any cars off the driveway before the external photos are taken and ensure bins and recycling tubs are out of sight.
In the garden, remove covers from outdoor furniture, set out cushions, and open the parasol (if it’s in good condition) to create an inviting space.
If you have a rotary washing line, take it down if possible. If it’s fixed, retract it and cover it. Tidy away hoses, watering cans, and children’s toys such as footballs, scooters, and bikes for a neat, uncluttered look.
Your garden doesn’t need to be pristine, but it should feel well-maintained. Mow the lawn, weed key flower beds, and trim overgrown hedges if time allows.
Fresh flowers instantly brighten a room and create a welcoming atmosphere—a pop of color can make a big difference! The photographer may even move them between rooms for added impact, so consider having a spare vase on hand.
There’s no need to set the dining table for a formal meal. A clean, uncluttered space will be more effective in showcasing your home’s potential.
Ensure all lightbulbs are working, particularly ceiling spotlights, as they are often switched on for photos. While photographers typically avoid bare bulbs, good lighting can enhance certain spaces, so check fixtures in key areas.
Since decluttering is essential for every room, use a garage, storage cupboard, shed or any non-photographed space to temporarily store items during the marketing visit. This will keep your home looking tidy and spacious in the final images.
If our photographer is capturing a 3D scan of your property, there are a few extra steps to keep in mind.
Your home must be fully prepared before the scan begins, as nothing can be moved once the process is underway. Declutter in advance by storing personal items in drawers or cupboards, or removing them from the property entirely.
Before the scan starts, ensure all interior doors are open and switch on all the lights throughout the property to create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
Once the scan is in progress, you’ll need to stay completely out of view until the photographer has finished. We recommend waiting on a different floor, stepping outside, or briefly leaving the property to avoid any interruptions in the final 3D showcase.
