How to get the best results
Last month I wrote about how to prepare for
exterior and aerial photographs. That column generated a lot of
interest, as well as questions about how to prepare for interior shoots.
Here are the best ways to prepare your house for the best photographs
possible.
One of the main goals in photographing a home for a listing is to make the rooms look as large and impersonal as possible.
1. General Cleaning: Carpets should be vacuumed,
and hard floors mopped. Windows/mirrors cleaned, and surfaces dusted.
This is extremely important in rooms with good sunlight as any dust or
streaks can be highlighted.
2. Artwork: Any questionable or controversial artwork or posters, should be removed.
3.
Seasonal Decorations: Any seasonal items, such as Christmas
decorations, should be removed because they date the photos. Dated
photos can look bad if the house doesn't sell immediately.
4.
Pets: If you have pets, hide all food/water bowls, pet beds, and pet
toys. Also, keep any pets in another room so they are not visible in the
photos.
5.
Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans must be off. Some photographers, like me,
take multiple shots and merge them together later for better quality
photos or wider views. Moving fan blades will be a blur, and will not
line up in merged photos
6.
Lighting and electronics: Overhead lights and lamps should be on and
burned out light bulbs replaced. All lighting should have the same color
type of bulb (all bright white or soft white). Different color bulbs
are distracting in photos. Television screens and computer monitors
should be off.
7. Blinds and curtains: Blinds and curtains should be opened to let in natural light.
8.
Bedrooms/Offices: Beds must be made, clothing put away, and personal
items cleared where possible. This includes desk items, photographs,
posters and corkboards. It is also advisable to remove anything on the
floor, such as baskets and trash cans.
9.
Bathrooms: Remove items from surfaces. Remove laundry baskets, and
empty trash cans. Towels on racks should be neat and hung at the same
level. Open showers and remove bottles or soap bars. Toilets should be
closed.
10.
Kitchen and dining areas: Make sure surfaces are clean and dirty dishes
are not visible. If there is a desk area, remove all clutter and
personal papers, calendars, cork boards and personal messages. Clear the
counters of all but maybe one small appliance (like a coffee maker). If
there is an island, place a bowl of fruit on it. Clear away
refrigerator magnets, photos, etc. Remove garbage cans.
Stage
place settings on tables if possible. Display a nice centerpiece, such
as a flower bouquet. Space chairs evenly, and remove any child seats.
Terry Young is an FAA licensed drone pilot and professional photographer and videographer. His 30 plus years of experience in pre- and post-production of both still photography and video, coupled with the latest equipment, enable him to capture amazing, high quality images.
