When your home goes on the market, the photos are often the first thing buyers see. In many cases, people often decide within a few seconds whether a property is worth taking a closer look at.
Because most buyers now begin their search online, your listing photos and video are often the first viewing your home receives.
A well prepared home looks brighter, more spacious and more inviting in photos. Fortunately, preparing for a photography appointment is usually quick and simple, and a few small changes can make a big difference.
At LuxLens, we have photographed hundreds of properties and created this guide to help homeowners prepare their home for property photography and video so it looks its best when the listing goes live.
In a Rush? Do These 5 Things First
If you only have a few minutes before the photographer arrives, focus on these quick wins.
- Clear worktops, tables and floors of everyday clutter
- Make all beds neatly and straighten cushions
- Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible
- Put toiletries, cleaning products and personal items out of sight
- Move cars away from the front of the property if possible
These simple changes alone can dramatically improve how a property looks in listing photos.
The Goal Is Presentation, Not Perfection
Your home does not need to look like a show home.
The goal is simply to make each room feel:
- bright
- tidy
- spacious
- welcoming
The camera picks up more detail than the human eye, so removing everyday clutter helps buyers focus on the space itself rather than distractions
Exterior Preparation (Often the Most Important Photo)
The exterior of your home is usually the first image buyers see on a listing, so it needs to create a strong first impression.
One of the biggest improvements you can make is moving cars away from the front of the property if possible. Cars parked in front of the house can block the view and make the frontage appear smaller.
It also helps to:
- move bins out of sight
- tidy garden areas
- remove tools or toys
- sweep leaves or debris
A clean and open exterior helps the property stand out online and encourages buyers to view the rest of the listing.
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms buyers look at in a property listing, so keeping it clean and uncluttered makes a big difference.
- clear worktops as much as possible
- put away washing up liquid, cloths and cleaning sprays
- store bins out of sight if possible
- wipe surfaces so they look clean and reflective
A few simple items such as a coffee machine, fruit bowl or small plant can stay out, but less clutter usually makes the space look larger.
Pro tip:
The area around the sink is often the first thing the camera sees. Removing cloths, bottles and sponges instantly makes the kitchen feel cleaner.
Living Room
Living spaces should feel bright, comfortable and welcoming.
- arrange cushions neatly
- remove clutter from coffee tables
- straighten rugs and furniture
- turn televisions off
These small adjustments help the room look more polished and balanced in photos.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms should feel calm and simple.
- make beds neatly
- clear bedside tables
- remove clothing and personal items
- open curtains or blinds
A tidy bedroom helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms photograph best when they look fresh and minimal.
- remove toiletries from sinks and showers
- put away toothbrushes and personal items
- close toilet lids
- hang clean towels neatly
These small details can instantly make a bathroom feel cleaner and more spacious.
Pets During the Shoot
We love meeting pets, and saying hello to them often becomes the highlight of our day. However, pets can sometimes make photography a little more difficult if they are moving between rooms while we work.
If possible, it helps to keep pets in another room or outside during the shoot so we can move freely around the property and capture each space without distractions.
Small Finishing Touches That Help
Once the main preparation is done, these small details can make the property look even better in photos.
- straighten dining chairs
- align bed pillows
- wipe mirrors and shiny surfaces
- remove fridge magnets or notes
- check that toilet lids are closed
These touches help the home feel more polished and ready for viewing.
What Happens During the Shoot
Property photography appointments are usually simple and relaxed.
For most homes, photography typically takes around one hour, depending on the size of the property. If a floor plan is included, measuring the rooms usually takes an additional 15–20 minutes. If video walkthroughs are being filmed, the appointment may take longer, often around two hours or more.
During the shoot, the photographer will move through the home room by room, choosing the best angles and occasionally adjusting small things like curtains, cushions or lighting to help the space look its best.
If there are specific features or angles you would like highlighted, just let us know. We are always happy to accommodate.
Some homeowners prefer to step out during the appointment, while others stay nearby, both options are completely fine.
Ready for the Camera
Once everything is prepared, the rest is our job.
We’ll take care of choosing the best angles, balancing the light and capturing the spaces in a way that helps buyers understand the layout and flow of the home.
With the right preparation and the right photography, your property will be ready to make a strong first impression when the listing goes live.
