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What NOT to Do Before Your Real Estate Photographer Arrives: The Real Estate Photography Checklist
- Don Cavanaugh
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Avoid these common mistakes to help your listing look its absolute best.
When it's time for professional real estate photography, most homeowners focus on what they should do—clean, declutter, and make the home look inviting.
But just as important is knowing what not to do.
As a real estate photography company that's photographed thousands of homes across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut, we've seen a few simple mistakes make an otherwise beautiful home look less appealing online.
The good news? They're all easy to avoid. Here's the real estate. photography checklist!
The Real Estate Photography Checklist: What Homeowners Should Avoid
1. Don't Leave Personal Items Everywhere
Buyers want to picture their life in the home—not yours.
Before your photographer arrives, remove:
Family photos
Children's artwork
Refrigerator magnets and notes
Calendars
Mail and paperwork
Prescription bottles
Pet supplies
A clean, neutral space photographs better and allows buyers to focus on the home's features.
2. Don't Assume We Can "Fix It in Photoshop"
Professional editing goes a long way, but it isn't magic.
Our editors can enhance lighting, straighten vertical lines, and improve colors, but they can't realistically remove:
Large piles of clutter
Boxes stacked throughout rooms
Furniture that blocks the space
Dirty dishes covering countertops
Wrinkled bedding
Laundry on the floor
Taking 20 minutes to prepare the home often has a much bigger impact than any amount of editing afterward.
3. Don't Leave Every Light Off
Natural light is important, but lighting inside the home matters too.
Before the appointment:
Turn on all interior lights.
Replace burnt-out bulbs if possible.
Use matching bulb temperatures within the same room whenever possible.
Consistent lighting creates a brighter, more inviting look in your listing photos.
4. Don't Leave Cars in the Driveway
Whenever possible, move vehicles to the street or around the corner before photography begins.
Cars can:
Block the home's curb appeal.
Distract from landscaping.
Cast unwanted reflections.
Make drone photography less effective.
The front exterior is often the first photo buyers see, so it should showcase the home—not the vehicles.
5. Don't Forget About the Backyard
Many homeowners focus entirely on the inside.
Don't overlook:
Patio furniture
Pool areas
Fire pits
Decks
Gardens
Outdoor kitchens
Outdoor living spaces have become major selling features, especially during spring, summer, and fall.
6. Don't Leave Ceiling Fans Running
While fans make a room feel comfortable, spinning blades create distracting motion blur in professional real estate photography.
Turn them off before your photographer starts.
7. Don't Leave Toilet Seats Up
It seems obvious—but it happens more often than you'd think.
Close:
Toilet seats
Shower curtains (unless they add to the room)
Hamper lids
Small details make a surprisingly large difference in finished images.
8. Don't Leave Cleaning Supplies Out
Once you've cleaned, put everything away.
This includes:
Vacuums
Mops
Brooms
Paper towels
Soap bottles
Trash cans (if practical)
Cleaning sprays
The goal is to help buyers focus on the home—not household chores.
9. Don't Stay Home
One of the biggest misconceptions is that homeowners should follow the photographer throughout the home.
In reality, this often slows the process.
Professional real estate photographers work most efficiently when they can move freely from room to room without interruption.
If possible:
Relax outside.
Sit on the porch.
Take a short walk.
Run a quick errand.
Your photographer will let you know if they have any questions.
10. Don't Wait Until the Photographer Arrives to Start Cleaning
The appointment time should be the moment photography begins—not when preparation starts.
Trying to clean while photos are being taken often creates unnecessary delays and increases stress for everyone involved.
Aim to have the property completely ready before your scheduled appointment.
Bonus Tip: Keep Pets Secure
We love pets—but cameras, tripods, drones, and open doors don't always mix well.
For everyone's safety, it's best to:
Secure dogs in a separate area.
Keep cats indoors and away from open doors.
Remove pet beds, food bowls, and litter boxes whenever possible.
This also helps create cleaner, more universally appealing listing photos.
Why Preparation Matters
Professional real estate photography is often a buyer's first impression of a property.
According to industry research, buyers spend only a few seconds deciding whether to click on a listing. High-quality images help capture attention, generate more interest, and encourage buyers to schedule showings.
A little preparation before your appointment can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived online.
Let Seven Roads Media Help Your Listings Stand Out
At Seven Roads Media, we've been helping Realtors showcase homes since 2017 with professional real estate photography, drone photography, cinematic video tours, Zillow 3D tours, floor plans, and marketing media throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.
Our team delivers fast, consistent, high-quality media with our signature commitment to being Fast. Friendly. Flawless.
Whether you're listing a starter home, luxury property, or investment property, proper preparation combined with professional photography helps your listing make the strongest possible first impression.
Ready to book your next listing? Contact Seven Roads Media today and see why hundreds of agents trust us for professional real estate photography with next-business-day delivery.
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