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The Ultimate Prep Guide for Real Estate Photography

About this guide

This guide was created by the RealtaSnap photography team, the same crew that trains every photographer who shoots for our clients in NYC and New Jersey. Our internal Essentials Handbook covers everything from HDR techniques and composition to day‑of‑shoot checklists, so your prep work is aligned with exactly how we shoot.

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Every recommendation below comes from real shoots in real apartments, townhomes, brownstones, and commercial spaces—not theory.

WHY PREPARATION MATTERS – BEFORE & AFTER.webp

Why Preparation Matters

Great photos don’t just “happen.” They’re a collaboration between how the home is prepared and how it’s photographed.

When a space is clean, decluttered, and well lit, our photographers can focus on what we do best: dialing in HDR exposure, composition, and angles that make rooms feel bright, spacious, and inviting.

Industry research cited in our marketing analysis shows that listings with professional, well‑presented photos can sell faster and support higher asking prices per square foot compared to listings with DIY photography.

Goal of this guide:
Follow the steps below and your property will be ready for any of our services—HDR photography, 4K video, drone, 3D virtual tours, or floor plans—before our team walks through the door.

The Golden Rules (Apply to Every Room)

2.1 Declutter Like a Minimalist

  • Remove 30–50% of items from counters, shelves, and open surfaces.

  • Hide pet bowls, toys, drying racks, loose papers, and shopping bags.
     

Why it matters: The camera compresses space and makes “normal” amounts of stuff look crowded. Negative space makes rooms feel larger and calmer in photos.

2.2 Depersonalize the Space

  • Take down family photos, kids’ art, diplomas, and highly personal decor.

  • Put away items that reveal strong opinions (team gear, political or religious items).
     

Why it matters: Buyers need to imagine their life in the space. Personal items pull their attention away from the property.

2.3 Clean & Polish

  • Do a full clean: floors, surfaces, mirrors, sinks, and faucets.

  • Wipe fingerprints from stainless steel and glass.

  • Make sure trash cans are empty (or hidden).
     

Why it matters: HDR photography captures everything—including smudges, streaks, and dust.

2.4 Light Consistency

  • Replace burnt‑out bulbs.

  • Use the same color temperature in each room (all warm or all daylight—not mixed).

  • On shoot day, open blinds and turn on all ceiling lights and lamps unless your photographer requests otherwise.
     

Why it matters: Mixed lighting (orange + blue) creates color casts that are harder to correct and can make a room feel off.

Room‑by‑Room Prep Checklist (with Pro Tips)

3.1 Kitchen – The “Money Shot”

  • Clear countertops: hide small appliances, paper towels, dish racks, and soaps.

  • Remove everything from the fridge exterior (magnets, calendars, kids’ artwork).

  • Empty the sink and hide sponges, brushes, and dish soap.

  • Make sure the floor is swept and the trash can is out of sight.
     

Pro Tips

  • Leave 1–2 styled items (e.g., a bowl of fruit or a simple plant) so the kitchen feels warm, not bare.

  • Align the faucet straight and center—tiny details read as “high‑end” on camera.

     

3.2 Living & Dining Areas

  • Remove extra chairs and small side tables that crowd pathways.

  • Hide remotes, phone chargers, tissue boxes, and stacks of mail.

  • Straighten rugs and center the coffee table.

  • Open blinds and align all slats in the same direction.
     

Pro Tips

  • Fluff sofa pillows and give them a small “karate chop” in the middle for that designer look.

  • If you have a great city or park view, make sure nothing blocks the windows.



3.3 Bedrooms

  • Make beds with smooth, clean bedding and fluffed pillows.

  • Clear nightstands of phones, glasses, water bottles, chargers, and books.

  • Tuck away laundry baskets and clothes (including behind doors).

  • Make sure nothing is visible under the bed.
     

Pro Tips

  • Matching lamps on both sides of the bed create a balanced, hotel‑like feel.

  • If you have a primary suite, spend extra time here—this is a major selling feature.



3.4 Bathrooms

  • Close toilet lids. Always.

  • Clear off counters except for 1–2 neutral items (like a soap pump).

  • Remove shampoos, razors, and loofahs from the shower/tub.

  • Hang fresh, neatly folded or rolled towels—or remove all towels if they’re not photo‑ready.
     

Pro Tips

  • Hide small bathroom rugs unless they’re perfectly clean and aligned. Bare floors often photograph better.



3.5 Entryway & Hallways

  • Clear shoes, coats, umbrellas, and bags from view.

  • Remove packages and deliveries.

  • If there’s a console table, keep decor minimal and centered.


Why it matters: These spaces set the tone for the entire tour—both in person and online.


3.6 Exterior & Outdoor Areas

  • Move all cars off the driveway and away from the front of the home.

  • Hide trash and recycling bins, yard tools, and hoses.

  • Sweep walkways, steps, and balconies.

  • Arrange outdoor furniture neatly; add cushions if you have them.


Pro Tips

  • If allowed, temporarily remove “For Sale” signs for the main exterior hero shot to keep attention on the property itself.

Extra Prep for Premium Services
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4.1 If You’ve Booked Drone Photos or Video

  • Make sure patios, decks, and rooftops are tidy.

  • Put away covers on grills and furniture where possible.

  • If you have a pool, skim the surface beforehand.
     

Why it matters: Aerial angles reveal roofs, yards, and outdoor clutter that don’t show from the ground.

 

4.2 If You’ve Booked Twilight / Golden Hour Photos

  • Plan to have all interior and exterior lights on 15–20 minutes before your scheduled shoot time.

  • Turn on landscape lighting, pool lights, and accent lighting if available.

  • Replace any dead bulbs in advance—one dark window stands out at twilight.

     

4.3 If You’ve Booked a 3D Virtual Tour (Matterport)

  • Remember: a 3D camera sees 360°—there is no “behind the camera” to hide things.

  • Make sure every room, hallway, and closet on the tour route is fully prepped.

  • Keep people and pets out of the frame; the camera will capture them multiple times.

     

4.4 If You’ve Booked Floor Plans

  • Ensure doors are accessible and can be opened fully.

  • Clear major obstacles that would block walkable paths.

  • If there are areas that should not be measured (owner storage, unfinished space), tell your photographer at the walkthrough.

Why Work With RealtaSnap
 
RealtaSnap is a dedicated real estate media company—not a general photography studio. Our team delivers:
 

  • Specialized HDR photography, 4K video, drone, 3D tours, and floor plans designed specifically for real estate.

  • A standardized shooting and training system so every photographer follows the same high‑quality process in the field.

  • Clear rate cards and transparent shoot times, so you know exactly what’s included before you book.
     

Want to learn more about the team behind the camera? Add an internal link here to your About or Home page.

Ready for Photos? Next Steps & Contact Info
 
Once you’ve worked through this guide:
 

  1. Book your shoot online – Visit the “Schedule” page to choose your services and appointment time.
     

  2. Have questions? – Reach us at hello@realtasnap.com or (516) 874‑7627 before your shoot if you’re unsure about anything.

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