
REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Don't Just List It ... Sell It
Serving Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May Counties
PRE-SHOOT CHECKLIST
1. The "Must-Do" Fundamentals (The 15-Minute Rule)
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Turn ON every light: This includes overheads, lamps, under-cabinet lights, and even hood lights.
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Turn OFF every fan: Moving fan blades cause a blur that ruins the "stillness" of a luxury shot.
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Open all window treatments: Open blinds and curtains fully to maximize the natural light of the Jersey Shore.
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Clear the Driveway: Move all vehicles completely out of sight (not just down the street, but out of the camera's view).
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Hide the Trash: Move all indoor and outdoor trash/recycling bins into the garage.
2. Exterior & Curb Appeal
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Landscape Check: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and blow away stray leaves or sand from walkways.
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Remove Clutter: Hide garden hoses, sprinklers, toys, and yard tools.
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Pool & Patio: Remove the pool cover, clear out the "Polaris" vacuum, and arrange patio furniture neatly. If you have an umbrella, open it!
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Seasonal: If it’s out of season, remove holiday decorations or dead potted plants.
3. The Kitchen (The Heart of the Home)
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Clear the Counters: Remove everything that shouldn't be there except appliances.
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Fridge Check: Remove all magnets, photos, and calendars from the front and sides of the refrigerator.
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Sink & Windows: Ensure the sink is empty of dishes and the window above it is spotless.
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Hide the Essentials: Put away dish soap, sponges, and hand towels.
4. Living & Dining Areas
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De-Clutter Surfaces: Clear off coffee tables and mantels. Leave only 1–2 high-end decorative items (like a single book or a vase of fresh flowers).
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Tidy the Tech: Hide all visible remotes and try to tuck away or "snake" messy power cords.
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Straighten Up: Fluff every pillow and straighten every chair. Symmetry is key for high-end photography.
5. Bedrooms & Bathrooms
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The Hotel Bed: Make beds with fresh, wrinkle-free linens. Ensure bed skirts are straight and pillows are fluffed.
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Personal Items: Clear nightstands of all books, charging cables, and medications.
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Bathroom Clear-Out: Remove all toothbrushes, shampoos, and soaps from the counters and showers.
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The Golden Rule: Toilet lids MUST be down.
6. Important Note on Pets & People
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Secure Pets: Please have pets in a kennel, in the garage, or off-site during the shoot. I love animals, but we don't want them (or their bowls and crates) in the listing photos!
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The "Invisible" Owner: To allow me to move quickly and focus on the artistry of the light, I recommend that homeowners and agents remain in a separate area or leave the property during the session.