Lights, Camera, Sold! How to Get Your Home Ready for Real Estate Photos

In today’s market, buyers are browsing homes on their phones long before they ever step through the door. That means your listing photos are doing a lot of heavy lifting. With a few simple prep steps, you can make sure your home looks its absolute best.

Clean and Clear Surfaces Are Key

Why does this matter? In real estate photography, every object in the frame draws the viewer’s eye. A cluttered countertop or busy shelf can distract from the features that actually sell the home — like beautiful cabinetry, spacious countertops, or natural light.

Start by clearing off all countertops, tabletops, and surfaces. Less is more in photos—think hotel vibes: sleek, simple, and tidy.

• Kitchen:  remove small appliances, dish racks, and anything non-essential. One or two accents (like a bowl of lemons or fresh flowers) are fine—just keep it minimal.

• Bathroom:  clear the counters and shower ledge, hide toiletries, and swap out everyday towels for clean, neutral ones.

• Living & Dining:  clear coffee tables, tuck away remotes, and remove any mail or paperwork.

• Bedrooms:  should feel calm and spacious.  Make the bed with wrinkle-free, neutral bedding, plump the pillows, and add a simple throw blanket if desired. Keep nightstands mostly clear, and remove personal items like laundry hampers, alarm clocks, or anything cluttering the floor.

• Closets: Take a few minutes to tidy up the inside. Neatly arranged shelves and hanging items make your home feel more spacious and well-maintained.  Once it’s organized, close the door for the photos. A clean exterior keeps the room looking streamlined and serene.

These small touches create the clean, inviting look that draws buyers in and encourages them to imagine their own belongings in the space.  A good rule of thumb: if it’s not adding style or function, it probably doesn’t belong in the photo.

Lighting Changes Everything

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to real estate photos.  Before your photographer arrives, go through the entire house and open every curtain, blind, and shade to let in as much daylight as possible.  Even on overcast days, natural light creates a softer, more flattering look than overhead lighting alone.

But don’t stop there — turn on every light in the home, including ceiling fixtures, lamps, and even under-cabinet lighting.  Layering light sources eliminates harsh shadows, warms up the space, and helps the camera capture the full depth and dimension of each room. Check that all bulbs match in color (ideally soft white or daylight tones) and replace any that are burnt out. Mismatched lighting can make a room look dated or disjointed in photos.

In darker spaces like basements, bathrooms, or hallways without windows, lighting becomes even more important. A well-lit room looks larger, cleaner, and more inviting — while a dim room can feel cramped or neglected.

Remember, buyers are scrolling through dozens of homes. If your photos look dark or dreary, they’ll scroll right past. But bright, well-lit rooms pop off the screen and make buyers want to see more.

Hide the Everyday Stuff

It’s easy to overlook the little things we use every day but in real estate photos, they can stand out in all the wrong ways. Items like trash cans, pet bowls, shampoo bottles, phone chargers, bath mats, and remote controls can make a space feel cluttered or lived-in rather than fresh and photo-ready.

Before your photographer arrives, do a final sweep of each room and tuck away anything that doesn’t contribute to the overall look and feel. Store bathroom products under the sink, move pet supplies out of sight, and roll up floor mats unless they’re decorative and add to the space.

These small adjustments make a big impact—helping buyers focus on your home’s best features instead of the everyday items that remind them someone else lives there.

Fluff and Style the Essentials

Once everything is clean and cleared, it’s time to add a little polish.  A few thoughtful touches can help your home look warm and welcoming in photos—without going over the top.

• Make the beds with smooth, wrinkle-free bedding in soft, neutral tones.  Avoid bold patterns or bright colors that might distract. Crisp white or light gray linens work well on camera and create a calm, inviting feel.

• Straighten pillows and fold throws neatly on beds, sofas, and chairs.  Fluffed pillows and a well-placed throw blanket can instantly elevate the look of a room.

• Add simple styling touches like a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter, a vase of flowers on the dining table, or neatly folded towels in the bathroom.  These small, inexpensive details photograph beautifully and add a sense of care and cleanliness.

• If you have a fireplace, consider lighting it (if safe and seasonally appropriate) for a cozy, welcoming shot.  The glow adds warmth and visual interest, especially in living spaces.

The goal here isn’t to stage your home like a showroom, it’s to create just enough polish to help buyers picture themselves living comfortably in the space.  A little effort goes a long way in making your listing photos pop.

Don’t Forget the Outside

First impressions start from the street so don’t overlook your home’s exterior when prepping for photos.  Even if buyers don’t set foot on the property yet, your online curb appeal plays a huge role in whether they click on your listing or keep scrolling.

Start by mowing the lawn, trimming any overgrown bushes, and pulling visible weeds.  Sweep porches, steps, and walkways, and make sure there’s no debris or stray leaves lingering around the front door. Move all vehicles out of the driveway and away from the front of the home to give a clean, unobstructed view.  Close the garage door, tuck away trash bins, and coil up hoses neatly.

For a finishing touch, consider adding a fresh welcome mat or a potted plant by the door to make the entrance feel warm and inviting.  If you’re taking photos in the evening, turn on exterior lights—a well-lit home looks both elegant and secure.

Your goal is to make buyers stop and say, “I want to see more.”  A polished, tidy exterior can help your home stand out—and get more attention right from the start.

Time It Right

Lighting isn’t just about turning on lamps — it’s also about choosing the right time of day for your photo shoot. Natural light changes throughout the day, and the timing can dramatically affect how your home looks on camera.

Take note of when your home gets the most flattering natural light. Is your living room flooded with sunshine in the late morning? Does the backyard glow during golden hour just before sunset? Share this with your agent or photographer so they can schedule the shoot accordingly.

Capturing your home in its best light can make a noticeable difference in the final photos. It’s a small detail that helps your home shine online and creates a lasting first impression for potential buyers.

Bottom Line: Small Tweaks, Big Impact

You don’t need to redecorate — just a few strategic adjustments can dramatically improve how your home presents online. And that translates into more showings, better offers, and a faster sale.

Need help prepping your home for photos?

I’ve walked through this process with dozens of sellers and would love to help you make your home photo-ready. Let’s make it shine together! ClickHERE to connect!