Seller resources
Preparing Your Home for Photography
Great photography starts before the camera arrives. Follow this guide to ensure your property looks its absolute best on shoot day - and in every listing photo after.
Why preparation matters.
Professional photography can only work with what's in front of the lens. A well-prepared home photographs dramatically better - cleaner lines, more light, and a sense of space that draws buyers in.
Brett has photographed thousands of Gippsland properties. The homes that present best in photos are always the ones where the vendor took the time to prepare. This guide tells you exactly what to do.
Download the full checklist
Print it out and work through it room by room before Brett arrives.
Before shoot day
The Day Before
Give yourself the evening before to work through these whole-home tasks. They make the biggest difference to the final result.
Deep clean the entire home
Vacuum, mop, wipe down all surfaces. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms — these are the rooms buyers scrutinise most.
Declutter every room
Pack away personal items, excess ornaments, kids' toys, and anything that makes a space feel busy. Aim for a display-home feel — minimal, clean, and spacious.
Hide all cords and cables
Tuck TV cables, phone chargers, and power boards out of sight. Visible cords are one of the most common distractions in listing photos.
Remove all bins
Move rubbish bins, recycling bins, and compost bins out of sight — inside a garage or around the side of the house.
Clear the driveway and street
Move all vehicles off the driveway and from directly in front of the property. Ask neighbours to do the same if possible.
Tidy the garden and lawns
Mow the lawn, edge the paths, sweep the driveway, and remove any dead plants or weeds. First impressions start at the kerb.
The single biggest thing you can do.
Turn on every light in the home — every lamp, every downlight, every bathroom vanity light. Open every blind and curtain to their maximum. Light transforms a space. Dark rooms feel small and uninviting in photos; bright rooms feel spacious and welcoming. This one step makes more difference than almost anything else.
Room by room
The Complete Checklist
Work through each room before Brett arrives. Tick off every item — the difference shows in every frame.
Living Areas
7 itemsRemove excess cushions, throws, and decorative items — keep it simple
Straighten all cushions and arrange furniture symmetrically where possible
Clear coffee tables — one or two styled items maximum
Open all blinds and curtains fully to maximise natural light
Turn on all lamps and overhead lights
Remove remote controls, magazines, and everyday clutter
Vacuum rugs and clean any visible marks on walls
Kitchen
7 itemsClear all benchtops completely — remove appliances, dish racks, and utensil holders
You may leave one or two styled items: a fruit bowl, a coffee machine, fresh flowers
Clean the stovetop, oven exterior, and rangehood
Wipe down all cabinet fronts and handles
Clean the sink and remove all dishes, sponges, and soap dispensers
Remove fridge magnets, notes, and anything stuck to the fridge
Empty and hide the bin
Bedrooms
7 itemsMake all beds with fresh, clean linen — iron if possible
Arrange pillows neatly and symmetrically
Clear all bedside tables — one lamp and one small item maximum
Remove all clothing from view — pack away or put in wardrobes
Close wardrobe doors
Remove personal photos and items from dressers and shelves
Open blinds and curtains fully
Bathrooms
8 itemsClean all mirrors until streak-free — this is critical for bathroom photos
Clear vanity tops completely — remove toothbrushes, soap, razors, and products
You may leave one or two styled items: a candle, a small plant, folded towels
Hang fresh, clean towels — fold or roll neatly
Clean the toilet, basin, bath, and shower thoroughly
Remove bath mats or replace with a clean, neutral one
Close the toilet lid
Remove all personal hygiene products from the shower
Outdoor Areas
8 itemsMow the lawn and edge all garden beds and paths
Sweep the driveway, paths, and entertaining areas
Remove garden hoses, tools, and equipment from view
Clean outdoor furniture and arrange it neatly
Remove children's toys, bikes, and sporting equipment
Clean the pool or spa if applicable — remove any leaves or debris
Add a fresh pot plant or flowers near the front entry
Ensure the letterbox is tidy and the house number is visible
Garage & Laundry
5 itemsClear the garage floor as much as possible — move vehicles out
Stack and organise any items stored in the garage neatly
Clear the laundry benchtop and remove all products
Remove any washing from the line or drying rack
Close the washing machine and dryer doors
Pets on shoot day
Please arrange for pets to be out of the home during the shoot. Dogs, cats, and their accessories (beds, bowls, toys, leads) should be removed or hidden. This keeps the home looking clean and neutral, and makes Brett's job much easier.
All prepared?
Ready to Book Your Shoot?
Once your property is prepared, lock in your preferred date with Platinum Media.