Whether you’re preparing your home for an AirBnB photoshoot, an interior design showcase, or just a personal shoot for social media, a little work getting your house ready will help ensure your house looks at it’s best and the results are stunning.
Read on for 10 tops tips for prepping your space for the camera and creating that picture-perfect atmosphere.

1. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
Your heart may sink but decluttering is a must. A cluttered space will distract from even the most beautifully decorated room. Go through each room and remove any items that aren't essential. Think knick-knacks, unnecessary cords, extra furniture, and personal items like mail or toiletries. It can be difficult to spot things that you live with every day so do stand in the room and take a careful critical look at every corner!
2. Have a bit of a clean
A clean house will shine in photos. Wipe down surfaces, clean windows, dust shelves, and take care of overlooked areas like skirting boards, radiators and light switches. Mucky marks that aren’t that noticeable day to day will pop out at you in photographs.

3. Let the light in
Good lighting will help showcase your space. Open curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Your photographer will advise on whether to turn on lamps or overhead lighting to brighten up dark corners.
When booking your photographer, ask about their policy for rescheduling if the weather is terrible. Rain running down the windows is not always the best look!

4. Set the Scene with Styling
Styling your home before the shoot is about creating visual interest without overcrowding. Depending on what your photoshoot is for you may want to add fresh flowers or some specific bits of furniture or accessories. Again, your photographer will be able to advise. Think about your target audience—do they want modern minimalism, boho chic, or a cozy farmhouse feel?

5. Think about your furniture layout
Take some time to adjust the furniture layout. Is there a piece that’s blocking a key feature, like a fireplace or a window with a great view? Reposition furniture to allow for a good flow and to highlight the most attractive parts of the room.
If your space is small, you can create the illusion of more room by pushing furniture against walls to open up the center of the room.

6. Should you add Some Personality or keep it neutral?
This largely depends on who and what the photoshoot is for. If it is for an interior designer you have recently worked with they will have a clear view on how to create the best vibe. If it’s for an AirBnB or holiday rental photoshoot you may want to keep it neutral to help it appear larger and more inviting. You can still add character with a few well-chosen pieces, like a statement artwork or a stylish vase to help your home stand apart from other listings.
7. Now is the time to fix any small repairs
A house can look amazing, but small details like a leaking faucet or a door that doesn’t close properly can distract from the overall aesthetic. Do a quick walkthrough and tackle any minor repairs before the shoot. It’s worth it for that smart finish.

8. Curb appeal
If your photoshoot includes any outdoor areas, make sure the outside of your house is as photo-ready as the inside. Tidy up the lawn, trim the hedges, sweep the pathways. It may even be time to borrow that power washer.
If you’re photographing your garden you may want to consider setting up an inviting outdoor space with some cozy seating or a fire pit to enhance the visual appeal.

9. The morning of the photoshoot
Once everything is set, do a final sweep of each room. Straighten pillows, fluff up cushions, adjust rugs, and make sure everything looks as you would like it, even minor details can make a difference in a photo.

10. Relax
If you’re working with a professional photographer, try and trust their expertise. They’ll likely want to move things around or suggest changes during the shoot to capture the best angles and lighting. I always take snaps on my phone of anything I move so I can put it back correctly after we have finished.
I hope these tips are useful but feel free to drop me a message with any further questions you might have.

I am Liz, a photographer based on the Wiltshire / Berkshire borders specialising in Interior Photography.
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