How to prepare your home for a real estate photoshoot (Checklist)

You’ve booked the best real estate photographer Melbourne has to offer. The date is set. The weather looks promising. But there is one crucial variable that even the most expensive camera lens cannot fix: clutter.

Think of a real estate photographer as a painter. We bring the skills and the tools, but you provide the canvas. If the canvas is messy, the final art suffers.

To help you get "magazine-ready" results, we’ve adapted the industry-standard checklist specifically for Melbourne homes. Whether you’ve booked one of our standard real estate photography packages or a premium twilight shoot, following this guide ensures every dollar you spend translates into buyer interest.

The "Golden Rule" of Prep: Less is More

Before we dive into the room-by-room breakdown, remember this: The camera has a way of magnifying clutter. What looks "lived-in" to the human eye looks "messy" to a lens. When in doubt, pack it away.

Exterior & Kerb Appeal (The First Impression)

Your façade photo is usually the "Hero Shot" on realestate.com.au. It needs to be flawless.

1. Remove the Cars: This is the #1 mistake. Ensure the driveway and the street directly in front of the house are empty. Park down the street or in a neighbour's driveway.
2. Hide the Bins: Melbourne councils have different bin days, but on shoot day, those red, yellow, and green lids must be out of sight. Wheel them into the garage or down the side alley.
3. Tidy the Garden: Mow the lawn, trim the edges, and sweep the leaves. If you have a nature strip, give it a quick trim too.
4. Remove Hoses & Tools: Coil up garden hoses and hide them. Put away rakes, kids’ bikes, and that half-finished DIY project.
5. Uncover the BBQ: If you have a nice outdoor alfresco area, show it off. Remove the dusty cover from the BBQ (ensure the BBQ itself is clean!) and open any outdoor umbrellas if it’s not too windy.

The Kitchen (The Heart of the Home)

Kitchens sell houses. Our real estate photography services focus heavily here, so it needs to sparkle.

6. Clear the Benchtops: This is critical. Remove the toaster, kettle, knife block, and air fryer. Aim for completely clear surfaces. One stylish bowl of fruit or a coffee machine is fine; everything else goes in the cupboard.
7. The Fridge Face: Remove all magnets, school notices, and calendars from the fridge. A clean fridge front makes the whole kitchen look newer.
8. Hide the Dishes: The sink must be empty. No drying racks, no sponges, and definitely no tea towels hanging on the oven door.
9. Align the Stools: If you have breakfast bar stools, space them evenly and make sure they are straight.

Living & Dining Areas

10. Cable Management: Visible cords are a photographer's nightmare. Tuck TV and lamp cords behind furniture. If they can’t be hidden, unplug them for the shot.
11. Remote Control Roundup: Hide all TV, AC, and fan remotes in a drawer. They are visual clutter.
12. Straighten Soft Furnishings: Fluff the cushions and arrange them neatly. Fold throw rugs perfectly or remove them entirely if they look messy.
13. Depersonalise: We want buyers to imagine their life here, not yours. Remove large family portraits and personal accolades where possible.

Bedrooms

14. The Hotel Look: Make the bed as if the King of England is visiting. Smooth out every wrinkle. If your doona cover is old or faded, consider buying a crisp white set just for the campaign.
15. Clear Nightstands: Remove glasses, books, phone chargers, and tissue boxes. Leave only the bedside lamps.
16. Under the Bed: If you can see under the bed, the camera can too. Remove storage boxes or ensure the bed skirt covers them completely.

Bathrooms

17. Toilet Seats Down: This is non-negotiable. Always.
18. Banish the Toiletries: Remove everything from the shower recess and vanity. No shampoo bottles, no loofahs, no toothbrushes.
19. Fresh Towels Only: If you leave towels out, they must be brand new and perfectly folded. If in doubt, remove them entirely for a cleaner look.

Final Touches (15 Minutes Before We Arrive)

20. Let There Be Light: Turn on every single light in the house. Ceiling lights, bedside lamps, rangehood lights, and outdoor sconces. This adds warmth and depth to the photos.
    • Pro Tip: Open all blinds and curtains to let natural light flood in.
21. The Pet Patrol: We love dogs, but they (and their beds/bowls) shouldn't be in the photos unless specifically requested. Secure them in the garage or take them for a walk.

Preparing for Aerial and Drone Photography

When learning how to prepare a house for real estate photos from an elevated perspective, you must look up. Check the roof and gutters for visible debris, moss, or stray tennis balls that will be obvious in high-resolution files. Organise the backyard by straightening outdoor furniture and removing pool cleaners. Privacy is a priority in residential areas. Have a quick word with neighbours to advise them that aerial drone photography will be taking place. This maintains good relations and ensures a smooth, uninterrupted flight path for the operator.

What Post-Production Can and Can’t Do

Our technical team can perform miracles with light and atmosphere. We can provide sky replacements for overcast days, add realistic fire to fireplaces, and enhance the green of your lawn. However, we cannot easily fix major wall cracks, remove large vehicles from the foreground without distorting the background, or "clean" stained carpets. Physical effort in the real world always yields a superior result compared to digital patches. The time spent moving a pile of laundry is far more valuable than the cost of trying to edit it out later.

Why This Matters

When you browse Melbourne real estate photography portfolios, the homes that stand out aren't just the expensive ones—they are the prepared ones.

A clutter-free home allows our photographers to focus on composition and lighting rather than moving boxes. By following this checklist, you ensure your property looks spacious, inviting, and worth the asking price.

Ready to book? At UberRE, we specialise in showcasing Melbourne properties at their absolute best. Whether you need a standard shoot or a full marketing suite, view our real estate photography packages today and let’s get your home sold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical real estate photo shoot take?

A standard residential session typically requires 60 to 90 minutes on-site. This timeframe depends on the property's square footage and the complexity of the service package, such as adding video tours or site plans. To maintain this efficiency, ensure the property is fully prepared before the photographer arrives. Delays caused by last-minute cleaning can disrupt the technical schedule and impact the final output quality.

Should I be home during the photography session?

You don't need to be present during the shoot. Many industry professionals prefer the property to be vacant or managed by the listing agent to ensure the photographer has unobstructed access to all areas. If you choose to stay, please remain in a designated area not being photographed. This prevents accidental appearances in mirrors or windows and allows the specialist to work through the checklist quickly.

Can the photographer edit out permanent features like power lines?

Professional editors cannot remove permanent structural features like power lines, telecommunications towers, or neighbouring buildings. Removing these elements constitutes material misrepresentation and can breach Australian Consumer Law regarding property marketing. When considering how to prepare a house for real estate photos, focus on managing temporary clutter and presentation rather than attempting to digitally alter the property's physical environment.

What happens if it rains on the day of my scheduled shoot?

Interior photography usually proceeds as planned regardless of the weather. For external shots, our post-production team utilises advanced blue sky replacement to ensure a premium, sunny aesthetic. If extreme weather conditions prevent safe drone operation or significantly degrade the hero shot, we will coordinate a reschedule for the exterior components while completing the internal media to keep your campaign on track.