The Art of Preparation: Snaply’s Guide to Preparing a Listing for Photography
The camera sees what the eye doesn’t, so you must take care in preparing your listing for photography. Preparing a home for professional photography is less about adding and more about refining, distilling spaces to their purest essence. Here are 6 suggestions on how to prepare your listing for Snaply’s best in class photographers.
1. Embrace Simplicity: Clear and Curate
- Living Areas: Begin with a blank canvas. Remove the usual suspects…remote controls, throws, magazines and bring back only what adds harmony. Think of one or two focal points that speak to the room’s personality without overwhelming it.
- Bedrooms: A beautifully made bed is your foundation. Minimize bedside table items, perhaps a single book or small plant, and ensure lampshades are aligned and lighting is balanced.
2. Let the Light In, or Create It
- Natural Light: Draw back curtains and raise blinds in every room. This breathes life into each space, bringing out the richness of colors that Snaply’s photographers capture with a warmth that’s inviting.
- Artificial Light: For rooms with limited natural light, consider warm, cohesive lighting. If lamps are too yellow, swap bulbs to ensure a consistent color tone throughout the home.
3. Kitchen: Sleek and Streamlined
- Counters: Kitchens photograph best when counters are clear. Keep only one or two items on display…like a sleek coffee maker, a bowl of fresh lemons, or a single cutting board.
- Cabinets and Appliances: Make sure they are spotlessly clean. The camera catches every detail, so a final polish goes a long way.
4. Bathrooms: Minimal, with a Spa-Like Calm
- Sink Area: Remove personal toiletries and focus on a spa-inspired look: fresh towels, a single candle, and if space allows, a small, neutral-colored plant.
- Shower and Tub: Hide soaps, shampoos, and sponges. The simpler the presentation, the more inviting the space feels.
5. Accentuate Outdoor Spaces, No Matter the Season
- Terraces, Patios, and Balconies: Each outdoor space should feel intentional. Arrange seating to invite relaxation, and ensure any outdoor cushions are clean and bright.
- Gardens and Lawns: Trim back hedges and mow the lawn. In cooler seasons, a few hardy potted plants add texture and life, creating a welcoming entrance.
6. Fine-Tune the Details
- Mirrors and Glass Surfaces: Spotless is key. Mirrors, windows, and glass tabletops should be pristine, allowing light to reflect naturally and unobtrusively.
- Final Walkthrough: Stand in the center of each room and scan for any last-minute adjustments. Sometimes, shifting a chair or angling a cushion just slightly can make all the difference, ensuring each space is camera-ready.
By focusing on subtle adjustments and embracing simplicity, each room is refined to a level of effortless elegance. With Snaply’s photographers capturing these thoughtfully prepared spaces, potential buyers are invited to see each room not just as a structure, but as a future home.
Check out our Pre-Shoot Checklist for specifics!