The Home Photo Shoot

Now, you don't really have to be an expert stager, but you should consider some of these basic tips to follow for staging your home for the photos.
Remember, sellers, this is just for the photo shoot, not how you'll have to live. (Once this is completed, you should try making sure your home is ready for showings looking much like this as well. This will leave a favorable impression on any potential home buyer and could help you beat your competition.)
For larger homes, we always use a professional photographer. They take the best pictures, right? Right. But, they are not responsible for making sure your home is ready for the shoot. So, regardless of who is taking the photos, here are a few things you should keep in mind for the day of the shoot.
Lights: literally, turn on the lights

Tips for Getting Your Best Shots

Action: Pretend you are the photographer and step back deep into the corners of the room to see what items still need to be removed from sight. Look up and down to catch what the camera will catch from floor to ceiling. Discover the best look for the home through the lens of your own camera, if necessary.
The techniques are pretty much the same throughout each area of the house.

The Kitchen:

You do have to make sure the clutter is removed from the counter tops. Clearing off these areas, will make the pictures of your kitchen look larger and cleaner.
Place dish soap under the sink, salt and pepper in the cabinet, rugs and dish towels out of sight...you get the idea.
For the kitchen, it's fine to have decorative pieces at the top of the cabinets, and maybe a grouping of three decorative pieces on the countertop...or nothing at all.
Place the coffee maker and toaster somewhere else-just for a minute (out of camera view).
Again, make sure your dish towels and dish soap are missing in action. Remove throw rugs and straighten the chairs around the table. Clear the breakfast bar.
No pictures or magnets should be seen anywhere on the frig.

Living Room, Great Room and Den:

Remove clutter, remove the shoes in the hallway, put away stray papers, toys, toys, toys..remotes, remotes, remote control changers.
If you have to purchase some cheap up lights to hide behind couches and chairs, do so.
Make sure the lighting in the room is good. Move the up lighting around to help each room as you make your way through the home, if necessary.

Bedrooms:

Use good lighting, tilt the blinds, put your valuables away...(we don't want your house to become the next home shopping network)... laundry baskets, and such, should all be tucked away during the photo shoot.

Bathrooms:

This tip does not have to do with staging, but put away any prescriptions like you would your valuables (keep them tucked away throughout your time on the market).
Next, remove the throw rugs, bring out your best looking towels, and place all your daily products in the cabinets...just for the photo shoot. Your shampoo and loofah really have no place in the photo. Give your master bathroom a spa-like look with rolled up towels and the like.