3. Tips for a successful photo shoot

3. Tips for a successful photoshoot

For your convenience we wish to provide you with a photo shoot guide to get the best results for your property.

Bathroom

• Remove bottles, soap dishes from shower • Remove toys, floats, pillows, everything from the bath • Remove any hair and dental products from the counter and wipe down • Clean the mirrors and shower screens • Floor mats just make it busy; remove them, unless they are very well matched to the bathroom

Balcony

Wash off the dust/mud/leaves this will make the balcony look larger and will make it present better.

Pools

Please remove the pool cleaner and any leaves. Minor leaves and debris on the floor is not a problem as we will usually agitate the water to get some ripples going and catch the sun light. This has the additional benefit of hiding bottom debris.

Gardens and courtyard

Ensuring that a garden is free of leaves and twigs will lift it a hundred-fold. Also garden hoses are a distraction and are best put away.

Props

• A bowl of fruit, flowers, some wine and glasses are usually inexpensive and can add intimacy and colour to the shot • We also use props like these to help lead the viewer’s eye into the shot, so their importance cannot be underestimated • Small bottles of perfume on vanities and bedsides help soften the image

The secret to a successful photo shoot is minimalism. The detritus of daily life, like remotes and tissue boxes may make it more liveable, but in a photograph they add visual clutter, close in space and confuse the viewer.

Simple elements strategically placed help guide the viewer through the room and take in the feel, space and light that photography can bring to a property.

Living room

• Remove remote controls • Fluff up seat cushions, arrange scatter cushions • Wipe down surfaces: dust will show on blinds, curtains, windows • Untangle cords, pull blinds up completely, particularly if there’s a view • Clean windows: they let in more natural light and make the property more airy

• Less is better. Most properties benefit from showing off the flooring. • Leave tables with just the minimum needed • Ensure table lamps work, they add tremendous feel to a bedroom

Kitchen

• Remove knife-blocks and cutting boards • Remove magnets, photos and notes off the fridge • A magazine with a stand or fruit bowl add colour and interest to the kitchen • Too many things on the counter make the space look smaller and cramped so remove all but the most basic appliances; unplug the ones that remain and tuck the cords out of sight. • Wipe down the fridge, oven, microwave and other shiny surfaces to remove fingerprints and other smudges. They will show. • Ensure the light in the range hood is working • Also ensure that counter and effect lights are working