We've photographed thousands of properties across the GTA, from condos in downtown Toronto to country estates in Erin and Orangeville. The listings that always look the best aren't necessarily the most expensive or the most staged. They're the ones where the seller or realtor took an hour before the shoot to handle a few basics.
Here's what we actually recommend based on what we see day to day.
Start With the Clutter
Countertops are the first place to address. Kitchen counters, bathroom counters, the kitchen island if there is one. Clear everything off them. Yes, the coffee maker and the toaster too. The goal is to make every surface look intentional, not lived-in.
The same logic applies to nightstands, desks, bookshelves, and the top of the toilet tank. These are spots people stop noticing in their own homes because they've been there for years. In a photo, they jump out immediately.
Miscellaneous items on the floor should go too. Shoes by the front door, pet bowls, exercise equipment in the basement, toys in the playroom. You don't have to throw anything away, just move it somewhere the camera won't see it.
Lighting Is More Important Than People Think
Turn on every single light in the house before the photographer arrives. Every lamp, every overhead light, every under-cabinet light in the kitchen. Even the bathroom vanity lights. Even in rooms that feel bright enough already.
Professional real estate photography uses HDR techniques to balance the light inside with what's coming through the windows, but having all your interior lights on gives the photographer more to work with and results in warmer, more inviting final images.
On the flip side, close the toilet lids. Replace any burnt-out bulbs beforehand. And if you have mismatched bulbs in a fixture, swapping them out for matching ones takes five minutes and makes the lighting look cleaner in photos.
The Exterior Matters Just as Much
The front of the home is usually the hero shot of any listing. Buyers see it first, and realtors often use it as the thumbnail on MLS. So spend a few minutes on it.
Move any cars away from the front of the house, including from the driveway if possible. Coil up garden hoses. Put away garbage bins. If there's a patio or deck, wipe down the furniture and move any items that don't look good, like a broken umbrella or a BBQ cover that's seen better days.
If you're shooting in spring or summer, a quick mow and a weed of the front garden beds makes a real difference. If it's winter and there's been recent snow, clearing the driveway and front path makes the home look well-maintained.
Make the Beds Properly
This one sounds obvious but it gets missed more often than you'd think. Freshly made beds with pillows properly arranged are one of the easiest ways to make bedrooms look polished in photos. If you have decorative throw pillows that normally live in a closet, now is the time to put them out.
In the master bedroom, matching or complementary bedding usually photographs better than mismatched colours. If the comforter is wrinkled from being stored, take two minutes to smooth it out.
Bathrooms Are Quick Wins
Close the toilet lid. Remove personal care products from the shower and the counter. Hang matching or neutral towels. If the towels are folded over the rack, fold them neatly or hang them straight. Take the bath mat away unless it looks new and clean.
Bathrooms are small rooms, and small details fill the frame. A little effort here is disproportionately noticeable in the final images.
What About Pets?
If possible, arrange for pets to be out of the house during the shoot. This isn't just about keeping them out of shots. Pet items like crates, food bowls, beds, and toys are personal touches that some buyers respond to positively but others don't. Neutral is safer.
If the pet has to stay home, try to keep them in one room and let the photographer know which room to shoot last so the animal can have space.
The Night Before Checklist
If you want to simplify all of this, here's a quick pass you can do the evening before the shoot. Clean all major surfaces and put dishes away. Do a sweep of every room and remove anything that doesn't belong. Check all the lightbulbs. Set the thermostat so the house is comfortable but not stuffy. And plan to move your cars before the photographer arrives in the morning.
That's genuinely it. The photographer handles everything else. The goal is just to make sure they're working with a clean canvas so the finished photos show the home at its actual best.
If you have questions about what to expect during a shoot, feel free to reach out before your booking. We're happy to walk through the specifics with you.
Dee Visuals provides professional real estate photography, drone aerials, iGUIDE virtual tours, and cinematic video across the Greater Toronto Area. Delivery within 24 hours. Get in touch to book your next shoot.