Great real estate photos are half photography and half preparation. A photographer can fix the light and the angles, but cannot remove a laundry rack, a stack of bills or a full bin without wasting shooting time. This is the checklist we send to every client before a real estate or Airbnb shoot in Prague. It takes about two hours to go through and it makes a visible difference in the final images.
General rules for every room
- Declutter surfaces: kitchen counters, coffee tables, nightstands and windowsills should be almost empty.
- Remove personal items such as family photos, toothbrushes, medicines, chargers and shoes.
- Turn on every light and replace any bulb that is out, ideally with the same colour temperature.
- Open blinds and curtains fully. Natural light is the best light.
- Hide cables, extension leads, routers and remote controls.
- Take out rubbish and remove bins from view.
- Put pets, pet beds and bowls away for the duration of the shoot.
- Clean the windows. Dirty glass is visible in every photo with a view.
Wohnzimmer
- Straighten cushions, fold throws and remove blankets from the sofa.
- Turn the TV off; a black screen looks better than a reflection.
- Add one or two simple accents: a plant, a bowl of fruit, a stack of books.
- Move bulky furniture that blocks the walkway so the room looks larger.
Kitchen
- Clear the counters completely except for one or two decorative items.
- Remove magnets and notes from the fridge.
- Hide dish soap, sponges, tea towels and the drying rack.
- Close all cupboard doors and drawers and wipe fingerprints from stainless steel.
Bedrooms
- Make the bed with a smooth, neutral cover; hotel-style white always photographs well.
- Clear nightstands except for a lamp and maybe a book.
- Store clothes, bags and shoes out of sight and close wardrobe doors.
Bathroom
- Remove every bottle from the shower and the sink; hide towels that are not decorative.
- Close the toilet lid and hang fresh, matching towels.
- Wipe mirrors and chrome fittings; polish shows in close-ups.
Exterior, balcony and entrance
- Sweep the balcony or terrace, remove drying laundry and arrange the furniture.
- Move cars and bins away from the entrance if you want an exterior shot.
- In summer, water the plants; in winter, clear snow from the path.
Extra tips for Airbnb and short-term rentals
Guests decide with the cover photo, so think about which room best represents the stay: usually the living room with a view or the bedroom with good light. Stage the table for two with cups and a small breakfast, put fresh towels on the bed and show the details that guests search for: the coffee machine, the workspace, the balcony. If you have a welcome basket or a city guide, include it in one photo. Our Airbnb photography package includes styling advice on site.
What to leave to the photographer
You do not need to worry about the weather, the time of day or which rooms to shoot first. We plan the sequence around the light: south-facing rooms in the morning, west-facing rooms in the afternoon. We also bring lighting for dark hallways and bathrooms. If the flat is empty, ask about virtual staging, which adds furniture digitally at a fraction of the cost of physical staging.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Should the apartment be empty or furnished for photos?
Furnished, well-styled rooms usually perform better because buyers can judge the scale. If the flat is empty, virtual staging is an affordable alternative.
How long before the shoot should I prepare?
Do the deep cleaning the day before and the final decluttering on the morning of the shoot, so nothing gets used again in between.
Can the photographer move furniture?
Small items yes; large furniture only with the owner present. It is always faster if the rooms are arranged before we arrive.