WHY PREP FOR PHOTOS?
MAKE THE FIRST IMPRESSION COUNT!
Homebuyers love dreamy and eye-catching twilight photos because they are different from the regular exterior shot. They are more likely to grab the attention of the buyer and are more likely to be shared online. Unlike the daylight photo, the twilight shot, with its strong colors and great lighting, is going to stand out a whole lot more when competing against similar homes in the same area. Here are some tips to make sure your home is ready for its twilight close-up.
CHECKLIST (THE DAY BEFORE)(
Check that ALL lights (interior and exterior) are functioning and that all light bulbs are of matching tone and color in each fixture. For example, if you have “cool white” LED bulbs in your living room and “warm white” LED bulbs in your dining room, one window/room will appear WHITE, and the room right next door will be a warm, orange color cast, which will be jarring.
CHECKLIST (DAY OF SHOOT)
Someone who is familiar with all of the interior and exterior lighting and pool features should be present at the photo session, i.e. a homeowner, real estate broker, or caretaker. Turn on everything that has a lightbulb 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the twilight photoshoot. Table lamps, overhead lamps. EVERY light bulb that is in a room with exterior windows.
Please ensure that no person or pet is visible through the house windows or is walking around on the inside or outside of the house at any time. This is very important.
Make sure ALL blinds are up (open) and even with adjacent windows.
Turn off all TVs in rooms with exterior windows.
Turn on all interior and exterior lighting, including landscape and pool lighting. Turn off all ceiling fans, floodlights, and security lights – these lights can be harsh and detract from the desired effect.
Turn on any other special exterior features, such as waterfalls and fountains, and consider lighting fires in outdoor fireplaces or fire pits.
If we are shooting a backyard and/ or pool twilight, remove covers from outdoor furniture and add chair cushions. Straighten pool and lounge chairs and arrange side tables. Consider staging any tables with fresh, clean rolled towels or refreshments. Open pool umbrellas. Be sure to turn on the pool lights.
Add flowering or other plants to empty planters. Remove dead plants.
Turn OFF yard irrigation and do NOT water flowers less than one hour prior to the photo session.
Driveways and patios that are partially wet or partially dry are not optimal for pictures.
Remove grill covers (if the grill is in good condition)
Park your vehicle(s) in the garage with the garage door closed, or park on the street away from the front of your home. If your garage has lights, be sure to turn them on or those windows will be black.
Pick up any toys from the yard.
Arrange for professional lawn care to occur at least a day prior to the session. If appropriate, replace mulch or other landscaping enhancements.
Sweep porches, patios, driveways, and front walkways if necessary.
Please understand we are at the mercy of daylight. When it’s done – it’s done! Too early… the effect is lost. Too late, too dark… does not look good. We have a strict 15-20 minute window. There is NO TIME to do any last-minute de-cluttering and/ or turning off lights once the photographer is on-site and ready to shoot.
