PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLIST

Help us capture your property at its absolute best

Beautiful photos attract bookings, but the camera catches everything. Taking a few hours to prepare your property before Thorn Valley Studios arrives makes a massive difference in the final images.

Please ensure these steps are completed before our scheduled arrival time so we can jump straight into shooting.

📥 The Golden Rule: Declutter & Hide

If it doesn't add to the holiday "aspirational lifestyle," hide it away in a cupboard or car boot.

[ ] Hide all cables: Unplug visible phone chargers, tuck away extension leads, and hide TV cables where possible.
[ ] Remove seasonal/daily items: Hide door mats, pet bowls, bins, tissue boxes, and cleaning products.
[ ] Clear the fridge: Remove all magnets, calendars, and notes from the outside of the refrigerator.

🛋️ Living & Dining Spaces

[ ] De-crease the fabrics: Plump up all sofa cushions and straighten any throws. If a rug or fabric is badly creased, give it a quick steam or iron.
[ ] Clear tables: Remove remote controls, stacks of magazines, and coasters.
[ ] Stage a lifestyle scene: A laid dining table (plates, wine glasses, napkins) or a neatly arranged woodburner hearth looks incredibly inviting.
[ ] Turn off screens: Ensure all TVs, tablets, and monitors are completely powered down (not on standby with a red light).

🍳 Kitchen

[ ] Clear the worktops: Put away dish racks, sponges, washing-up liquid, cloths, and tea towels.
[ ] Limit appliances: Keep only high-end, attractive appliances on display (e.g., a premium coffee machine or a classic kettle). Hide toaster trays, blenders, and microwaves if they look cluttered.
[ ] Clean stainless steel & glass: Wipe down ovens, extractor hoods, and hobs to eliminate fingerprints and streaks.

🛏️ Bedrooms

[ ] Iron the linen: This is the most crucial step! Creased bedding looks messy on camera. Ensure duvets and pillowcases are crisp and smoothly pulled tight.
[ ] Clear the bedsides: Remove books, charging cables, and personal items. Matching bedside lamps look best.
[ ] Hide under-bed storage: Ensure valance sheets are straight and nothing is peeking out from under the bed frame.

🚿 Bathrooms

[ ] Remove daily toiletries: Hide all toothbrushes, soaps, shampoos, shower gels, and bath mats.
[ ] Fresh towels only: Hang fresh, neatly folded, matching towels. White or neutral tones work best.
[ ] Clean surfaces: Polish mirrors, glass shower screens, and chrome taps to remove water spots.
[ ] Close the toilet lids: Ensure all toilet seats and lids are completely down.

🏡 Exterior & Gardens

[ ] Move the vehicles: Park all cars, vans, and trailers completely out of sight of the property (down the road or in a garage).
[ ] Hide the bins: Tuck wheelie bins, recycling boxes, and garden hoses out of view.
[ ] Uncover outdoor furniture: Remove weather covers from tables and chairs. Set up parasols and lay out clean outdoor cushions.
[ ] Quick garden tidy: Mow the lawn, sweep away stray leaves from patios, and pull any obvious weeds from pathways.

💡 Right Before We Arrive...

[ ] Turn ON all lights: Turn on every single overhead light, bedside lamp, and under-counter strip light. It adds warmth and depth.
[ ] Turn OFF all fans: Ensure ceiling fans and extractor fans are off so they don't blur in long exposures.
[ ] Open all blinds & curtains: Let in as much natural Westcountry light as possible!
[ ] Light the fire: If you have a log burner or open fire, having it lit right as we start adds an instantly cozy, high-end holiday feel.

Thank you for your help!

Taking the time to prep means we spend less time moving clutter and more time capturing beautiful, revenue-driving compositions for your business.

Questions? Contact us at Thorn Valley Studios before your shoot day.