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Pre-Shoot Guide
Everything you need to know to prepare for your shoot with InwardOut Productions.
Every Detail Matters
At InwardOut Productions, we believe that preparation is the foundation of exceptional results. This comprehensive pre-shoot guide ensures we capture your property at its absolute best, maximizing appeal and getting the most out of your listing.
Outside Areas
Remove
- Real estate signs (or we can do for you)
- Noticeable large weeds
- Cars, caravans & trailer
- Garden hose and tools
- Toys, bicycles & skateboards
- Trash bins (hidden in the garage is best)
- Washing and pegs from clothes line
General
Remove
Always maximize space to create a larger look and feel. Remember, less is more!
- Family pictures
- Personal ornaments
- Memorabilia
- Animal food bowls, bedding, toys etc.
Windows and Mirrors
- Free of streaks
Lights, Lamps, & Fans
- Turn on all lights/lamps
- Replace any faulty light bulbs (very important for dusk/twilight shoots)
- Keep fans off
Kitchen
- Clear all countertops (put items in cabinets)
- Remove dish towels and pot holders
- Hide appliance cords when possible
- Empty sink and make it shine
- Remove items from stovetop
- Clear refrigerator front (magnets, photos, etc.)
- Hide cleaning supplies
Living Room
- Arrange furniture to create clear pathways
- Fluff and arrange sofa cushions
- Remove remote controls and personal items
- Hide electrical cords when possible
- Clear coffee table and side tables
- Open blinds/curtains for natural light
- Remove excessive throw pillows (keep 2-3 max)
Bedrooms
- Make beds with fresh, wrinkle-free linens
- Clear nightstands completely
- Remove personal items from dressers
- Open closet doors if organized, close if cluttered
- Remove clothes, shoes, and personal items from floor
- Arrange pillows symmetrically
- Hide power cords and phone chargers
Bathrooms
- Clear all countertops and surfaces
- Remove personal toiletries and medications
- Put fresh towels out and hang neatly
- Close toilet lid
- Remove bath mats and shower curtains
- Clean mirrors and fixtures until spotless
- Hide toothbrushes and personal items
Dining Room
- Clear dining table completely
- Push chairs under table evenly
- Remove items from buffet/sideboard
- Consider simple table setting if table looks bare
- Remove extra chairs if they crowd the space
Final Checklist
Before We Arrive
ℹ️ Last-minute checks to ensure the perfect shoot
- Do a final walk-through 30 minutes before shoot
- Check that all lights are working and turned on
- Ensure pets are secured or removed from property
- Turn off all TVs and electronics
- Set air conditioning to comfortable temperature
- Make sure all rooms are accessible
- Have keys ready if lockboxes need to be opened
Ready for Your Shoot?
Following this guide ensures we capture your property at its absolute best.
Showcase Your Brand Today
Let our expert team transform your ideas into unforgettable, high-end visuals.
FAQ
Here are some Frequent questions we get from realtors and property developers about our Pre-Shoot Guide. If you don't find what you need, feel free to reach out!
It’s not necessary for the agent or homeowner to be present, as long as we have access to the property. Many agents provide a lockbox code or meet us briefly to grant entry. While you’re always welcome to stay on-site, we’ve found that working independently allows the shoot to flow smoothly and efficiently without distractions, ensuring we capture each space with full attention to composition, lighting, and quality.
The duration of each session varies based on the selected package and the size of the property. Standard photography sessions typically take 45 to 90 minutes, while photo and video combinations require approximately 1.5 to 3 hours. For twilight sessions, please allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes around sunset to capture optimal lighting conditions. We’ll provide an estimated time window in advance and maintain clear communication throughout the process to ensure a smooth, efficient experience.
For everyone’s safety and to ensure a smooth, distraction-free session, we kindly ask that all pets be kept off-site during the shoot whenever possible, as this allows our team to work efficiently and maintain consistent quality throughout. If removing pets from the property isn’t feasible, please secure them in a safe, enclosed room and inform us in advance so we can plan accordingly. We genuinely love animals, but keeping them safely out of the filming areas helps us maintain focus, protect your pets’ comfort, and capture the best possible results.
We’re equipped to handle a variety of weather conditions and can capture great results in most circumstances. However, we always aim to schedule shoots on days without rain or heavy snowfall to ensure the highest quality visuals and consistent lighting. We understand that weather can change quickly, so we remain flexible and work closely with our clients to accommodate adjustments. If you prefer to reschedule due to weather, you may do so up to 24 hours in advance at no additional cost.
Twilight sessions are designed to capture the property’s exterior lighting and overall ambiance at its most visually striking moment. To ensure the best results, please make sure all indoor and outdoor lights are turned on and functioning properly, including landscape, pool, and accent lighting. Partially open curtains or blinds help create a warm interior glow, while keeping driveways and exterior areas clear of vehicles and clutter allows for clean, unobstructed shots. Proper preparation ensures your property appears warm, inviting, and beautifully staged against the evening sky.