One Week Before The Shoot

The first thing your audience is going to see is the exterior of your business. Remember, first impressions are everlasting. You want to make the outside of the business and the area surrounding it as attractive as possible for the day of the shoot.

For The Exterior:

1. Consider pressure washing sidewalks, pathways, and the driveway, as well as any dirty exterior walls, eaves, fences, and decks. Clean outdoor furniture and fire pit areas as well.
2. Tidy garden beds and potted plants, making sure there are no empty pots or dead plants left out.
3. Clean all windows and doors.
4. Clean all fountains or ponds if you have them.
5. Review your outdoor furniture and clean, replace, or remove as needed.
6. Replace all burnt out lights and make sure the light bulbs match (hue and intensity) in each lighted area.
7. Inform neighbors of the date of your shoot so they can be sure that neither they nor their guests park their vehicles in front of your establishment.

For The Interior:

1. Start by decluttering spaces. Clear off tables, shelves, and counters. Remove stacks of papers, magazines, and other items. 
2. Clean your floors, dust all the corners and behind things.
3. Clean windows, glass doors, seals, and screens.
4. Wipe off all walls, light switches and interior doors, paying special attention to areas around pulls, handles, door knobs and other frequently touched areas.
5. Unplug and remove any unnecessary electronics.
6. Replace all burnt out lights and make sure the light bulbs match (hue and intensity) in each lighted area.

The Day Of The Shoot

The day of the shoot, you’ll want to clean and clear as much as possible. Potential customers should be able to imagine themselves being there. This means all personal items including  must be completely out of sight. It can be especially helpful to do these things the day before, and simply touch up as needed the day of.

For The Exterior:

1. Make sure all cars are parked away from the main entrance. 
2. Move all garbage and recycling bins out of sight.
3. Sweep pathways and driveways clear – outdoor dining areas as well!

For The Interior:

1. You will want to sweep and mop all floors.
2. If there are pets in the business, it is best to remove as much evidence of them as possible for the photos. Remove beds, bowls, and toys before the shoot, and plan to keep your pets in a crate or carrier, or have them off property for the shoot.
3. Hide trash cans, hampers, carts, and recycle bins.
4. In the kitchen, clear the sinks and counters and wipe down all surfaces.
5. In the bathrooms, wipe down mirrors and stalls. 
6. In every room, hallway, and stairway, turn on all lights and lamps and turn all blinds in open position to let in as much natural light as possible. Leave ceiling fans off.
7. Make sure all TVs, computer monitors, and electronics are turned off with their remotes stored out of sight.
8. Declutter and limit personal effects.