How to Prepare Your Apartment for a Photoshoot: A Guide for Owners

Beautiful interior photos don’t just happen. Even the most stylish space needs preparation before a shoot: clutter gets removed, accents get arranged, and every detail gets tidied up. The good news is that most of this work can be done on your own before the photographer arrives. It will save shooting time and noticeably improve the quality of the final images.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your apartment ready for the photoshoot.

1. Remove Clutter

The first and most important step is to get rid of anything that shouldn’t end up in the frame. Go through every room and remove:

• remotes, chargers, cables, charging stations;
• mail, documents, office supplies;
• personal items — framed photos, children’s toys, medications;
• pet beds and bowls;
• small everyday items on surfaces — tissues, receipts, cosmetics.

If the apartment is a rental and someone is currently staying there, take a “before” photo of each room so you can easily put everything back afterward.

The goal of this step is a clean, visually quiet backdrop that styling can then be layered onto.

2. Clean Thoroughly

A lived-in, untidy look shows up immediately in photos, especially in close-ups. Before the shoot:

• mop the floors and vacuum the rugs — a dirty floor is especially noticeable in frame;
• dust every surface, including shelves and windowsills;
• wash the windows and mirrors — smudges and streaks are clearly visible in photos, and dirty glass changes the quality of light entering the room;
• check for unwanted reflections in mirrors and glass surfaces.

3. Light and the View

• Open the curtains, blinds, and drapes fully — this brings in natural light and reveals the view outside.
• Turn off all lamps and overhead lighting. Mixing daylight with artificial light creates an unpleasant color cast in photos that’s hard to correct afterward. The photographer will turn on any lighting they need for the shoot themselves.

4. Bedroom

• Remove towels, stuffed animals, and any extra pillows from the bed.
• Smooth out the comforter so it hangs evenly on both sides down to the floor.
• Fluff the pillows — ideally two per person the bed sleeps.
• Clear the nightstands, dresser, and desk of small items.
• Remove clothing from closets if the closet doors will be in frame or are planned to be opened for the shot.

5. Bathroom

Bathrooms need to look especially clean and tidy:

• put the toilet lid down and put in a fresh roll of toilet paper;
• neatly fold or hang towels so they match each other;
• put toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and other toiletries out of sight — personal items go under the sink or in a cabinet;
• the shower or tub should be empty — no loofahs or bottles;
• open the shower curtain or door;
• polish mirrors, glass doors, and chrome fixtures until they shine;
• if the apartment has accessibility features (grab bars, a shower chair), place them where they’re visible.

6. Living and Dining Room

• Fluff the sofa cushions and smooth out throws and blankets — they not only look cozy but also add color to the frame.
• Clear all tables and shelves of unnecessary items.
• Space dining chairs evenly and symmetrically around the table.
• Tidy every surface, from the coffee table to the windowsills.

7. Kitchen

• Clear countertops of everything except a few neatly arranged items.
• Hide any visible appliance cords.
• Put away food, spices, and packaging in the cabinets.
• Arrange visible kitchenware (hanging pans, towels) symmetrically if it’s part of the decor.
• Leave out one or two appealing appliances — an espresso machine, toaster, sparkling water maker — they work well as a focal accent in the shot.

8. Balcony, Terrace, and Outdoor Areas

• Remove personal items and tidy up the space.
• Set up outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and chairs as they’d actually be used.
• Remove covers from the barbecue, pool, or hot tub if they’ll be in frame.
• If there are string lights, a fire pit, or a fireplace, get them ready to switch on.

9. Exterior and Entrance

• Remove cars from the driveway and any parking area in front of the building.
• Put away hoses, tools, children’s toys, and other everyday items from the yard.
• Tidy up flower beds, planters, and decor near the front door.

10. Fresh Flowers and Plants

Fresh flowers are one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring a room to life. Good spots for them include:

• the coffee table;
• the nightstand;
• the mantel;
• the dining or kitchen table.

Live greenery and flowers add color and a sense of care to almost any interior.

11. Rugs

A rug helps pull a room together and makes it more visually interesting. A bold or textured rug generally photographs better than a plain neutral one, which can look washed out and blend into the floor.

12. Textiles: Throws and Pillows

A nice throw draped over a sofa or across the foot of the bed instantly livens up a plain upholstery or bedspread. Arrange it so it looks tidy but not too stiff — a soft, natural fold reads better on camera than a perfectly flat drape. Pillows in bright covers are another easy way to add color and warmth to the frame.

13. Décor on Tables and Shelves

Empty nightstands and shelves read as unfinished space in photos. Add a bit of styling — a vase of flowers, a framed photo, a book, a small sculpture, or a globe. The key rule here is restraint: a few well-chosen pieces work better than a crowded arrangement.

14. Wall Art

If the apartment already has artwork or posters on display, make sure they don’t feature identifiable people whose photos could end up in a commercial shoot without their consent, or recognizable brands and other people’s copyrighted work. If you’re unsure about the rights to an image, it’s safer to take it down temporarily.

Checklist Before the Photographer Arrives

• Personal items and everyday clutter removed from all rooms
• Floors mopped, surfaces dusted
• Windows and mirrors clean
• Curtains and blinds open
• All artificial lighting turned off
• Beds made, pillows fluffed
• Bathrooms cleaned, personal items put away
• Kitchen and countertops clear of clutter
• Yard, balcony, and entrance tidied
• Fresh flowers and decor added

Going through this list ahead of time will make the shoot faster and give you results that look like a professional stylist worked on the space.