The AVS Journal
Exterior Photography: A Curb-Appeal Checklist Before the Shoot
Prepare exterior photographs by clearing movable distractions, checking access and identifying the angles that explain the building. The front elevation, entry and outdoor living spaces each serve a different purpose, so preparation should extend beyond the driveway.
Walk the route a buyer would take
Start at the street, follow the approach and check the entrance. Remove bins, loose packaging, hoses and temporary signs where appropriate. Sweep the path and straighten portable furniture. Keep address information accurate and discuss any branding or sign requirements with the agent. Do not move objects on neighboring property without permission.
Coordinate parking and access early
A vehicle parked in front of the principal elevation can block a useful view. Arrange permitted parking before the appointment and provide working gate or building-entry instructions. For a condominium, specify the unit, building and spaces that may be photographed. The photographer should not have to infer whether a courtyard or pool belongs to the listing.
Prepare outdoor living as a room
Align seating, tidy cushions and clear tabletops. Remove portable maintenance equipment when safe, and ask the owner to operate unfamiliar pool or lighting controls. The aim is to show how the area is used and connected to the home. Major repairs, landscaping changes or permanent obstructions should be discussed honestly rather than assumed removable in editing.
Example: a shaded front elevation
A home with mature trees may not have a useful straight-on view at every hour. Supply a recent phone photograph and identify which architectural details matter. A three-quarter angle may explain the entrance and garage more clearly. This is a reason to plan around the property, not to promise that a particular time will remove every shadow.
Exterior handover checklist
- Confirm permitted parking and entry instructions.
- Put away bins, hoses and portable tools.
- Arrange patios, porches and poolside furniture.
- Identify shared amenities and any excluded areas.
Frequently asked questions
Do all outdoor lights need to be on for daytime photos?
Make sure they function and their controls are available. The photographer can choose the appropriate arrangement for the scene. A daytime exterior brief is different from a twilight session, which depends more directly on the lighting plan.
What happens if weather changes the exterior plan?
Contact AVS about the conditions and the scope still possible. Interior photography and aerial or twilight work may have different constraints. Confirm any revised schedule before coordinating cleaners, owners or other appointments.
