Great real estate photography in Calgary starts before we arrive. Preparation is the highest ROI step in your marketing: the same rooms photograph dramatically better when they are clean, decluttered, and lit correctly. Use this checklist to get your property ready for HDR photos, optional iGuide 3D tours, and drone captures.

Key takeaways

Declutter and depersonalize so buyers imagine themselves, not your belongings.
Turn on all lights and open blinds for even, bright rooms.
Complete cleaning and minor repairs 24 to 48 hours before the shoot.
Plan for pets, vehicles, and residents to be off-site during capture.

When to start preparing

Ideally begin 2 to 3 days before your appointment. Last-minute rushing shows up in photos: wrinkled bedding, crowded counters, and muddy entryways. If you are also booking an iGuide tour, preparation rules are the same. Every visible room will be scanned.

Exterior and curb appeal

Your hero image is almost always the front of the home. Before shoot day:

Remove cars from the driveway and avoid parking directly in front
Sweep walks, porch, and garage pads. Snow and leaves matter in Calgary seasons
Hide garbage bins, hoses, and lawn clutter out of frame
Turn on exterior lights if we shoot near dusk
Shovel snow evenly for winter listings; clear front steps for safety

For acreages or infills where lot context matters, we may capture aerial drone media. Tidy the yard and driveway edges here too.

Whole-home basics

Declutter surfaces: kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, coffee tables, and desks should hold only a few intentional items.
Depersonalize: family photos, magnets, and memorabilia distract online viewers.
Clean for camera: fingerprints on appliances, mirrors, and glass show under HDR.
Replace burnt bulbs: mixed warm and cool bulbs create uneven colour we must fix in post.
Open blinds: even light helps. We balance windows, but dark rooms start at a disadvantage.
Close toilet lids: every bathroom, every time.

Room by room checklist

Kitchen

Clear counters except one small accent (fruit bowl, coffee machine)
Empty sink, polish faucet and appliances
Hide trash cans and dish racks
Straighten bar stools and dining chairs

Living and dining areas

Fluff cushions, align pillows, remove excess throw blankets
Coil cord clutter from TV areas
Remove pet beds, toys, and litter boxes from frame

Bedrooms

Make beds neat with neutral bedding
Clear nightstands to a lamp and minimal décor
Empty laundry baskets and floor piles

Bathrooms

Hang fresh towels neatly
Remove toiletries from showers and tubs, or group sparingly
Wipe mirrors and glass shower doors

Basement and utility

Organize rec rooms. Buyers still tour these in 3D
If unfinished, keep paths clear; good lighting helps perceived size

Vacant home? Empty rooms can feel cold on camera. Consider virtual staging on key still photos after the shoot, or minimal real staging in the living room and primary bed.

Lighting and timing

We schedule shoots to align with your marketing goals and Calgary weather. Overcast days can be excellent for even exteriors; sunny days work well for lifestyle warmth. Interior shots rely heavily on preparation: every lamp on, every blind open, regardless of conditions outside.

If you are unsure about the best window for your street, ask when you book online. We coordinate around golden hour exteriors when it fits the package.

What to do with pets and people

Plan for the home to be empty during capture when possible. Pets add movement during 3D scans and can delay room transitions. Residents in frame delay HDR brackets and drone safety checks.

What happens on shoot day

When you book HDR photography with Corsion Studio, we typically:

Walk the property to confirm angles and any seller must-hides
Capture exteriors, then work through each room systematically
Add iGuide or drone if bundled. Allow extra on-site time
Deliver edited HDR photos within 24 hours for most packages

Browse our portfolio to see how prepared homes photograph in Calgary, Airdrie, and Cochrane.

Day before final walkthrough

Walk the home with your phone camera. If something bothers you in a snapshot, it will bother buyers in HDR. Common last fixes:

Remove floor mats that break visual flow
Hide remotes, shoes, and charging cables
Replace dead plants
Touch up scuff marks on walls visible from main angles

Frequently asked questions

Should I hire a cleaner before photography?

Yes. Professional cleaning 24 to 48 hours before the shoot is one of the best investments you can make. Photography highlights and magnifies what is already there.

Can I be home during the shoot?

We prefer the home vacant so we can move efficiently and keep rooms clear for 3D tours. If you must remain, we will plan around you room by room.

Do I need to stage every room?

No. Focus on the rooms buyers weight most: kitchen, living, primary bed, and main bath. Vacant listings may benefit from virtual staging on select photos after delivery.