How to Prepare Your Holiday Cottage for a Photography Shoot
A photography shoot moves quickly when the property is ready. Most of the work happens before the photographer arrives: a little preparation helps each room read clearly in the final images and keeps the session focused on composition rather than tidying. Here is a practical checklist to work through the day before and on the morning of the shoot.
Declutter without stripping the character
Guests want to see a welcoming, lived-in space, not an empty show home. Clear away the things that distract from the room, while keeping the touches that make the cottage feel like somewhere people want to stay.
- Remove everyday clutter from surfaces, floors and windowsills.
- Keep a few carefully placed items such as a throw, books, a bowl of fruit or fresh flowers.
- Hide bins, laundry, ironing boards and cleaning equipment out of shot.
- Put away anything personal, including post, paperwork and charging cables.
Beds, bedrooms and bathrooms
- Make every bed with fresh, ironed linen and plump pillows.
- Check under the beds and behind bedside tables for stray items.
- Clear personal toiletries from bathrooms and fold towels neatly.
- Make sure mirrors and glass are smear-free, as marks show up clearly in photographs.
Kitchens and living areas
- Clear worktops back to the essentials, keeping only a couple of styled items.
- Remove washing up, tea towels draped over radiators and fridge magnets.
- Arrange cushions and straighten throws and rugs in the living room.
- Hide remotes, cables and gaming equipment unless they are a selling point.
Outdoor spaces
- Tidy the garden, clear leaves and put away bins, tools and hoses.
- Move cars off the drive if the property needs a clear exterior view.
- Sweep paths and patios, and arrange outdoor furniture as guests would find it.
- If you have a hot tub, fire pit or BBQ area, make sure it is clean and ready to show.
Work with the light
Natural light flatters a holiday let. Mid-morning and late afternoon usually give softer, more even light than the middle of the day, and bright overcast days can work well for interiors. Open curtains and blinds fully, clean the windows, and turn off overhead lights that cast a colour the room does not normally have. Where a shoot runs across a full day, the photographer will plan the order of rooms around the sun.
Have the details ready
Make sure the photographer can reach every guest-facing space, including outbuildings, storage and gardens. If you want particular features highlighted, such as a view, a wood burner, a games room or parking, mention them in advance. It also helps to know where you plan to use the images, whether that is a booking platform, your own website or social media.
Book a shoot for your holiday let
Good preparation and a clear brief give you a gallery that shows your property at its best. Take a look at our Airbnb and holiday let photography service and get in touch to arrange a visit.
