10 Things New Orleans Real Estate Agents Should Fix Before a Professional Photo Shoot
In the competitive New Orleans real estate market, professional photography is one of the most powerful tools agents have to attract buyers. With most buyers starting their home search online, high-quality listing photos can mean the difference between a showing request and a quick scroll past.
Before your Studio RE real estate photographer arrives, taking time to prepare the property properly can dramatically improve photo quality and overall listing performance. Here are the top things every agent should fix before a professional real estate photo shoot.
1. Remove Clutter From Every Room
Clutter makes homes feel smaller and distracts buyers from the property itself, especially in listing photos.
New Orleans real estate photo prep tips:
Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops
Remove extra furniture from living areas
Hide cords, stacks of papers, and small appliances
Clean, open spaces photograph better and help buyers focus on layout and flow.
2. Hide Personal Items
Buyers shopping for homes in New Orleans want to imagine themselves living there, not the current owner.
Ask sellers to remove:
Family photos and artwork
Name signs, awards, and memorabilia
Pet items like beds, bowls, and litter boxes
Neutral spaces perform better in professional real estate photography.
3. Deep Clean Key Areas
Even the best real estate photography can’t hide dirt. High-resolution images will highlight dust, streaks, and grime.
Focus cleaning efforts on:
Floors and baseboards
Windows and mirrors
Kitchen appliances
Bathrooms (especially sinks and tubs)
A clean home signals pride of ownership and photographs brighter.
4. Replace Burned-Out or Mismatched Light Bulbs
Lighting plays a huge role in New Orleans real estate photography, especially in homes with unique layouts or historic features.
Before the shoot:
Replace all burned-out bulbs
Use matching color temperatures throughout the home
Turn on all lights and lamps
Consistent lighting helps photographers create warm, inviting images.
5. Open Blinds and Curtains for Natural Light
Natural light is a major selling point in real estate listings.
Prep checklist:
Open all blinds and curtains
Clean windows
Remove broken or damaged window coverings
More light makes rooms feel larger and more welcoming in photos.
6. Boost Curb Appeal
Exterior photos are often the first images buyers see when browsing New Orleans real estate listings.
Quick exterior fixes:
Mow and edge lawns
Sweep walkways and porches
Hide trash bins and garden hoses
Remove cars from the driveway
Strong curb appeal sets the tone for the entire listing.
7. Rearrange or Remove Oversized Furniture
Furniture that overwhelms a space can make rooms feel cramped on camera.
Agent tips:
Remove extra chairs, stools, or side tables
Create clear walkways
Arrange furniture to highlight architectural features common in New Orleans homes
Even light staging can significantly improve real estate photos.
8. Declutter Closets and Storage Spaces
Storage is a big selling point for buyers, especially in older New Orleans homes.
Before photography:
Remove excess clothing and items
Organize shelves neatly
Leave some empty space
Tidy closets photograph larger and more functional.
9. Turn Off TVs, Screens, and Ceiling Fans
Electronics and moving fans can distract from the home itself.
Before the photographer arrives:
Turn off TVs and monitors
Turn off ceiling fans
Hide remotes and visible cords
Clean, static scenes result in more professional real estate photography.
10. Do a Final Walkthrough Like a Buyer
Before the shoot, walk the property as if you were a buyer viewing it online.
Check for:
Trash cans in view
Open toilet lids
Crooked rugs or pillows
Items left on counters or floors
Small details matter, especially in listing photos.
Why Proper Preparation Matters for New Orleans Real Estate Photography
In a city as visually rich as New Orleans, buyers expect listings to look polished and inviting. When homes are properly prepared, real estate photographers can focus on showcasing light, space, and character—rather than working around avoidable issues.
For New Orleans real estate agents, better photos lead to:
More online views
More showing requests
Stronger first impressions
- Faster sales
Final Tip for New Orleans Real Estate Agents
Providing sellers with a real estate photography preparation checklist ahead of time saves everyone time and helps ensure every listing is camera-ready.
Serious about selling homes faster in New Orleans?
Partner with Studio RE and our team of real estate photographers who specialize in New Orleans real estate and understand what today’s buyers are looking for. Professional photography starts with proper preparation and the right photographer makes all the difference.
