San Diego real estate photography
Start with light
Photograph rooms with even light and accurate color.
- Open every blind, shade, and curtain all the way.
- Turn on all interior lights, including lamps and under-cabinet lighting.
- Replace any dead or mismatched bulbs so color stays consistent.
- Clean the insides of windows facing the best views.
Declutter, don't just tidy
The camera exaggerates clutter. Aim for “model home,” not “lived in.”
- Clear countertops, nightstands, and tables down to one or two simple accents.
- Remove fridge magnets, paperwork, cords, remotes, and pet bowls.
- Hide trash cans, laundry baskets, shoes, and toiletries.
- Take down personal photos and anything with names or addresses.
Room-by-room quick hits
Kitchen: clear the counters, hide sponges and dish soap, and angle bar stools evenly. Living room: fluff and square the pillows, fold throws, and straighten rugs. Bedrooms: make the beds crisply, with symmetrical pillows and nothing on the floor. Bathrooms: close the toilet lids, hang fresh matching towels, and remove everything from the shower and counter.
Exterior and curb appeal
- Move cars out of the driveway and away from the front of the home.
- Roll trash bins out of view and coil or hide garden hoses.
- Sweep walkways, straighten patio furniture, and tidy the yard.
- For pools and patios, skim the water and set the scene like it's ready for guests.
For short-term rental and Airbnb hosts
For a furnished rental, set out fresh towels, arrange the dining table and prepare the patio or balcony. Photograph the furnishings and amenities guests will find on arrival.
Timing matters
The best window depends on which way the home faces, so we plan the shoot around the light, and for homes with standout views we often shoot exteriors near golden hour. Most galleries come back with delivery on the agreed timeline so your listing can go live fast.
Do this prep and the shoot moves quickly — the gallery comes back bright and ready for delivery.
Listing a short-term rental instead? See Airbnb and VRBO listing photography — same delivery on the agreed timeline, platform-ready crops.