Winter Real Estate Photography Checklist: How to Prepare Your Home for Professional Photos

Preparing your home for professional photography during winter months requires special attention to seasonal details. With shorter days, potential snow and ice, and holiday decorations to consider, this winter-specific checklist will help you get your home photo-ready, ensuring every room looks its best when the photographer arrives—even when the weather outside is less than ideal.

Exterior Preparation (Winter-Specific)

First impressions start at the curb, and winter conditions require extra attention. Here’s what to tackle before the photographer arrives:

• Clear all snow and ice from walkways, porch, patio, and driveway - Safe, clear pathways are essential and show the property is well-maintained
• Remove ice dams and icicles - These can signal maintenance issues and create safety concerns in photos
• Shovel and clear all walkways completely - Ensure paths are wide enough and fully cleared, not just a narrow trail
• Remove salt residue and de-icer stains - Sweep or rinse away any remaining salt or de-icing products for a cleaner look
• Remove all holiday decorations - Take down Christmas lights, wreaths, inflatables, and any seasonal décor that could date the photos
• Remove cars, toys, and winter gear from yard - Clear the driveway and yard of vehicles, sleds, shovels, and any winter equipment
• Wipe down outdoor furniture and front door - Clean surfaces show attention to detail even in winter conditions
• Clear gutters of snow and ice if visible - Clean gutters prevent the appearance of maintenance issues
• Remove any dead plants or winter-damaged landscaping - Trim back dead foliage that could make the property look neglected

Before

After

Drag the slider handle or click anywhere on the image to compare

Interior (General - Winter Considerations)

The interior of your home should feel warm, spacious, clean, and inviting—especially important during winter when natural light is limited. Follow these general guidelines throughout the house:

• Remove all holiday decorations - Take down Christmas trees, menorahs, stockings, holiday-themed décor, and any seasonal items that could date the photos
• Put away winter gear - Store boots, coats, scarves, gloves, and winter accessories out of sight
• Put away personal items - Remove mail, shoes, toys, laundry, and any other personal belongings from view
• Clear countertops, shelves, and tables - Minimal décor allows buyers to focus on the space itself rather than your belongings
• Vacuum and mop floors, dust surfaces - Clean floors are especially important in winter when tracked-in salt and moisture can make floors look dirty
• Make sure all lightbulbs work - With shorter winter days, proper interior lighting is crucial for great photos
• Ensure all lights are the same temperature and color - Consistent warm lighting creates a cozy, cohesive look throughout the home
• Open blinds and curtains where possible - Maximize what natural light is available, even if it’s limited
• Remove mats and rugs in walkways - This creates cleaner sight lines and makes rooms appear more spacious
• Remove baby gates - These can make spaces feel smaller and less open
• Remove pet beds, dishes, and gates - Pet items can distract from the home’s features and may turn off some buyers
• Remove stiff curtains that don’t look natural when opened - If curtains don’t drape nicely, it’s better to remove them entirely
• Remove broken curtains - Damaged window treatments remind buyers that replacements are needed, which can hurt your listing’s appeal
• Remove knick-knacks - Excessive decorative items can make spaces feel cluttered and smaller
• Remove personal photos from walls - Buyers need to envision themselves in the space, not see your family photos
• Clean windows thoroughly - Winter grime and condensation can reduce natural light, so clean windows inside and out if possible

Before

After

Drag the slider handle or click anywhere on the image to compare

Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and a major selling point. Make sure it looks its best:

• Clear countertops - Leave only minimal décor if desired, but less is more
• Put away dishes, dish rack, sponges, and soap - These everyday items can make the space feel cluttered
• Empty trash and wipe down sink and faucets - A clean, empty sink looks fresh and inviting
• Remove magnets from appliances - Clear refrigerator and other appliances of magnets and notes for a cleaner appearance
• Remove any holiday-themed kitchen items - Store away seasonal dish towels, holiday mugs, or festive kitchen décor

Before

After

Drag the slider handle or click anywhere on the image to compare

Bathrooms

Bathrooms should feel spa-like and clean. Here’s how to prepare them:

• Remove toiletries, bath mats, and trash bins if possible - The less visible, the better
• Hang clean, neutral towels - Fresh, neutral-colored towels create a hotel-like feel
• Wipe mirrors, counters, and shower doors - Sparkling surfaces photograph beautifully
• Remove personal hygiene products from bathroom - Store items out of sight to create a clean, neutral space

Before

After

Drag the slider handle or click anywhere on the image to compare

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should feel peaceful, warm, and spacious:

• Make all beds neatly - Well-made beds with cozy-looking bedding create an inviting, hotel-like atmosphere
• Tidy nightstands and dressers - Clear surfaces make rooms feel larger and more organized
• Store away laundry and clutter - Put away any clothing, laundry baskets, or other items that could distract from the room’s features
• Remove holiday decorations - Take down any seasonal décor, holiday-themed bedding, or winter-specific items

Before

After

Drag the slider handle or click anywhere on the image to compare

What Most Photographers Will Handle

While you’re responsible for the major preparation, professional photographers typically handle these final touches:

• Closing toilet lids - This small detail makes bathrooms look more polished
• Adjusting blinds and curtains for best lighting - Photographers know how to position window treatments to maximize limited winter daylight
• Turning off ceiling fans - Still fans photograph better and create a cleaner look
• Turning on lights for a bright, even look - Proper lighting setup is especially important in winter when natural light is limited
• Adjusting lighting for winter conditions - Photographers will optimize artificial lighting to compensate for shorter days and potentially overcast skies
• Moving small distracting items - Photographers may move trash cans, tissue boxes, or other small items that could distract from the main features
• Straightening chairs, pillows, and small décor - Final adjustments ensure everything looks perfect in frame
• Final walk-through - A professional photographer will do a final check to ensure everything looks photo-ready, paying special attention to lighting in winter conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be done with the items that should be removed for photos?

If items can’t be easily hidden within cabinets and closets, we recommend picking one room where everything goes. It’s better to simply not capture one room than to have the whole house not ready for photos. An unfinished garage also works well to store clutter and items temporarily.

What if we are not photo-ready during the day the shoot is scheduled?

Consult with your realtor. They may decide to reschedule, go forward, or adjust what media is needed depending on the condition of the home. Weather and the overall situation you as the seller need will also play a role with scheduling and what is needed.

My house faces east/west—does that affect when we should schedule in winter?

With shorter winter days, timing becomes even more important. While homes can be photographed professionally during any time of the day and still get high-quality results, winter’s limited daylight hours mean scheduling during peak daylight (typically 10 AM to 2 PM) is ideal. If your home happens to sit on a mountainside, we would recommend taking that into consideration. For example, if your home is on the west side of a mountain, you would want to wait until the afternoon, or if it is on the east, you would want to do it in the morning to avoid the home being in the shadow of the mountain. In winter, this timing window is narrower, so coordinate closely with your photographer.

What if it rains or is overcast on the day of the shoot?

Most photographers actually prefer shooting during an overcast day as it eliminates hard shadow lines and diffuses the light beautifully. Overcast conditions can create soft, even lighting that flatters both interiors and exteriors.

Should we schedule photos before or after we finish painting the walls or installing new carpet?

Your agent is investing in real estate photos, so we recommend getting any improvements done before the photos. That way, it only adds to the value of the photos and property. The listing only gets one first impression—make it worth it.

Should we try to hide damage so it is not seen in photos?

Never intentionally hide damage, as it will be discovered and ultimately kill a deal. Transparency builds trust with buyers and prevents issues during inspections. If there’s significant damage, discuss with your realtor whether repairs should be made before listing or if the damage should be disclosed upfront.

How do we handle ice and snow removal if the photographer arrives early in the morning?

Plan ahead and clear all walkways, driveways, and paths the night before the shoot. If you’re expecting overnight snow or ice, set an early alarm to clear everything before the photographer arrives. Having clear, safe pathways is essential for both safety and great photos. Consider having a backup plan or someone available to help with last-minute clearing if needed.

Should we leave holiday decorations up for a “cozy” winter feel?

No. While holiday decorations might feel festive, they can date your photos and make your listing feel less timeless. Buyers viewing photos in spring or summer will notice dated holiday décor, which can make your listing feel stale. It’s better to create a warm, inviting atmosphere through lighting and staging rather than seasonal decorations.

Following this winter-specific checklist will help ensure your home looks its absolute best in professional photographs, even during the challenging winter months. Remember, great photos are an investment that can significantly impact how quickly your property sells and at what price point—and winter preparation requires extra attention to detail.

Ready to capture your next listing at its best? Book your professional photography session and let us help you create listing photos that attract serious buyers.