Shoot prep — Soreva

01One week before

Mow the lawn and trim the hedgesIdeally two or three days before: a neat lawn that doesn’t look freshly shaved.
Replace burnt-out exterior bulbsEntrance, garage, deck, landscape lighting.
Wash the front windowsThey reflect the sky and show up on camera.
Weed the flower bedsFrom the sky, every edge counts.

Put away the garbage, recycling and compost bins
Move vehicles out of the driveway and off the street in front of the housePark them further away, out of the camera’s view.
Put away toys, tools, garden hoses and tarps
Set up the outdoor furniture and remove the coversCushions in place, umbrellas open or removed, BBQ clean and closed.
Clean the pool and remove the coverSame for the hot tub lid.
Sweep the driveway, steps and deck

Open the front blinds and curtains evenly
Close the garage door
Keep pets indoors during the flight
Decide with your broker whether the sign stays in view
Plan for occupants to stay out of frameFor their privacy and for flight safety.
Leave the backyard unlocked

Turn on every light 30 minutes before sunset, or before dawn for a morning twilightIndoors too: lamps, ceiling lights, kitchen.
Turn on the landscape lighting, pool lights and outdoor fireplace
Use warm white bulbs throughoutA mix of cool and warm whites shows on camera.
Turn off TVs visible through the windows

Clear snow from the driveway, steps, decks and in front of the windows
Remove the temporary carport if the season allowsOtherwise, let us know: we’ll adapt the angles.
Spread salt or gravel on the drivewayFor everyone’s safety, camera in hand.