Listing photography
Preparing a Pittsburgh home for listing photography
A practical shoot checklist, from the opening exterior photo to a room-by-room image plan.
By StageBurgh · Published October 27, 2026
Give the opening photo one clear subject
Choose an exterior angle that makes the home and its entrance easy to recognize. Before the photographer arrives, move portable bins, loose tools and vehicles that can reasonably be moved out of the frame. Keep permanent features and the surrounding setting honest.
Light changes across the day. Send the photographer a current exterior snapshot in advance and ask which appointment time fits that side of the house. A preferred calendar slot is a request until the photographer confirms the assignment.
Prepare rooms before choosing an editing style
Clear counters, open interior doors where they help explain the layout, and tidy visible cords. Set window coverings consistently and check the lights. Let the photographer decide how to balance interior and exterior exposure rather than expecting editing to rescue every lighting problem.
Write down which rooms must be shown and any access constraints. If a property has more than one unit, specify the unit and entry instructions for each space. Avoid including alarm codes or other sensitive access information in a public listing or inquiry note.
Plan the virtual staging images with the shoot
For empty rooms, ask for views that show useful wall space, windows and circulation. These are easier to assess for furniture placement than very tight detail shots. Include at least one unedited view of each room you plan to stage.
StageBurgh’s planned photography offer includes five virtually staged images. Photography is quoted separately and subject to provider availability; scope, price and appointment timing must be confirmed before booking. Use the Services calendar to request a preferred time.