When it comes to selling or letting your home, photographs are often the first thing people see — and sometimes the only thing they look at before deciding whether to book a viewing. That’s why great photography is essential.
Too many agents simply turn up, point the camera, and capture the room “as it is”. The result? Dark rooms, cluttered kitchens, and distracting details that leave buyers and tenants focusing on the wrong things. At Oakfield, we take a very different approach. We prepare, stage, and carefully present every property to ensure it looks its very best online.
Here are five top tips to make sure your home is shown in the best light:
1. Declutter Kitchens
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so it’s vital to show it at its best. When worktops are full of appliances, utensils, or everyday items, it can give the impression that storage is limited. By clearing the surfaces and leaving only a few carefully chosen items (like a kettle or a plant), the space feels cleaner, brighter, and more practical. It also allows buyers and tenants to see how much room they really have to work with.
2. Hide Personal Items
Your home is full of memories and personality — but when it comes to marketing photos, less is more. Things like laundry baskets, overflowing shelves, or children’s toys can easily distract and make a room feel smaller or untidy. By keeping personal belongings out of sight, you create a neutral canvas. This helps potential buyers and tenants imagine themselves living there, rather than feeling like they are stepping into someone else’s life.
3. Remove Pet Items
Pets are part of the family, but not everyone has them — and not everyone wants to see signs of them in property photos. A litter tray in the corner, a dog bed in the lounge, or bowls on the kitchen floor can take attention away from the property itself. Removing these items for photos not only avoids distraction but also ensures the home looks clean and fresh. It helps buyers and tenants focus on the rooms rather than the pets who live there.
4. Maximise Lighting
Light transforms how a room feels. Dark, shadowy spaces can appear smaller and less inviting, while bright, well-lit rooms look bigger, fresher, and more welcoming. Opening curtains, cleaning windows, switching on lights, and photographing at the right time of day can make a huge difference. It’s worth taking those few extra minutes to make sure each space is as light and bright as possible before the camera comes out.
5. Prepare Each Room
Sometimes it’s the small touches that make the biggest difference. Straightening cushions, adjusting curtains, tidying shelves, and removing bins might seem like minor jobs, but they make photos look polished and professional. A little preparation shows care and attention, which reflects well on the property itself. Buyers and tenants will be drawn to a home that looks cared for and move-in ready.
Why It Matters
Thoughtful, well-prepared photos help your property stand out online, generate more enquiries, and encourage buyers or tenants to book viewings. In a competitive market, those first impressions can make all the difference.
At Oakfield, we don’t just take photos — we showcase homes. That’s why sellers and landlords trust us to present their properties in the best possible way.
📞 Thinking of selling or letting? Call Oakfield to find out how our professional marketing can help. Check out our contact details here.