Are you staring at a full to-do list and wondering how to get your Upper St. Clair home truly photo-ready? You know buyers start online, and crisp, well-styled photos can shape interest long before a showing. This guide gives you a clear, local checklist and timeline so your listing looks its best in the South Hills market. You will get room-by-room steps, lighting tips, and local notes to avoid last-minute surprises. Let’s dive in.
Why photo day matters in Upper St. Clair
In Upper St. Clair and the wider South Hills, buyers expect tidy yards, functional spaces, and a move-in-ready feel. Homes often feature formal living and dining rooms, family rooms, and finished basements, so photos should highlight flow and scale. Strong curb appeal and outdoor living spaces also help your listing stand out. A calm, uncluttered look lets buyers focus on your home’s features, not distractions.
72–48 hours before: set the stage
- Deep-clean high-use rooms, especially the kitchen and primary bath; steam-clean carpets if needed.
- Declutter and pack nonessential items. Remove personal photos and anything that pulls focus.
- Confirm the photographer’s arrival time and the shot list. Discuss exterior timing and any drone work.
- If you are using a stager or rental furnishings, confirm delivery and pickup windows.
48–24 hours before: polish and plan
- Final styling: keep decor neutral and simple. Add fresh greens or flowers.
- Mow and edge the lawn; prune hedges and tidy visible gutters.
- Replace burnt-out bulbs and use consistent color temperature across rooms.
- Move vehicles off the driveway and plan street parking if needed.
6–2 hours before: final tidy
- Run the dishwasher and washer so appliances are empty for photos.
- Remove trash, laundry, and pet items from sight.
- Put away medications and valuables.
- Make beds, fold towels, and remove bath mats.
30–5 minutes before: lights and details
- Turn on all interior lights and open curtains and blinds to maximize daylight.
- Turn off ceiling fans and TVs; hide cords and remotes.
- Clear the driveway and close the garage door unless you are showcasing the garage.
- Have people and pets out of the home so rooms are distraction-free.
Room-by-room checklist
General rules for every room
- Keep surfaces clear, with 1–3 tasteful accessories at most.
- Remove personal photos and excess wall items.
- Create simple symmetry with pillows and lamps.
- Vacuum, sweep, and mop so floors are fully visible and clean.
Kitchen
- Clear countertops of small appliances; leave one or two styled items like a bowl of fruit.
- Hide trash, dish soap, sponges, and refrigerator magnets or children’s art.
- Clean sinks and polish fixtures.
- If space allows, stage two place settings or a cookbook stand.
Living and family rooms
- Remove wires, remote clusters, toys, and visual clutter.
- Arrange seating to show flow and a clear focal point.
- Open blinds and remove heavy drapery that blocks light.
- Add two to three coordinated pillows and a neat throw.
Dining room
- Keep the table clear except for a simple centerpiece or minimal place settings.
- Remove excess chairs or small pieces that crowd the room.
- Ensure fans are off and lighting is even to avoid glare.
Bedrooms
- Make beds with neutral bedding and a simple pillow arrangement.
- Clear dressers and nightstands; leave one or two accessories.
- Tidy closets; show at least one organized section to hint at storage.
- Turn on bedside lamps for balance and warmth.
Bathrooms
- Clear all personal items from counters and showers.
- Hang fresh, neutral towels; fold extras neatly.
- Remove bath mats that block views of flooring or the tub.
- Clean mirrors, glass, and chrome; close toilet lids and hide trash cans.
Home office or study
- Clear the desktop and hide wires and drives.
Basement and lower levels
- Organize recreational spaces and pack away personal collections.
- Maximize light. Turn on all fixtures and open any small windows.
- If unfinished, sweep and consolidate storage neatly.
Laundry and utility areas
- Put detergents and cleaning supplies behind closed doors or in tidy bins.
- Wipe down appliances and remove lint.
Garage
- Remove cars if possible and sweep floors.
- Neatly organize tools and bins away from the primary shot areas.
Exterior and curb appeal
- Mow and edge the lawn; trim shrubs that block the facade.
- Sweep porches and walkways; wipe house numbers and mailbox.
- Tuck hoses, toys, and bins out of sight. Place a clean doormat.
- In winter, clear snow and ice and remove salt stains; keep a clean path to the door.
Pet-specific
- Remove bowls, toys, beds, and litter boxes from visible areas.
- Lint-roll soft surfaces to remove hair.
- If the listing is pet-friendly, one small, tidy bed in a corner is fine.
Lighting and timing for Pittsburgh seasons
Natural light sells the space. Open blinds and curtains, then turn on interior lights for even, balanced exposure. Use similar color temperature bulbs throughout so rooms feel cohesive. Overcast days often give soft, flattering light for exteriors.
Seasonal tweaks help you match local expectations:
- Winter: Clear snow and ice, remove salt stains, and consider evergreen planters.
- Spring and summer: Mow, edge, trim hedges, and remove hoses and toys. Add fresh mulch or container plants.
- Fall: Rake leaves and remove dead foliage. Keep entries clean and inviting.
For the day of your shoot, check the forecast and wind conditions to pick the best exterior window. You can quickly review local conditions via the National Weather Service Pittsburgh forecast and confirm optimal light by checking sunrise and sunset times for Pittsburgh.
Coordinate with your photographer
Most single-family home shoots take 30 to 90 minutes, with larger homes and add-ons taking longer. Confirm the timeline and access plan so you can be out of the home during the session.
Common add-ons to request in advance:
- Twilight or sunset exteriors
- Drone aerials with a licensed operator
- Virtual staging for empty rooms
- Floor plans and virtual tours
If you plan to use aerials, hire a pro who follows the FAA Part 107 rules for commercial drone operators and checks local restrictions using the B4UFLY app. For any exterior signage, or if you are unsure about HOA specifics, confirm guidelines with Upper St. Clair Township or your HOA before photo day.
Deliverables to request:
- Wide shots of each primary room
- Front and rear exteriors
- Kitchen and owner’s suite highlights
- Bathrooms, storage, and garage if relevant
- Detail shots if staging was completed
Pricing varies by scope and services. Ask for a clear proposal that covers the rooms, add-ons, and delivery timeline you need.
24-hour condensed checklist
- General: Declutter, remove personal photos, clean floors, replace bulbs, open curtains, turn on lights, turn off fans and TVs, hide trash and cords.
- Kitchen: Clear counters, clean sink, hide garbage and fridge magnets.
- Bathrooms: Clear counters, hang fresh towels, close toilet lids.
- Bedrooms: Make beds, clear surfaces, tidy closets.
- Exterior: Remove cars, pick up toys, mow or clear walkways, wipe porch and door.
- Pets: Contain pets and remove bowls, beds, and litter boxes.
Pro guidance you can trust
Staging and photography work best when they follow proven standards. If you want more background on why these steps help, explore NAR staging guidance. You can also review best practices from industry groups like the Real Estate Staging Association and the Professional Photographers of America.
Ready for a seamless photo day?
You do not need to manage this alone. With certified staging expertise and a photography-first approach, you can present a clean, stylish listing that connects with South Hills buyers. If you want a tailored, hands-on plan for your home in Upper St. Clair, schedule time with Jonette Shanahan.
FAQs
How long does a typical Upper St. Clair listing photo shoot take?
- Most sessions run 30 to 90 minutes, with larger homes and add-ons like drone or twilight photos adding time.
Should I be home during the real estate photo shoot?
- It is best to be out so the photographer can work efficiently and to avoid people in the photos; coordinate access with your agent.
What if my Upper St. Clair home is vacant for photos?
- Consider virtual staging for key rooms such as the living area, primary bedroom, and kitchen to help buyers understand scale and flow.
Do I need a permit for drone photos over my property?
- Your photographer should be licensed and follow FAA Part 107 rules for commercial drone operators; ask for credentials and flight planning details.
How should I time exterior photos for the best light in Allegheny County?
- Coordinate with your photographer for late afternoon or early evening when possible, then confirm conditions via the National Weather Service Pittsburgh forecast and Pittsburgh sunrise and sunset times.
Are there any local rules I should review before photo day in Upper St. Clair?
- Check with Upper St. Clair Township or your HOA for any guidelines on signage, parking, or exterior setups you plan to use on photo day.
