They say a picture is worth a thousand words. That's why getting the right photos of your home are critical.

Before having your home photographed or, in some cases, videotaped, you'll want to make sure that it's in the best possible shape. But what exactly does that mean?

Getting your home ready for a photo shoot is not quite the same as getting it ready to have dinner guests. Yes, there's the same cleaning rituals such as dusting, and picking up items lying around the house. But making a home picture perfect is about creating an atmosphere that's welcoming, interesting, and beckons viewers.

How is that done? Professional home photographers use the right equipment to get the job done. Wide angle lens to make the home look larger and show off adjacent rooms in a single photo are one good method. Early morning and late afternoon photo shoots make use of the best lighting times in the day.

Whether you're going to photograph your home or have a professional do it, adding some props and taking away the clutter will be top priorities.

Let's start with empty rooms. Showing an empty house isn't ideal for in-person visits or pictures. Why? You can't get a feel for how to use the space and when you see an empty room in a picture and it's hard to grasp its size. The Wall Street Journal suggests bringing in props, such as furniture (even just a chair and small table), that will help give the viewer a sense of scale.

If at all possible, rent, borrow, or beg your friends for furniture to have at least a few objects in the room. You don't need as many pieces of furniture as you would have if you're living in the home -- just some nice tables, lamps, and chairs to create a homey mood.

If you have to photograph the room empty, use a wide-angle lens and capture a bit of an adjoining room like a bathroom–this adds depth and interest. And always use a tripod.

Kitchen comfort. Here's where you get to have some fun. Think of yourself as a set designer. Your job is to look closely at your kitchen and tuck away all the unnecessary objects. If you leave out an appliance (maybe a good-looking stainless steel one) hide the cord. The appliance isn't there for use–it's just a prop.

Now, add some other props–a basket of colorful fruit in a clear glass bowl (nothing too distracting). A plate of cheese and bread with a wine bottle nearby helps set a scene to make the viewer feel welcome.

Clouds are our friends. When you're shooting outside, a bright sunny day isn't always the photographer's friend. If there are big trees and the sun is creating dark shadows, that can make parts of your photo look dreary. Clouds can greatly add mood to the photo without distracting from the exterior shot of a home. On an overcast day, the shadows aren't as strong and the flowers can actually show up better.

But before you snap that exterior photo, put away those unsightly garbage cans, the seasonal decorations, and those "no soliciting" signs. Remember, you're making your home not only picture-perfect but also model-home perfect too... and that could be priceless.

Published: January 28, 2011

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Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist, an author, customer service trainer/speaker, and founder of Setting the Service Standard, a customer service training and consulting program offered by Live Fit Enterprises (LFE) based in San Diego, California. She is the publisher of Live Fit Magazine, an online publication that features information on real estate/finance, physical fitness, travel, and philanthropy. Her company, LFE, specializes in media services including marketing, PR, writing, commercials, corporate videos, customer service training, and keynotes & seminars. Visit her magazine website: www.LiveFitMagazine.com. Phoebe's articles, feature stories, and columns appear in various publications including The Coast News, Del Mar Village Voice, Rancho Santa Fe Review, and Today's Local News in San Diego, as well as numerous Internet sites. She holds a California real estate license. Phoebe worked for KGTV/10News in San Diego as a Newscaster, Reporter and Community Affairs Specialist for more than a decade. Phoebe's writing is also featured in Donald Trump's book: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying Foreclosures. She is the author of If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT! 14 Worriless Principles for Your Success. Contact Phoebe at (858) 259-3646 or . Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.