So you have a new listing and you aren't sure how to help your clients prepare for the listing photos.  The first thing to remember is to provide them with ample time to prepare for their photos.  Listing your home can be overwhelming and when you're provided with a list of things to remove/move from your home that can add to the daunting nature of the whole process. 

The first thing you want to do is make sure they know how beautiful their home is and the advice you are about to provide does not reflect their furniture, decorations, beliefs, etc. Make sure they are aware that the things you and your photographer suggest are to help them sell their home for top dollar and these are generic, across the board tips.  

Once they hear that, you can provide them with a list of things from your photographer (I can email you one if you need one) to help them prepare for the photographers arrival.  This will provide them with a check list of sorts and it is also coming from a third party who will back you up on the things you recommend.  

As the agent, things for you to remember when scheduling listing photos are:

1. When do you need the photos back? This is important because you need to know your photographers turn around time when you are scheduling the session. 
2. How far out does your photographer need to get you scheduled? This is something that can vary by the time of the year due to the flow of the industries' busy season.  A good rule of thumb is always provide a week out, at the very least 3 days.  Do not anticipate the photographer will be able to get you in the same day or the next day. 
3. The home needs to be photo ready when the photographer arrives.  This means: lights on, fans off, windows open and most importantly- everything is where it needs to be.  Your photographer books homes based on size and location and the amount of time it will take them to move swiftly through the home photographing it AS IS. The photographer will not move any items and do not anticipate the photographer to allow the seller or you to do so either.  If something needs to be removed from a room, move it to the garage before the photographers arrival and you can move it back once they leave. 
4. What Hero shots you want of the home?  This means, if you want something photographed specifically that is not normally photographed, tell the photographer.  If the garage or the primary closet is a huge selling feature and it isn't something normally photographed, let the photographer know beforehand- or better yet, be there at the photography appointment. This will ensure you receive everything you are looking for in your listing photographs. 
5. Be prepared for trip charges or additional fees if the home is not photo ready upon the photographers arrival. 
6. Some things CAN be photoshopped out, but it is usually a case by case situation and will cost extra depending on the job at hand. 

Once your photos are scheduled you can also let the photographer know if you want to upgrade your exterior shots to twilight.  This is an additional expense, but some agents love how it makes the exterior of the home pop. 

If you prefer daylight, that is perfectly fine as well! It is to each their own! 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you found it helpful! Congratulations on your new listing, and I look forward to helping you with all your real estate photography needs!