Cleanliness Is Everything
The single most impactful thing you can do is deep-clean the vessel. HDR photography is unforgiving — it reveals watermarks on stainless steel, dust on chart tables, fingerprints on companionway windows and stains on upholstery. Clean every surface in every cabin. Polish the stainless steel. Wipe the windows inside and out. Vacuum all upholstery and carpets. Clean the heads thoroughly — they are always part of a full listing shoot.
Declutter Every Space
Remove all personal items, unnecessary equipment and clutter. This includes: safety equipment stored visibly in the saloon, charging cables, coffee mugs, loose cushions piled in corners, wet gear hanging in the cockpit and personal toiletries in the heads. The goal is to present the yacht as a clean, neutral space that buyers can project themselves onto. Leave only what is permanently part of the vessel.
Prepare the Cockpit and Deck
Furl or remove the main sail cover if it is worn. Coil and stow dock lines neatly. Remove fenders from the rail. Wipe down the helm, winches and traveller. If the vessel has a bimini or cockpit enclosure, ensure it is clean and either fully deployed or fully stowed — not half-open. Drone photography will capture the deck from above, so deck clutter is as visible as interior clutter.
Lighting and Ventilation
Turn on all cabin lights before the photographer arrives. This includes reading lights, under-counter lights, chart table lamp and any mood lighting. Open all hatches and ports if conditions allow — fresh air removes the boat smell that shows up in photos as a general sense of staleness. Open the curtains and blinds fully in all cabins.
On the Day: What We Need From You
Our photographer will need uninterrupted access to the vessel for 2–4 hours. Please ensure the berth is accessible (no neighbours pinned alongside if possible). Have the boat keys and engine keys available. If you have a generator, have it fuelled and ready to run for air conditioning if needed. Brief any crew to remain ashore during the shoot to avoid people appearing in images or disturbing the photographer's setup.