The best camera and the best photographer cannot compensate for a poorly prepared property. Preparation before the shoot is the responsibility of the agent and the owner — and it can be the difference between photos that sell and photos that merely document.
This is the guide I send to all my clients before a shoot in Marbella or anywhere on the Costa del Sol.
The day before
Deep clean throughout
The camera picks up everything with a clarity the human eye — habituated to the space — no longer notices: marks on glass, dust on surfaces, scuffs on floors. Special attention to: windows and glass panels (critical for HDR), bathroom mirrors, kitchen worktops and floors. Clean the day before, not on the morning — cleaning products leave residue and streaks.
Garden and outdoor areas
Mow the lawn, remove hoses, broken planters and any visible tools or equipment. If there's a pool, clean it and make sure the water is in good condition. Water the garden the evening before — plants and grass look greener and more vibrant with moisture.
Depersonalise
Remove family photos, fridge magnets, visible medication, clothes and shoes. The goal isn't to empty the property — it's to let the buyer imagine living there, rather than feeling like they're looking at someone else's home.
Morning of the shoot
Natural light: open everything
Raise all blinds and shutters fully. Pull back all curtains. Natural light is the single most important element in real estate photography. A well-lit property looks larger, cleaner and more valuable. A property with half-closed blinds looks the opposite.
Artificial lighting: switch everything on
Every lamp, wall light, kitchen light, bathroom light, wardrobe light — all on. The combination of natural and artificial light in HDR creates a warmth that no amount of post-processing can replicate afterwards. If any bulb is blown, replace it before the shoot.
Kitchen
Worktops completely clear. One decorative appliance maximum if it's aesthetically strong (a stylish coffee machine, for example). Remove dish racks, open dishwashers, damp cloths.
Bathrooms
Toilet lid down. All personal products removed from the shower and surfaces. Leave only clean, neatly folded towels. The toilet lid detail is small but consistently makes a visible difference in the final images.
Bedrooms
Beds perfectly made. Bedside tables clear — one lamp and one book maximum. Wardrobes closed.
Living room
Sofa cushions arranged. Coffee table clear or with a single clean decorative element. Cables, chargers and remote controls out of sight. Television off. No newspapers or magazines visible.
Outdoor spaces: the most important of all
For properties with a garden, pool or terrace, the outdoor shots are often the most impactful images in the listing — and the ones most likely to drive that first click. They deserve extra preparation time.
- Move cars away from the driveway and entrance wherever possible
- Clean and arrange terrace furniture neatly
- Remove pool toys, inflatables and cleaning equipment
- Plants and flowers should look healthy — wilting ones detract significantly
- If there's a barbecue, clean it or move it out of the main frame
What the photographer needs from you
Full access to all rooms with enough lead time to set up. If the property has a specific orientation that favours morning or afternoon light, communicate this in advance so the shoot order can be planned accordingly.
And most importantly: don't be present during the shoot if possible, or stay well out of the camera's field of view. The presence of an owner or agent in the space limits angles and creates a natural tension that affects the result.
Is it worth the effort?
Always. A well-prepared shoot produces images that can be used for months without becoming dated. A poorly prepared shoot produces images that need to be repeated — at a cost in time and money. In Marbella's property market, where listings compete internationally, a properly prepared photo gallery is the most effective sales tool available before the first viewing.
Need professional photography for your property on the Costa del Sol?
Book a session → →