How to Take Professional Photos of Your Short-Term Rental

In the competitive world of short-term rentals, captivating photographs can make all the difference when it comes to attracting potential guests and increasing your reservations.

If you want your vacation rental to stand out and entice visitors, follow these tips and ideas to capture stunning images that showcase your property in the best light.

1. Clean and Stage Your Property

Before taking any photos, make sure your vacation rental is spick and span. Clean all surfaces, floors, and kitchen appliances, and replace towels and bed sheets to present a pristine look. Stage the rooms with attractive decor, ensuring that everything is straightened and in place. Additionally, tidy up the exterior by removing fallen leaves, trimming bushes, and cleaning outdoor furniture.

2. Use a High-Resolution Camera

Invest in a good quality digital camera with high resolution capabilities to avoid pixelated images. A tripod will help you achieve steady shots, and experimenting with different camera settings can yield optimal results. Look for a camera with specific indoor shooting settings, as well as an optical zoom lens for ease of use.

3. Showcase Multiple Angles

Give potential guests a comprehensive view of your rental by capturing multiple shots of each room from various angles. This will enable them to visualize themselves in the space and better understand the layout of your property. You can even consider using a GoPro to take underwater photos of a swimming pool, if applicable.

4. Master Lighting Techniques

Proper lighting can significantly enhance the appeal of your vacation rental photos. Open curtains and turn on all the lights to create a bright and inviting atmosphere. Aim to take photos during the daytime with natural light whenever possible. If you have attractive indoor lighting features like fairy lights, capture shots during the evening to add charm and allure to your images. Avoid using flash as it can interfere with the natural lighting and create unwanted reflections.

5. Wait for Ideal Weather Conditions

Timing is essential when photographing your vacation rental. Choose days with clear skies and sunny weather to evoke positive emotions in potential guests. Sunny weather will make the interior of your property appear more vibrant and inviting. If your rental is located in a snowy area, wait for fresh snowfall to create a cozy and picturesque setting.


6. Tailor Photos to Holidays and Seasons

Update your photo gallery regularly to reflect different holidays and seasons. During Christmas, showcase festive decorations and a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. For summer, highlight your outdoor amenities like a barbecue, outdoor seating, and lush greenery. By doing this, you'll appeal to travelers planning vacations during various times of the year.

7. Edit Your Photos Carefully

After taking your photos, use photo editing software to enhance the images subtly. Adjust brightness, shadows, and highlights to bring out the best features of your rental. Stay consistent with your editing style to maintain a natural and authentic look. Avoid using heavy filters that may distort the appearance of your property.

8. Highlight Key Amenities

Include photos that showcase the unique amenities and upgrades your vacation rental offers. If you provide special items like shower gel, coffee capsules, or teas, visually present them in your listing to entice potential guests. Remove less appealing items like trash cans and cleaning products from your shots.

9. Consider Hiring a Professional Photographer

While it may be an initial investment, hiring a professional photographer with experience in interiors and architecture can significantly improve the quality of your photos. Professional images convey the message that you are serious about providing a top-notch experience for guests, leading to increased bookings and the potential to raise your rates.

10. Work with an Amateur Photographer

If hiring a professional photographer is currently beyond your budget, consider working with an amateur photographer who is willing to learn and adapt to your vision. While they may not have the same level of expertise, a passionate amateur can still capture compelling images of your rental.

11. Balance Emotion and Facts

Aim to strike a balance between emotionally appealing photos and informative images that present the factual aspects of your vacation rental. Emotional shots help potential guests envision themselves enjoying their stay, while factual images provide crucial details about the property.

By following these tips and ideas, you can master the art of taking professional photos for your short-term rental. High-quality images will build traveler trust, make your property look even more appealing, and demonstrate your dedication as a professional vacation rental host. Remember, great photos have the power to double your bookings and set your rental apart from the competition.