Great photos can showcase all your property has to offer. For best results, plan your photoshoot ahead of time and stage each space perfectly. Then follow these photography tips to capture the best shots.
Plan and stage your photos
Photos can help create an emotional connection with travellers, which can lead to more bookings. Before you take any photos, plan how every space in your holiday rental can look inviting.
When staging, keep these tips in mind:
- Adjust the lighting. Turn on all the lights in the room before you shoot, or plan your shoot for when natural light is abundant.
- Remove clutter. Pick up miscellaneous items in the rooms and straighten any crooked pictures or wall hangings.
- Hide any personal items. Eaten food, open board games, stray clothes or other items can take the focus off the property and may leave a bad impression on travellers.
- Never photograph people in your living spaces. Not only can they be a distraction, it also violates our terms and conditions. This includes reflections of yourself in mirrors when taking photos.
- Consider the weather. Avoid scheduling a photoshoot on a rainy day. You want to showcase your property in the best light.
- Seasonal photos. Show travellers photos of all the ways your rental is a seasonal paradise — from amenities and cosy blankets to the surrounding area.
- Camera quality. We recommend you use a high-resolution digital camera that allows you to adjust the lighting and focus. Many smartphones today take high-resolution photos with similar features.
- Angles. Make sure you take photos with a wide view of the room. Don’t shoot ‘flat’ or directly onto the bed or wall. This can make the room seem smaller than it really is.
Photograph each room or area
Travellers want to see as much as they can before booking. When shooting photos of your holiday rental, remember to go room by room. Situate yourself in the corner when shooting to add depth, perspective and a more accurate view of the space.
Here’s what to highlight in each room:
- Bedrooms. Most travellers want to know the sleeping situation, so make sure to get a good shot of the bed, with the covers made and pillows neatly arranged. Include any windows with nice views or other welcoming features.
- Bathrooms. Show off clean bathrooms, including the shower and sink. If the bathroom has unique features, such as an antique bathtub or complimentary toiletries, always include those in your photo. Since most bathrooms are small, focus on capturing one or two shots that focus on new fixtures, comfort and cleanliness.
- Living spaces. Guests will want to hang out together in communal spaces, like your dining room, family room and kitchen. Stage these spaces as if you were selling your property — after all, you’re selling the idea of what it feels like to live there. Highlight each space separately, but show connected rooms to convey the floor plan.
- Exterior. The outside of your property is the first thing travellers see at check-in, so highlight any curb appeal, like nice landscaping. Photograph all outside communal areas, like patios or deck seating. Outdoor photos look best with few to no shadows and should be shot with your back against the sun to reduce glare. To look more realistic, shoot architecture head on — at the same level as your photo subject — rather than from the ground up.
- Amenities. Don’t forget to feature any property upgrades or special touches that guests can enjoy, such as a hot tub, outdoor boules court, indoor cinema and more.
- Virtual tour. To feature the flow of your holiday rental, add a Virtual Tour. This gives travellers an immersive view of your home.