First impressions matter, and vacation rentals are no exception. While many factors influence a guest’s decision to book, listing photos often play the biggest role in shaping that crucial first impression. The right images can mean the difference between a fully booked calendar and a property that sits empty. But it’s not just about taking attractive photos—your images should help guests envision themselves in your space.
For homeowners looking to maximize their short-term rental income, high-quality photography is essential. Here are 8 tips to help you showcase your listing through stunning visuals and make it stand out.
1. Invest in Professional Photography
First things first—investing in professional photography is one of the smartest ways to showcase your property. High-quality images not only make your listing look polished and inviting but also help potential guests get an accurate sense of what they’re paying for. While hiring a professional may come at an additional cost—and smartphone cameras have certainly improved—professional photography is a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Working with a photographer who specializes in real estate or vacation rentals can make all the difference. While you know your property best, their expertise allows them to capture unexpected angles that highlight your home’s best features. They also bring a fresh perspective that can transform even your least favorite room into an appealing space.
With professional photography, every detail is handled with precision—from angles and lighting to composition. Even in challenging conditions, like twilight or nighttime, you can trust that your property will be showcased in its best light—perhaps even with a breathtaking sunset glow.
2. Stage the Space
Before the photographer starts snapping photos, take some time to stage your space and make it look its best. Start by decluttering—tidy up, make the beds, and remove bulky trash cans or personal items that might distract from the room’s appeal. Open the blinds to let in natural light, and turn on lamps or overhead lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Don’t forget the small details—move remote controls, tuck away visible cords, remove paper towel holders, and clear off countertops of unnecessary items for a cleaner, more polished look. Hide toiletries in bathrooms, neatly arrange throw pillows, and ensure blankets are folded or draped aesthetically.
To add a welcoming, lived-in feel, incorporate subtle props. A coffee mug on the balcony, an open book on the bed, or a glass of wine by the fireplace can help guests imagine themselves relaxing in the space. A well-staged home not only looks inviting but also helps potential guests picture their stay—ultimately increasing the likelihood of bookings.
3. Showcase What Makes Your Rental Unique
With so much competition in the short-term rental market, it’s crucial to highlight the details that set your property apart. Showcase standout features like stylish decor, a gourmet kitchen, a private hot tub, or a rooftop with stunning city views—complete with inviting outdoor furniture. If your rental has fun LED lights or neon signs, turn them on to really show them off.
If you partner with a vacation rental management company like GoodNight Stay, take advantage of their insights. They can help identify which amenities attract the most bookings and should be emphasized in your photos, making your listing stand out from the competition.
4. Balance Wide Shots with Detail Shots
While unique details are important, a strong photo gallery should include both wide-angle shots and close-ups. Wide shots help guests understand the layout and flow of the space, while detailed images highlight textures, design elements, and special amenities. This balance helps guests not only appreciate the standout features of your rental but also get a clear sense of the overall space—helping them book with confidence.
5. Keep Edits Natural and True to Life
Now that you have your photos, editing them to enhance their appeal is just as important. However, it’s essential to keep your edits natural and true to life. While editing can enhance lighting, colors, and clarity, avoid excessive retouching that misrepresents your property. Over-saturated colors, extreme brightness, or digitally altered features may look good at first glance, but they can lead to disappointed guests who feel the space doesn’t match their expectations.
Honest, high-quality images build trust with potential guests by setting realistic expectations. Guests will want a true representation of the space, which can help increase satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of negative reviews. Keep your edits subtle, ensuring your photos highlight the beauty of your rental without straying too far from reality. A great way to enhance images while keeping them realistic is by adding TV images to screens in your photos. This small touch makes the space feel more inviting and lived-in without altering the integrity of the image.
6. Follow a Natural Photo Order
An often-overlooked element of presenting your home is the order in which your photos are displayed. When guests browse your short-term rental listing, the sequence of images should feel intuitive and guide them through the space. You might start with an inviting exterior shot, followed by images that mirror how a guest would experience the home in person—moving from the entryway to the living areas, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.
Consider featuring a few standout photos first to grab attention, then follow up with images of each room to showcase the property, space by space. For detail shots, it’s helpful to start with an overall view of the space before zooming in on specific elements, making sure the details feel connected and not random. A logical flow of photos helps guests easily envision their stay, making them more likely to book your property.
7. Incorporate Floor Plans and Video Tours
While high-quality static images are essential, adding a virtual floor plan or a video walkthrough can take your listing to the next level. Floor plans give potential guests a clear understanding of your home’s layout, allowing them to visualize how the space flows and how rooms are connected. This can be especially helpful for larger properties or homes with unique layouts.
Video tours, on the other hand, offer an immersive experience that static images simply can’t match. A well-produced video can highlight key features of the property, such as spacious living areas, outdoor spaces, or special amenities, while giving guests a sense of how it feels to move through the home. Offering these additional resources not only enhances transparency but also makes it more convenient for guests, as they can explore the property at their own pace, even before setting foot inside.
At GoodNight Stay, we also use floor plans and video tours as part of our marketing strategy to offer a more comprehensive, engaging presentation of our properties—ultimately helping to attract more bookings and build trust with potential guests.
8. Update Photos to Reflect Current Setups
Last but not least, it’s important to remember that photographing your property isn’t a one-time task. As you make updates to your vacation rental—whether it’s changing the decor, adding new furniture, or introducing fresh amenities—your photos should be updated to reflect these changes. This ensures that the images accurately represent the space, giving potential guests a true sense of what to expect.
Guests rely on these images to make informed decisions when booking, and outdated or inaccurate photos can lead to confusion or disappointment, which may affect guest satisfaction. Regularly refreshing your photos not only keeps your listing up-to-date but also helps your property stay competitive in the dynamic short-term rental market. By showcasing the latest features and improvements, you increase the chances of attracting more bookings and setting the right expectations for your guests.
All of the tips above highlight that great vacation rental photography is about more than just aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool for attracting guests and increasing revenue. By following these expert suggestions, homeowners can create a compelling listing that drives more bookings. However, with so many factors to consider, consider working with a property manager who can handle the process—and that’s exactly what GoodNight Stay does. If you’re looking for a property management company that provides professional photography, marketing, and optimization—while making sure every detail is taken care of—contact us today to maximize your vacation rental’s potential!
