Vacation Rental Photography Tips to Increase Bookings

Discover how top-notch vacation rental photography can boost your bookings. Get insights on capturing your property to attract more potential guests.

In the vacation rental market, compelling visuals are critical to attracting potential guests. High-quality photography serves as the first point of contact between the property and those looking to rent a space for their holiday or business trip. Unlike standard real estate photography, vacation rental photography focuses on capturing the uniqueness and comfort of a property, emphasizing features that inspire travelers to book.

The goal of vacation rental photography is to produce a visual narrative that allows potential guests to imagine themselves enjoying the space. Whether it's a cozy cabin, a luxurious villa, or a charming city apartment, high-quality photos communicate the experience and ambiance of the property, which cannot be conveyed through text alone. Clear, well-composed images can translate into increased interest and, ultimately, more bookings for property owners.

The Importance of First Impressions

First impressions are vital in securing bookings for a vacation rental listing. Potential guests often make quick decisions based on the visual appeal of the property photos.

High-quality listing photos not only aim to capture attention but also provide a realistic representation of the property. They should showcase the space, highlight its features, and set accurate expectations before a guest's arrival. Effective photography can lead to a positive guest experience, enhancing their stay from the moment they first engage with the listing.

OwnerRez allows you to upload and store photos of your Properties into our database. These photos are used for display on your Hosted Website, if you have one. They are also sent automatically to your listing channels if you are using an API connection that supports that. Your Property Photos can be manipulated via the Photos side-menu in the Properties area. You can also automatically import your property listing photos and other information from Airbnb or Vrbo, which will populate the photos into this area.

Essential Photos for Your Rental Property

Capturing high-quality images of your vacation rental is key to attracting potential guests and securing bookings. Let’s take a look at some of the essential shots you should include in your listing.

Exterior Shots: The Face of Your Property

Exterior shots are your chance to make a strong first impression. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full breadth of the property, ensuring you photograph:

• Front and Back Views: Show the front facade and any backyard features prominently. This sets the tone for your listing.
• Outdoor Living Spaces: If your property includes gardens, patios, or a balcony, highlight these areas. Show how they can be used, perhaps with outdoor furniture set up for a meal or relaxation.
• Swimming Pool: For properties with a pool, take clear, inviting photos on a sunny day to emphasize the pool’s size and setting. Make sure it’s clean and well-maintained before photographing.
• Parking and Accessibility: Include photos that show how easy it is to access the property, including available parking spaces or garage.

Interior Shots: The Heart of Your Rental

The interior of your property tells the story of what living there is like. Concentrate on:

• Living Room: This is often the centerpiece of the home. Capture it from multiple angles, showcasing comfortable seating, the space's openness, and any entertainment options like a large TV or sound system.
• Kitchen: Highlight modern appliances, countertop space, and any dining areas. Ensure the kitchen is spotless and consider staging it with a meal preparation in progress.
• Bedrooms: Take photos that showcase the comfort and style of each bedroom. Include shots of the master suite from angles that highlight its size and any en-suite amenities.
• Bathrooms: Cleanliness and modern fixtures are key here. Photograph the bathroom in bright light, focusing on clean lines and surfaces.
• Special Amenities: If your rental has a gym, home theater, or office space, include photos of these areas. Show them ready for use, perhaps with gym equipment set out or a movie playing in the theater.
• Floor Plan: Including an image of the floor plan helps guests understand the layout of your property, enhancing their ability to picture themselves in the space.

Unique Features: What Makes Your Property Stand Out

Distinguish your property from others by highlighting its unique amenities.

• Views: If your property boasts spectacular views, whether it's cityscapes, ocean fronts, or mountain ranges, make sure to capture and feature these prominently.
• Architectural Details: Unique architectural features like exposed beams, original fireplaces, or custom tile work can add character to your listing. Photograph these up close and in context.
• Outdoor Features: A well-landscaped garden, a cozy fire pit area, or an outdoor kitchen can be significant selling points. Show these areas set up for use to spark guests’ imaginations.
• Themed Rooms or Decor: If your property includes themed bedrooms, a game room with various board games and consoles, or uniquely decorated spaces like a reading nook, document these in detail. They can greatly appeal to guests looking for a memorable experience.

By focusing on these essential photos, you can create a compelling and visually appealing listing that not only highlights the best aspects of your vacation rental but also sets the stage for what guests can expect, ultimately leading to more inquiries and bookings.

5 Tips to Nail Your Vacation Rental Photography

To effectively market a vacation rental, high-quality photographs are essential. They convey the property's ambiance and can significantly increase booking rates.

1. Use Natural Light

Photographers should schedule photo shoots during the day when there is plenty of natural light. Bright environments not only look more inviting, but they also produce sharper images. It's advised to open curtains and blinds to allow sunlight to illuminate interior spaces.

2. Stage Your Space

Prior to photographing, the space should be clean and well-arranged. Small touches like fresh flowers or a fruit bowl add warmth and color. Personal items should be stored away, ensuring the space appears welcoming but neutral so guests can easily imagine themselves in the setting.

3. Capture the Best Angles

Each room has an angle that best showcases its dimensions and features. They should explore different angles to find the most flattering perspectives. A wide-angle lens is beneficial for capturing the full essence of a space, but avoid distortion that can mislead potential guests.

4. Focus on Quality

The quality of the photos can affect a guest's perception of a rental. Photos should be in focus, well-composed, and free from noise. Even smartphones like the iPhone can take great photos when used properly, but a professional camera can provide superior results.

5. Include a Variety of Shots

A diverse portfolio of shots is necessary to provide a comprehensive view of the property. They should include wide shots of rooms, close-ups of unique details, and exterior shots that include the surroundings. This gives potential guests a better understanding of what to expect.

The Power of Professional Photography

Professional photography plays a vital role in the success of vacation rental listings. High-quality images captured by a vacation rental photographer can significantly influence potential guests' booking decisions. They showcase the property's best features with clarity and precision, helping properties stand out in a crowded market.

Photography services for vacation rentals go beyond snapping a few attractive pictures. A professional knows how to utilize lighting, composition, and angles to create compelling images. Bold photography can elicit emotions and imaginations, allowing viewers to envision themselves in the space. This emotional connection is a driving factor in converting browsers into renters.

In terms of return on investment, properties with professional photographs tend to see higher occupancy rates and can often command higher rental prices. These images also support marketing efforts across different platforms, such as social media and print advertisements, providing a consistent and polished brand image.

It's important to upload your high-quality image files directly into OwnerRez instead of using the compressed versions that may be available for download from another website where you've uploaded your photos. This way, you can make sure that all the OTA channels you connect to, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, will have the highest quality images. OwnerRez will push the photos to the channels for you, so you don't need to worry about doing it manually.

Extra Short-Term Rental Marketing Tips

When managing a vacation rental business, leveraging various platforms is essential for broadening your reach.

Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool; regularly posting high-quality images on platforms like Instagram and Facebook can increase visibility. Use hashtags related to vacation rentals to attract potential guests.

Accessibility

Format your listings to include accessibility features clearly; this information is crucial for travelers with specific needs. A table format can effectively display available amenities:

Property Listing Best Practices

When crafting your property listings, attention to detail can make a significant difference. Follow these best practices to ensure your listings are compelling and informative:

• Highlight Unique Features: Clearly mention any unique features of your property, such as a hot tub, ocean view, or proximity to popular attractions. These details can set your listing apart from others.
• Use High-Quality Images: Invest in professional photography to showcase your property in the best light. Quality images are crucial for making a strong first impression.
• Write a Captivating Description: Use a narrative style to describe your property and its amenities. Paint a picture of the experience guests can expect, emphasizing the comfort and unique aspects of your vacation rental.
• Update Availability Regularly: Ensure your listing's availability calendar is always up to date to avoid double bookings and to make it easier for guests to plan their stay.
• Optimize for Search: Include relevant keywords in your listing title and description to improve its visibility on rental platforms and search engines.

Starting a Blog for Your Vacation Rental

Creating a blog can be a powerful strategy to enhance your vacation rental's online presence. Here's how to start and maintain a successful blog:

• Identify Your Audience: Understand who your guests are and what information they might find helpful or interesting. Tailor your content to meet their needs and interests.
• Provide Valuable Content: Share tips on local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems in your area. Offering insider knowledge can enrich your guests' experience and position your blog as a go-to resource.
• Showcase Your Property: Use your blog to highlight the features and amenities of your vacation rental. Share stories of guests who have had memorable stays (with their permission) to add a personal touch.
• Use SEO Techniques: Optimize your blog posts with keywords related to vacation rentals, your location, and travel tips to improve your search engine rankings and attract more visitors to your site.
• Promote Your Blog: Share your blog posts on your social media platforms and in your newsletters to drive traffic to your blog. Engaging with your readers through comments and social media can build a community around your brand.

Elevate Your Rental Game with OwnerRez

If you manage a vacation rental, it's time to enhance your operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. OwnerRez provides cutting-edge tools tailored to the unique needs of property managers and vacation rental owners. It is the optimal choice for those aiming to streamline their processes, boost reservations, and elevate their guests' experience.

Through OwnerRez, maintain seamless coordination across various platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.

And our transparent per-property pricing model means you're never in the dark about costs. There are no long-term contracts or hidden fees, keeping your financial planning straightforward and predictable. Discover how our comprehensive suite of services can transform your rental property's management into a smooth, profitable, and pleasing endeavor for both you and your guests.