When it comes to vacation homes, first impressions are very important. Photos in your ad are often what makes people decide to stay or not. Good pictures can make your property stand out, but bad pictures might make people not notice your offering. It’s very important to get the photos right whether you’re selling on Airbnb or VRBO. Here are the most important things you should and shouldn’t do when taking pictures of your vacation home to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.
The Dos of Vacation Rental Photography
1. Hire a Professional Photographer
Hiring a skilled shooter can make a big difference. Professionals know how to use angles, lighting, and design to bring out the best in your home. You can get professional photos taken of your Airbnb or VRBO unit on sites like https://www.realtasnap.com/airbnb-vrbo-photography.
2. Use Natural Lighting
Good lighting is the foundation of great photography. Schedule your photo session during the daytime when natural light is abundant. Open the curtains to let sunlight in, and ensure all interior lights are turned on to brighten the space. Natural light makes rooms appear more inviting and spacious.
3. Stage Your Space
Staging is key to creating appealing photos. Clean and declutter your property before the shoot. Add decorative touches like fresh flowers, neatly arranged pillows, and cozy throws to make your space look inviting. Focus on the unique parts, like a fireplace or a beautiful view from the rooftop.
4. Capture Wide Angles
Wide-angle shots provide potential guests with a sense of scale and layout. They allow viewers to envision themselves in the space, making your listing more appealing. Be sure to include images of entire rooms rather than focusing solely on small details.
5. Highlight Unique Features
Does your property have a hot tub, a stunning view, or unique architecture? Showcase these features prominently in your photos. Highlighting what makes your rental stand out can help you attract the right guests.
6. Edit Your Photos
Post-processing can take your images to the next level. You can make your pictures stand out while still keeping their true to life by changing the brightness, contrast, and color balance. Avoid editing pictures too much because it could lead people astray.
The Don’ts of Vacation Rental Photography
1. Don’t Use Poor Lighting
Dark, grainy photos are a big turn-off for potential guests. Avoid taking pictures at night or in dimly lit conditions. Poor lighting can make your property look unwelcoming and smaller than it is.
2. Don’t Overlook Cleanliness
Nothing ruins a photo faster than visible clutter or dirt. Unmade beds, dishes in the sink, or messy rooms send the wrong message to potential guests. Always ensure your space is spotless before the shoot.
3. Don’t Skip Exterior Shots
While interior photos are important, exterior shots are equally crucial. Capture the front of the property, the backyard, and any outdoor amenities like a pool or patio. This gives guests a complete picture of what to expect.
4. Don’t Forget to Include All Rooms
Leaving out certain areas of your property can make potential guests suspicious. Include photos of every room, even smaller ones like bathrooms or closets. Transparency builds trust and sets accurate expectations.
5. Don’t Use Distorted Lenses
While wide-angle lenses are useful, overly distorted images can misrepresent your property. Keep your photos realistic to avoid disappointing guests when they arrive.
6. Don’t Neglect the Details
While wide shots are important, close-ups of key details also add value. Showcase thoughtful touches like a well-stocked kitchen, plush bedding, or a stylish coffee table arrangement. However, balance these with broader shots to give guests a complete view.
Conclusion
Adding the right photos to your vacation rental ad can make it look better and help your business. By following these vacation rental photography dos and don’ts, you can show off the best parts of your home and get more bookings. Remember that hiring a professional photographer, like the ones Realtasnap offers, is a good way to make sure your rental business does well. It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. In the world of holiday rentals, it could also be worth a thousand reservations.