Photography Tips That Increase Bookings by 40%

Why Photos Are Your Most Important Marketing Asset

On Airbnb, VRBO, and every other booking platform, guests scroll through dozens of listings in seconds. The only thing that stops the scroll is a compelling photo. Your first image — the hero photo — has roughly 2 seconds to capture attention and earn a click. If it fails, nothing else matters. Not your 5-star reviews, not your competitive pricing, not your thoughtful description. The guest has already moved on.

This isn't surprising when you think about it. Vacation rental bookings are fundamentally emotional decisions. Guests are buying an experience — a feeling of escape, comfort, relaxation. Professional photos convey that feeling. Amateur photos, even of beautiful properties, often fail to communicate the experience because they lack the lighting, composition, and staging that trigger emotional response.

"I've seen beautiful homes with terrible listings and modest homes with incredible listings. The listing with better photos almost always wins. Always."

— Tahzjuan Hawkins, STAY49

Hiring the Right Photographer

Not all photographers are suited for vacation rental work. Wedding photographers, portrait photographers, and even some real estate photographers approach the work differently than what STR listings need. Here's what to look for:

1. 1Real estate or hospitality specialization: Photographers who shoot homes, hotels, or restaurants understand how to make spaces look inviting. They know wide-angle composition, natural light management, and room staging.
2. 2Portfolio review: Ask to see examples of vacation rental or Airbnb listings they've shot. Look for warm, natural-looking images — not over-processed HDR photos that look artificial.
3. 3Wide-angle lens: Essential for making rooms feel spacious. A 14–24mm lens on a full-frame camera is standard for interior real estate photography.
4. 4Twilight/dusk shots: The best exterior photos are often taken at dusk when interior lights glow warmly against a blue-hour sky. Ask if the photographer offers this — it's a significant upgrade for your hero photo.
5. 5Budget $300–$600 for a thorough shoot of a 2–3 bedroom home. This should include 30–50 edited photos covering every room, exteriors, and detail shots.

Staging Your Property for the Shoot

Staging is where the magic happens. A photographer can only capture what's in front of the lens. Spending 2–3 hours staging your property before the shoot will dramatically improve the results.

• Declutter ruthlessly: Clear all countertops, tables, and surfaces. Remove everything that doesn't serve the photo. Less is more.
• Make every bed hotel-perfect: Crisp white linens, plumped pillows, folded throw at the foot of the bed. The bed should look like it's been professionally turned down.
• Set the dining table: Place settings for 4–6, wine glasses, a simple centerpiece (candle or small plant). This signals "gather here."
• Fresh flowers or greenery: A small bouquet in the kitchen and living room adds life and color. Simple arrangements — not elaborate floristry.
• Open all curtains and blinds: Natural light is your friend. Every window should be maximizing daylight.
• Turn on every light: Even during daytime shots, warm interior lights add depth and coziness to wide-angle photos.
• Style the outdoor space: Set the patio table, put out clean cushions, stage the BBQ area. If you have a view, make sure nothing obstructs it.
• Hide the mundane: Trash cans, laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, power cords, remote controls — all hidden for the shoot.

Think of staging like getting dressed for an important meeting. Your property should look its absolute best — not fake, but intentionally polished. Guests expect the property to look like the photos (which is why you should stage for turnovers too, not just photo day).

Crafting the Perfect Hero Photo

Your hero photo — the first image in your listing — receives roughly 90% of all attention. It's the one image that determines whether a guest clicks on your listing or scrolls past it. It deserves disproportionate effort.

What makes a great hero photo for a Point Roberts listing?

1. 1Exterior with context: A twilight shot showing the home's exterior with warm interior lights glowing, trees or landscaping framing the shot, and sky showing the coastal atmosphere of Point Roberts.
2. 2View-forward: If your property has a water view, sunset view, or mountain view, lead with it. A shot from the deck or patio looking outward with just enough of the property visible to provide context.
3. 3Living space warmth: A wide shot of the main living area at its most inviting — fireplace lit (if applicable), natural light streaming in, styled with just enough detail to feel real.
4. 4Avoid: Bedroom-first hero shots (too intimate for a first impression), close-ups (don't show enough of the property), and harsh midday exterior shots (flat lighting, no atmosphere).

The Ideal Photo Sequence

After your hero photo, the remaining images should tell a story — walking the guest through the experience of staying at your property. Here's the sequence that performs best:

1. 1Hero photo: Exterior or signature view shot
2. 2Living room: Wide-angle showing the main gathering space
3. 3Kitchen: Clean, bright, fully stocked — showing it's ready to cook in
4. 4Primary bedroom: Hotel-quality bed styling, natural light
5. 5Primary bathroom: Clean, bright, showing quality fixtures and towels
6. 6Additional bedrooms: One strong shot per bedroom
7. 7Outdoor living: Deck, patio, BBQ area — with view if applicable
8. 8Amenities: Hot tub, fire pit, game room — whatever makes your property special
9. 9Neighborhood/location: Beach access, nearby park, sunset view — showing what it feels like to be in Point Roberts
10. 10Detail shots: Coffee station, welcome basket, cozy reading nook — emotional detail that builds connection

Aim for 25–40 total photos. Too few leaves guests wanting more information; too many dilutes the impact of your best shots. Every photo should serve a purpose — if it doesn't make the property look good, leave it out.

When to Update Your Photos

Your photos aren't a one-time investment. Properties change, seasons change, and guest expectations evolve. Here's when to reshoot:

• After any significant renovation or upgrade (new kitchen, new furniture, new deck)
• Annually, to reflect current property condition and prevent "looks different in person" reviews
• Seasonally, if you have compelling seasonal shots (fall foliage, winter coziness, spring blooms)
• When your booking rate drops without other explanation — stale photos are often the culprit
• When comparable listings in your market upgrade their photos — you need to keep pace