Almost all vacation bookings are made online today. With the vast array of vacation rentals and homes available in the market, photos are your most important selling point. Potential guests get their first impression of your accommodation through these images—and often make their booking decision based on them.
How can vacation rentals be perfectly showcased? High-quality photos can perfectly showcase vacation rentals. Criteria such as excellent image quality, pleasant lighting, and advantageous perspectives and angles are essential for obtaining compelling images. Additionally, a professionally prepared property is a prerequisite for good photos.
By perfectly staging your vacation rental, you can ideally encourage potential guests to make a booking. In this blog post, you will learn what to consider when photographing your vacation rentals. In addition to practical tips, we also provide professional insights to help you present your vacation rentals optimally.
- Why are professional photos essential for vacation rentals?
- What advantages do professional real estate photos offer landlords?
- What characteristics define good photos of vacation rentals?
- How do I find a suitable photographer for vacation rentals?
- What questions should I ask a photographer before booking?
- How do I prepare my vacation rental for the photoshoot?
- What mistakes should be avoided when presenting vacation rentals?
- How much does a professional real estate photographer cost – and is it worth it?
- Can I take photos of vacation rentals myself – and what should I pay attention to?
- What trends are there in the presentation of vacation rentals?
Why are professional photos essential for vacation rentals?
Together with the description, the photos of a vacation rental are usually the first point of information for potential guests. They have a significant influence on the booking decision: if the images present the property in a good light and create a positive impression, the likelihood that interested parties will choose to book increases.
The images provide potential guests with an initial visual impression. At a glance, they convey a wealth of information: they not only give an overview of the apartment, its amenities, and condition, but also evoke feelings in guests. emotions. High-quality photos build trust and give potential guests the feeling that they are making the right choice.
That is precisely why it is so important to have your vacation rental professionally staged—only high-quality images can convince your potential guests. Poor photos, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect and prevent bookings. Here is a brief comparison:
| Low-quality images | High-quality photos |
| Unflattering angles make rooms appear smaller than they actually are. | Ideal perspectives showcase the spaciousness of the apartment. |
| Poorly lit photos give an apartment an uninviting atmosphere. | Optimal lighting creates an inviting atmosphere. |
| Images of a poorly prepared apartment (e.g., clutter, unmade beds) create an impression of unprofessionalism. | Cleanliness, organization, and thoughtful decoration create an overall positive impression and strengthen the trust of potential guests. |
What advantages do professional real estate photos offer landlords?
Professional real estate photos can help your vacation rental achieve more bookings. According to a study by Bitkom, 92% of surveyed travelers indicate that they would not book an accommodation if there are no meaningful photos in the online listing. This leads to the conclusion that vacation rentals are more likely to be booked when a listing is equipped with good images. This also enhances competitiveness, as it results in more inquiries and bookings.
Furthermore, a high-quality visual presentation can lead vacation bookers to be willing to pay a higher price. When the photos highlight the best features of an accommodation, the likelihood that higher costs are perceived as justified increases, resulting in a positive booking decision.
Professional real estate photography effectively highlights the positive aspects of an accommodation without exaggeration. It creates a realistic impression of the vacation rental, ensuring that guests are not disappointed upon arrival. This can lead to better reviews, which in turn positively impacts the previously mentioned competitiveness.
What characteristics define good photos of vacation rentals?
If you want to showcase your vacation rental perfectly, the right mix of flattering presentation and realistic depiction is essential. This way, you can convince potential guests while also building a relationship of trust. The following criteria are particularly important:
- Atmospheric lighting
- Clear and flattering perspectives
- Natural color scheme, such as bedding in neutral tones.
- Thoughtfully chosen details, such as a few decorative items.
- Symmetrical image composition
All of this creates inviting photos that inspire potential guests to want to vacation in that specific accommodation. Rooms appear spacious in this way and gain a cozy atmosphere through flattering lighting. A photo of a sunlit kitchen with a colorful fruit bowl and a fresh pot of basil on the counter makes viewers eagerly imagine preparing breakfast in the vacation rental during their stay. Small details have a big impact—therefore, pay attention to the little things to achieve perfect results.
How do I find a suitable photographer for vacation rentals?
To obtain compelling photos, you should have your vacation rentals professionally photographed. With the right specialist by your side, you can get the best out of the images and benefit from the greatest value for your vacation properties. You can find real estate photographers for vacation rentals in the following ways:
- Online Platforms
- Recommendations from acquaintances or the industry
- Social Media
In particular, recommendations are an excellent way to find a reliable photographer. Ask colleagues or acquaintances about their experiences.
No matter how you find your photo professional, always check their knowledge and skills. Experience in vacation rental photography is essential to achieve excellent results. This way, you can trust that the photographer knows what matters and can showcase your vacation property in the best light. A particularly good indicator of this is the portfolio. This allows you to see at a glance what experience the photographer brings and whether you find the images convincing.
What questions should I ask a photographer before booking?
To find the right professional who can photograph your vacation rental, you should prepare some questions. Before making a booking, you can ask these in a personal introductory conversation or alternatively send an email to the candidate. These questions can be insightful:
- Do you have experience in photographing vacation rentals?
- What is the process like (from booking to the delivery of the photos)?
- What post-processing is included?
- What additional costs may arise (e.g., travel expenses)?
- What equipment do you use?
These questions allow you to learn more about the photographer. On one hand, you can quickly gauge from the answers whether they have experience and act professionally. On the other hand, you will immediately gain more insight into the process and the costs involved.
Also pay attention to whether the chemistry is right. If you have a bad feeling right away, collaboration could become difficult. Especially if there is a lack of professionalism and the photographer does not seem to follow a specific plan or process, this is a warning sign—and an indication that you should continue your search.
How do I prepare my vacation rental for the photoshoot?
While a good photographer is important, the condition of the vacation rental also has a significant impact on the quality of the photos. In addition to cleanliness and organization, lighting conditions and small details contribute to making the photos stand out positively. For example, a nicely set table can greatly influence the atmosphere.
Here are some tips for preparing your property:
- Proceed with the cleaning and preparation step by step, room by room. This way, you won’t forget any space, and you can also create a better schedule.
- Pay attention to small details, such as clean light switches and closed toilet lids. All of these little things come together to create a convincing overall impression.
- Get expert tips. Photo specialists like Visualista.ch not only provide you with a wealth of information and advice but also offer firsthand assistance. Before each photo shoot, the photographers conduct a walkthrough with you, helping you make final adjustments to ensure a perfectly prepared vacation rental.
By taking the preparation of your vacation rental seriously, you ensure better photos that will impress your potential guests. Our checklist for perfect real estate photos provides you with a good overview of this topic.
What mistakes should be avoided when presenting vacation rentals?
To ensure that the presentation of your vacation rental is as advantageous as possible, you should avoid common mistakes—here are some examples:
- Poor lighting conditions make rooms feel uninviting and create a less welcoming atmosphere. Overexposure also looks bad in photos and destroys the ambiance of the property.
- Cluttered rooms are not only overwhelming to the eye but can also give potential guests an impression of a lack of professionalism.
- Unprofessional image quality creates a negative perception of the property and the landlord. The poor quality is mentally associated with the value of the vacation rental—this can not only lower the booking rate but also lead to higher prices appearing unjustified.
- Unfavorable perspectives and angles can result in the apartment not being accurately represented. Rooms may appear smaller or ceilings lower than they actually are.
Editing photos can be helpful for adjusting details. It allows you to optimize the images by changing the contrast and brightness or retouching small elements out of the photo. Professional image editing is characterized by the fact that outsiders cannot tell that the photo has been retouched. Over-edited images can have the opposite effect and may deter potential guests.
Avoid common mistakes in property presentation—our blog offers helpful resources and tips. To be on the safe side, book an expert for the photography of your vacation rental.
How much does a professional real estate photographer cost – and is it worth it?
The budget you should plan for professional photos of your vacation rental largely depends on the services you wish to utilize. At Visualista.ch, you can get 20–40 real estate photos of your vacation rental for CHF 299 (CHF 399 for a vacation home) – post-processing is included. If you desire drone shots, a floor plan, or virtual staging, additional costs will apply. By booking one of our packages with multiple services, you can save money. Additionally, we would be happy to provide you with a customized offer if you need photos for multiple vacation properties.
Investing in professional real estate photos for your vacation rental pays off in the long run. This optimizes your marketing, reaches more potential guests, and makes it more likely to convince them. All of this leads to better occupancy rates and, consequently, higher income.
Can I take photos of vacation rentals myself – and what should I pay attention to?
To present your vacation rental in a way that convinces potential guests, high-quality images are important. If you decide to take your property photos yourself, you should keep these four tips in mind:
- Prepare your property. The vacation rental should be clean, tidy, and ideally somewhat decorated. Arrange the cushions nicely, make the beds fresh— the apartment should be in the condition that guests will find it upon arrival.
- Choose the right equipment. A DSLR camera is ideal, but many smartphones today also offer a good lens that can produce high-quality photos.
- Turn on all the lights. The additional light sources provide better lighting and a pleasant atmosphere. Also, take the photos during the day when good lighting conditions are present.
- Pay attention to a flattering perspective Interior shots should always depict at least two walls. Keep the camera level to avoid distorted lines.
A professional takes care of all these aspects for you—from providing helpful advice during the preparation to the professional execution of the photoshoot and post-processing.
Especially for higher-priced vacation rentals, you should have the staging done by an experienced photographer. This ensures that your property is presented in the best possible way.
What trends are there in the presentation of vacation rentals?
For the presentation of your vacation rental, you have more than just photos at your disposal. In addition to real estate videos, there are also some innovative trends that can appeal to potential guests even more effectively.
Drone shots are particularly impressive when your vacation home is located in a beautiful setting. A large property is showcased even better through aerial photography.
Additionally, you can have virtual tours created for your property to provide potential guests with an immersive way to book their vacation. This allows them to interactively navigate through your vacation rental and explore it from different angles. All these modern presentation methods can positively impact your booking numbers and thus support your vacation home marketing.
Contact a professional to perfectly stage your vacation rental—reach out to us today to schedule a personal appointment!
