What to Look for When Hiring a Vacation Rental Photographer
What to Look for When Hiring a Vacation Rental Photographer
(And What I Focus on When Photographing Your Property)
Preparing a short-term rental is a lot. Insurance, linens, parking, cleaning, smart locks, listing setup — the decisions never end.
We owned a vacation rental ourselves, and managing it felt like a full-time job. One thing became very clear: Great marketing directly impacts bookings, reviews, and repeat guests. Guests scroll fast and compare dozens of properties. Your photos have seconds to answer one question:
Why should I book this place instead of the next one?
Here’s what matters when hiring a photographer — and exactly what I focus on during your shoot.
1. Guest Experience, Not Just Empty Rooms
A strong vacation rental photographer doesn’t just document spaces — they tell the story of staying there.
I photograph your property the way guests actually use it:
Quiet reading nooks, snuggles by the fireplace or enjoying a glass of wine on the deck overlooking the views
Natural flow from room to room
Comfortable, inviting compositions
Angles that show layout and livability
Your listing should feel welcoming, not sterile.
2. Amenities Sell the Stay
Amenities sell the stay! A mini putting green? YES! (If requested, we can also provide the models for your shoot!)
Amenities are what separate your property from the competition.
Your photographer should intentionally capture:
• Hot tubs, fire pits, decks, and outdoor living
• Mountain views, lake access, or waterfront features
• Game rooms, bunk rooms, and family spaces
• Workspaces for remote workers
• Kitchens, coffee stations, and dining areas
• Linens, textures, and thoughtful design details
Wide shots create context. Detail shots create desire. You need both.
3. Location Photography Is a Huge Advantage (Often Overlooked)
Guests aren’t just booking a house — they’re booking a destination.
Ask your photographer if they also provide location and area imagery, such as:
• Lakes, waterfront areas, and marinas
• Downtowns, shops, and restaurants
• Hiking trails and outdoor recreation
• Seasonal scenery like fall color or summer lake days
A photographer who knows the area understands what actually helps guests choose one listing over another.
I can include location “B-roll” photography to help tell the full story of your stay.
4. Layered Media Performs Better Than Photos Alone
Strong listings use more than just still images. Showcasing your porperty in several different ways helps potential guests see all aspects of your property for different vantage points and angles!
Look for a media provider that offers:
• Professional interior & exterior photography
• FAA-licensed drone imagery
• Floor plans or 3D virtual tours (Matterport or Zillow)
• Short video clips or walkthroughs for Airbnb, VRBO, and social media
One provider = one consistent visual style and clean branding across platforms.
5. Clean, Natural Editing (Not Overdone)
Editing style matters more than most owners realize.
Your photos should be:
• Bright but realistic
• True to color
• Balanced and natural
Over-edited images lead to disappointed guests and poor reviews. The goal is accuracy with impact.
6. Fast, Reliable Turnaround
Vacant days cost money.
Professional media companies should offer:
• Standard delivery within 48–72 hours
• Rush options when needed
• Clear, consistent timelines
Faster media means your property gets listed and booked sooner.
7. Local Market Knowledge Makes a Difference
Vacation rental photography is different from real estate photography. It requires highlighting comfort, experience, and lifestyle.
A photographer familiar with your area understands:
• Seasonal lighting
• Which views matter most
• What attracts guests to your region
I specialize in mountain and lake properties in Western North Carolina and North Georgia, where the surroundings are part of what guests are booking. My family and I came up here as an AirBnB guest for the first time and loved the area so much that we purchased a vacation property to rent out and then we have now made it our full time home! I know what brings visitors to our community.
8. Clear Short-Term Rental Licensing
Vacation rental media is used long-term — not just once.
Make sure your photographer includes licensing for:
• Airbnb & VRBO listings
• Direct booking websites
• Social media and ongoing marketing
No confusion. No surprise restrictions.
Is Professional Vacation Rental Photography Worth It?
Yes — and not just because it looks nice.
Professional media helps:
• Increase booking rates
• Support higher nightly pricing
• Reduce guest disappointment
• Strengthen your brand over time
This isn’t about pretty pictures.
It’s about performance.
Ready to Elevate Your Listing?
If you’re launching a new vacation rental or updating an existing one, the right media can dramatically change how your property performs online.
👉 Book Your Vacation Rental Photography
👉 Request a Custom Quote - I can create a package that is perfect for YOUR property and your marketing goals
👉 View the Vacation Rental Portfolio
