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What is the first thing that people can see when they are searching for a place to rent? The pictures! Good quality photos help to attract customers and rent out a property quicker and for a higher price. Well, how do you ensure you get the best pictures and be proud of your space? Well, don’t worry, we are here to help you out!

In this guide, you are going to learn the best photography tips & tricks that will assist you in making your rental stand out even in the saturated market.

Ready to get started?

Why Good Photography Matters for Your Rental

Today we are a society of people who judge a book by its cover, and when it comes to real estate and vacation rentals, this is especially true. Your photos should be your rental’s first impression, whether it’s an online greeting or a virtual handshake. You don’t want a weak, clammy handshake, do you? You’d like the first thing that a potential renter sees to be memorable and positive.

Your property’s photos are its biggest selling point, and here’s why:

1. Improve Click-Through Rate

It is worth mentioning that properties with high-quality photos receive 120% more visits than those with average photos. With bright and well-composed images, guests are more likely to notice listings, click on them, book, and share with others.

2. Trust and Credibility

High-quality and neat images strengthen the confidence of potential guests in the given property. Thus, people tend to book a property if they are shown precisely what they are paying for—no hidden features.

3. Higher Booking Rates

You can boost your bookings just by showcasing your space at its best. Not only do you get more views, but you get more bookings as well, if you have quality pictures.

Now, it is time to get down to the main topic of our blog – we are going to share some tips on how to make your rental stand out with the help of photography.

Photography Tips to Make Your Rental Stand Out

So, how can you ensure that your pictures will grab the attention of the potential renters? Below are some tips that will assist in ensuring that your rental property is well captured through photography.

Tip#1: Maximize Natural Lighting

The best resource for a photographer is natural light and this comes in handy when taking interior shots. Clear and open photos make rooms look bigger, cozier and more clean. This is important because well lit homes are more likely to attract the attention of browsers, and listings with bright pictures are likely to attract more attention.

When to shoot:

Capture photos during the “golden hour” – early mornings or late afternoons. The soft light at these times will give your photos a warm, welcoming glow.

How to enhance natural light:

• Open all curtains and blinds.
• Remove dark, heavy window coverings that block light.
• Keep away from direct sunlight.

Tip #2: Declutter and Stage Your Space

People who may be interested in your rental are those who want to imagine themselves lying in your house. This is not possible if the photos depict a messy or highly individualized environment. Neat, simple, and professionally decorated photos lead to more reservations.

Steps to follow:

• Declutter: Clear all personal belongings such as family pictures, letters, and other ornaments. Less is more.
• Stage with purpose: It helps to include some additional accessories, for example, flowers, soft warm blankets, or beautiful vases.
• Clean thoroughly: Cleanliness is mandatory in any rental property. Cleaning is also essential and requires that mirrors shine, the surfaces should be clean, and kitchens and bathrooms should be clean.

Staging your property can increase its perceived value by 10-15%, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.

Tip #3: Feature Your Rental’s Strengths

What do you provide that no other rental service providers can provide? Whether you are shooting a rooftop deck, a modern kitchen, or a comfortable fireplace, do not disregard these details. Focus on the aspects that will set your property apart from the other properties that are in the market.

Focus areas:

• Special amenities: If you have a pool, hot tub, or any great location for sitting outside or eating, ensure it is in the listing picture.
• Show off the layout: These should be from positions that show the scale and direction of the space.
• Capture the surroundings: If the rental you are leasing has attractive views such as a beach or a forest, incorporate them. The neighborhood is as valuable as the property to 72% of renters.

Tip #4: Invest in high-quality equipment or hire a professional

Smartphone cameras have come a long way, but there is a clear distinction between a shot taken with an iPhone and one taken with a DSLR. It is advisable to use quality equipment in order to give your photos a professional look.

What you need:

• Wide-angle lens: It also captures more of the room, and potential renters will have a better understanding of space.
• Tripod: Helps to keep your camera steady and let you capture the most clear and sharp image.
• External lighting: If you cannot get natural light, then make sure you use softbox lighting instead.

Hiring a professional photographer might seem like an expense, but it’s worth it. Airbnb studies show that listings with high-quality photos are 20% more likely to get booked.

Tip #6: Capture Close-Up Details

It’s worth mentioning that details are not always paid much attention, but they can be quite helpful when promoting a rental. Captions of elegant finishes or luxurious features indicate that your property is more upscale.

What to focus on:

• Textures and materials: Show off the comfort of the carpets, the shine of the top of the kitchen, or the beams on the wooden ceiling of your rented apartment.
• Luxury touches: Anything that might make a guest want to book the place, for instance, a beautiful dining table or comfortable beds should be captured.

According to the HomeAway survey, 82% of travelers like properties that show detailed close-ups of features of interest.

Tip #7: Create Vertical Shots to Stand Out on Social Media

Social networks can turn into very effective tools for advertising your rental, especially for people who are more into using images in their accounts, like Instagram or Pinterest. Further, such sites are more efficient when it comes to the display of the images standing in the vertical position since they take more space in the user’s feed and therefore, attract the attention.

For social media success:

• Shots that are in a position of both horizontal and vertical planes.
• Create Instagram stories, reels, TikTok, etc., and use vertical images to highlight the features of the rental space so that they are easily seen.

Tip #8: Include a Virtual Tour or 360-Degree Video

Virtual tours are becoming increasingly popular, giving potential guests a 360-degree view of your space. It also found that properties that include virtual tours are 50% more likely to get bookings. It is an effective platform for giving a full picture of your rental while enabling visitors to ‘virtually tour’ your property before making a decision

How to create a virtual tour:

• Invest in a 360-degree camera.
• Record a video walkthrough of your space.
• Include the tour on your listing and social media pages.

Should You Hire a Professional Photographer?

If you’re serious about standing out in a competitive rental market, investing in professional photography can make a world of difference.

Pros of hiring a photographer:

• Professional equipment: Photographers have high-end cameras and lenses that can capture your rental’s best features in vivid detail.
• Experience: They know how to compose shots, use lighting to their advantage, and edit photos for maximum impact.
• Return on investment: Professional photos can lead to more bookings, higher rates, and even better reviews.

Last Words

In a crowded rental market, stunning photos can make the difference between a fully booked calendar and an empty property. By applying these photography tips, you’ll be able to showcase your rental in the best light, attract more potential guests, and maximize your earnings. Remember, you’re not just selling a space—you’re selling an experience. And great photos are your first step in telling that story.