Why Great Photos Matter

Photos are the heart of a vacation rental’s success. On platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, the first image is often the only chance you have to make an impression that pulls a guest in to learn more. If your photos fall flat, it’s not only a lost booking—poor-quality images can push your listing back in the search rankings, making it less visible. In fact, industry expert Bill Faeth saw a 28% improvement in listing performance simply by upgrading photos, with no other changes.

As the owner of Virtual House Media, a photography business focused on real estate, I’ve found that vacation rental photography is a unique art. It requires different shots, specialized equipment, and distinct editing techniques that go beyond traditional real estate photography. When my wife and I invested in our own vacation rental, I was inspired to tackle this new discipline. I immersed myself in the latest equipment, top photographers’ techniques, and competitive market trends to elevate my skills.

One surprising oversight I’ve noticed, especially among large property management companies, is that they often take photos in the winter and keep using them throughout the year—even through summer! Imagine you're searching for a Fourth of July lake rental in Wisconsin, but the photos show the lake frozen over and snow piled against the windows. Not exactly the summer vibe you're after, right? Seasonal photos are essential for keeping a listing attractive and relevant.

For my clients, I provide updated photos to capture the property in each season. If you add new amenities, I’ll be there to capture those, too. It’s also important to photograph everything. I’ve noticed that if an amenity isn’t shown in a photo, guests often overlook it, even if it’s prominently featured in the title or description. For instance, if a listing has a hot tub, but there’s no photo, guests may assume it’s not there.

I’ve seen firsthand how professional photos, thoughtful staging, and seasonal updates make a measurable difference in bookings. Don’t leave this to chance—invest in high-quality images. They’re the best way to highlight your property’s personality, attract guests, and keep them clicking all the way to booking.