Remember the old saying, “a picture says a thousand words?” It’s a saying that rings true when potential renters are looking at vacation properties. One of the most important aspects in renting a vacation property is having great photography available. Potential renters depend on photos to help them in their decision-making process.  If the photos do not showcase the vacation rental as inviting or in the best light, a potential renter will quickly move on and view another vacation rental’s photos, and if they like what they see, they will book it.

Here’s a fact. No matter how wonderful your vacation rental is….if your pictures don’t show it, you won’t have as many rental inquiries, let alone bookings.  Investing in a professional photographer will pay off. They know the techniques to getting that perfect shot and beautiful photos will showcase just how wonderful the vacation rental is. Yes, paying out-of-pocket for a professional photographer can cost you a pretty penny, but maybe you know someone who might be able to help you out? Or perhaps you can trade a photographer’s services with a weekend getaway at your place.

If you advertise on Airbnb.com you can request for one of their local photographers to shoot your vacation rental for FREE. Although Airbnb.com will own the pictures, this will give you visual proof that professional photos are well worth the investment.

There is no doubt, with beautiful photos you will see an increase in inquiries and bookings. I speak from experience and can show you the before and after pictures. See below:

BEFORE—Taken with my camera.                                                        AFTER—A professional’s touch!

If you decide to take pictures on your own, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• First, make sure you are working with a nice camera that will take quality pictures. If you don’t have one, find one. It’s important to take quality pictures and you’re not going to get the highest quality from your phone’s camera.
• Take exterior pictures during your peak season and when the home’s exterior is truly showcased in the best light. You don’t want to take a picture when there is no foliage on the trees or the grass is brown. If you’re advertising during the ski season, make sure there is enough snow on the ground to make a skier’s mouth water. Also, you want the exterior clean. Do not include miscellaneous trash cans or clutter in the picture. If there is a view to offer, get a shot of the surrounding area ….. mountains with snow caps, an ocean view, nearby golf course, etc. If you have multiple peak seasons, then take an exterior shot during each and change pictures prior to each season to truly paint a picture for the upcoming season!
• For interior shots, make sure the rental is clean and has a look and feeling of “home.”  In fact, the rental should be so tidy, it looks as if the place has been scrubbed from top to bottom and nicely organized. Lighting is also critical. You don’t what the pictures to come out dark and dreary, but rather bright and inviting. Open the windows to bring in the natural light. Also, provide photographs for each of the bedrooms, family room, kitchen and any other room that will enhance the selling point of the rental.
• Once you’ve taken the photographs, invest some time with Photoshop to edit the pictures. Photoshop will enable you to turn good pictures into great pictures.

Yes, a picture says a thousand words. Renters may quickly scan the rental information, but they will definitely spend time looking at the pictures. Invest the money and take the time to do it right. You will definitely see a return on your investment.