Professional Photography Tips for STR Listings

In the world of short-term rentals, photos are everything. Travelers scrolling through dozens of listings make split-second decisions based almost entirely on images. Professional-quality photos don't just look nicer. They directly translate to more bookings, higher nightly rates, and better reviews when expectations align with reality. For tips on maximizing your listing visibility, see our Airbnb SEO Optimization Guide.

Whether you hire a professional or tackle photography yourself, understanding what makes great STR photos will help you create a listing that stands out. This guide covers everything from equipment basics to advanced staging techniques.

DIY vs. Professional Photography

When to Hire a Professional

Professional photography makes sense when:

• High-value property: Luxury homes justify the $200-500 investment
• Unique selling points: Views, architecture, or amenities that need expert capture
• Time constraints: You need results quickly without a learning curve
• Portfolio building: Multiple properties that need consistent quality
• Competitive market: Stand out when every listing has good photos

When DIY Makes Sense

Taking your own photos can work well if:

• Budget constraints: Starting out and watching every dollar
• Frequent updates: Need to regularly refresh photos as you make changes
• Simple spaces: Straightforward rooms without complex lighting challenges
• Photography interest: You enjoy learning and have time to practice
• Testing phases: Trying different staging before committing to professional shoot

Finding a Professional Photographer

Look for photographers who specialize in real estate or interiors:

• Review portfolios: Look specifically for STR or hospitality work
• Ask about equipment: Wide-angle lenses and professional lighting matter
• Check turnaround time: Most deliver within 2-5 business days
• Understand deliverables: How many edited images, what resolution?
• Discuss usage rights: Ensure you can use images on all platforms

Equipment for DIY Photography

Camera Options

Smartphone (Budget Option)

Modern smartphones can produce surprisingly good results:

• iPhone 12 and newer: Wide-angle lens is perfect for interiors
• Samsung Galaxy S21+: Excellent low-light performance
• Google Pixel: Outstanding computational photography
• Key tip: Clean your lens before shooting

Mirrorless or DSLR (Better Results)

For the best DIY results, consider:

• Entry-level options: Canon EOS M50, Sony a6100, Nikon Z50
• Wide-angle lens: 10-18mm or 16-35mm equivalent for interiors
• Investment: $600-1,000 for camera and lens
• Bonus: Resale value if you decide to upgrade or switch to professional

Essential Accessories

• Tripod: Essential for sharp, level shots. $30-100 options work fine.
• Remote shutter: Eliminates camera shake. Many cameras work with smartphone apps.
• Level: Phone apps work, or use a small bubble level
• Lens cleaning kit: Smudges ruin photos

Nice-to-Have Equipment

• External flash: For bouncing light in dim rooms
• Light stands and softboxes: For supplemental lighting
• Polarizing filter: Reduces glare on windows
• Color checker card: For accurate white balance

Lighting Techniques

Natural Light is Your Friend

The best STR photos use natural light effectively:

• Shoot during the day: Between 10 AM and 4 PM for most properties
• Overcast days can be ideal: Soft, even light without harsh shadows
• Open all curtains and blinds: Maximize available light
• Turn on all lights: Creates warmth and shows the space illuminated

Dealing with Windows

Windows present the biggest lighting challenge in interior photography:

• Expose for interior: Let windows blow out slightly rather than darkening rooms
• HDR mode: Smartphones handle this automatically; cameras need bracketing
• Shoot toward windows carefully: Direct sunlight creates harsh contrast
• Golden hour exterior shots: Sunrise/sunset light flatters building facades

Indoor Lighting Tips

• Replace any burnt-out bulbs: Dark lamps look broken in photos
• Match bulb color temperatures: Mixing warm and cool light looks odd
• Use lamps strategically: They add warmth and dimension
• Avoid overhead-only lighting: Creates unflattering shadows

Staging Your Property for Photos

General Staging Principles

• Less is more: Remove clutter, personal items, and excess decor
• Clean everything: Fingerprints, dust, and smudges show up in photos
• Straighten and align: Pillows, towels, chairs should be perfectly arranged
• Add life carefully: Fresh flowers, fruit bowl, or coffee table book
• Hide cords and cables: Electronics clutter is visually distracting

Room-by-Room Staging

Living Room

• Fluff and arrange pillows symmetrically
• Clear coffee tables except for one or two items
• Hide remotes in a decorative box or drawer
• Add a throw blanket for texture
• Ensure TV screen is off or shows something neutral

Bedroom

• Make the bed perfectly with crisp, wrinkle-free linens
• Use the hotel fold technique for top sheet
• Add accent pillows in coordinating colors
• Clear nightstands except lamp and one small item
• Open closet doors slightly to show space (if closet is tidy)

Kitchen

• Clear all countertops except 2-3 decorative items
• Hide dish soap, sponges, and cleaning supplies
• Ensure appliances are spotless
• Add fresh fruit, herbs, or a cookbook for warmth
• Make sure sink is empty and clean

Bathroom

• Display fresh, perfectly folded white towels
• Hide all personal products
• Add spa-like touches: rolled washcloths, small plant, candle
• Ensure toilet lid is down
• Clean mirrors until streak-free

Outdoor Spaces

• Arrange furniture invitingly
• Add cushions and throws if appropriate
• Ensure landscaping is tidy
• Show amenities like hot tub, grill, or fire pit
• Capture views at their best time of day

Composition and Camera Angles

The Wide Shot Rule

Most interior photos should show as much of the room as possible:

• Shoot from corners: Captures two walls and maximum space
• Use wide-angle lens: 10-18mm on crop sensor, 16-35mm on full frame
• Height matters: Shoot from chest height, not eye level
• Level horizon: Crooked photos look unprofessional

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Shooting too high: Makes rooms look smaller
• Barrel distortion: Walls shouldn't bow outward
• Cutting off furniture: Show complete pieces
• Mirrors reflecting you: Check all reflective surfaces
• Vertical lines not vertical: Walls should be straight up and down

Detail Shots

Supplement wide shots with details that sell:

• Amenities: Coffee maker, hot tub controls, smart TV
• Textures: Plush bedding, soft towels, interesting materials
• Unique features: Fireplace, reading nook, special view
• Lifestyle moments: Set breakfast table, wine by fireplace

Photo Order Optimization

Lead with Your Best

The first photo determines whether travelers click on your listing:

• Hero shot: Your most impressive, inviting image
• Often exterior: Shows the full property with curb appeal
• Or signature feature: Stunning view, beautiful living room, amazing pool
• Test different covers: Some platforms show performance data

Recommended Photo Order

1. Cover photo: Most compelling overall image
2. Living areas: Where guests spend awake time
3. Kitchen: Important for longer stays
4. Primary bedroom: Most important sleeping space
5. Primary bathroom: Especially if it's nice
6. Additional bedrooms: Show all sleeping options
7. Outdoor spaces: Deck, patio, yard, views
8. Amenities: Hot tub, pool, game room
9. Neighborhood/location: If relevant and appealing

How Many Photos to Include

• Minimum: 20 photos for a standard property
• Sweet spot: 30-40 photos covers most spaces well
• Maximum: 50+ only for large or unique properties
• Quality over quantity: Remove duplicates or weak images

Editing Basics

Essential Edits

Every photo benefits from basic adjustments:

• Straighten: Fix any tilted horizons
• Crop: Remove distracting elements at edges
• Brightness: Ensure rooms look light and inviting
• White balance: Correct color casts
• Shadows: Open up dark areas
• Highlights: Recover detail in bright windows

Editing Software Options

Free Options

• Snapseed (mobile): Powerful free app for smartphones
• Google Photos: Basic but effective adjustments
• GIMP: Free Photoshop alternative for computers

Paid Options

• Adobe Lightroom: Industry standard, $10/month
• Photoshop: For advanced edits, included with Lightroom
• Luminar: One-time purchase, AI-powered adjustments

What NOT to Do in Editing

• Over-saturate colors: Makes spaces look unnatural
• Over-brighten: Creates washed-out, flat images
• Heavy filters: Save Instagram filters for personal photos
• Remove permanent features: Misrepresentation leads to bad reviews
• Make spaces look larger: Guests will feel deceived

Seasonal and Update Considerations

When to Reshoot

Update your photos when:

• Major changes: New furniture, renovations, additions
• Seasonal shifts: Show relevant outdoor amenities
• Quality improvements: Better equipment or skills available
• Competitive pressure: Listings around you have better photos
• Performance drops: Declining bookings may indicate stale listing

Seasonal Photo Strategy

• Primary set: Neutral season photos work year-round
• Summer features: Pool, outdoor dining, lush landscaping
• Winter appeal: Cozy fireplace, hot tub in snow
• Holiday touches: Tasteful seasonal decor if your market warrants

Platform-Specific Considerations

Airbnb Requirements

• Minimum resolution: 1024 x 683 pixels
• Recommended: At least 1440 x 960 for crisp display
• Aspect ratio: 3:2 works best
• File format: JPEG

VRBO Guidelines

• Minimum: 6 photos required
• Recommended: 25+ for better performance
• Featured photo: Appears in search results

Direct Booking Websites

• Higher resolution: Use the best quality your site supports
• Multiple sizes: Prepare thumbnails, medium, and full-size versions
• File optimization: Compress for fast loading without quality loss