How to Make Your Airbnb Listing Stand Out in a Crowded Market
The short-term rental world is BANANAS!—and with more beautiful properties hitting Airbnb and Vrbo each and every day (trust me, these inquiries have been pouring in!), it’s not enough to simply have a great space. You need a listing that stops the scroll.
So how do you make your Airbnb stand out in a sea of cozy cabins, charming farmhouses, and luxury condos?
The answer: professional photography that doesn’t just show the space—but sells the experience.
In this post, we’re diving into the top three photo strategies that help STR owners boost bookings and attract better guests:
➡️ Drone photography
➡️ Twilight shots
➡️ Lifestyle photos with human elements
Use Drone Photography to Show Off the Bigger Picture
In places like Vermont—where the landscape is gorgeous and the location is everything—drone photography is one of the fastest and stunning ways to visually set your listing apart.
Why it works:
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Showcase the surroundings: Whether your rental is tucked into the mountains, perched by a lake, or surrounded by woods, an aerial view helps guests picture the full experience. They might want to see how close they are to trails or the mountains.
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Build trust instantly: High-quality drone shots tell potential guests, “This host is professional. This stay is special and we going to have the vacation of a lifetime!”
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Create a sense of arrival- this is classic storytelling: An overhead photo of a private driveway, the glow of a hot tub in the yard at twilight, or a birds-eye view of your rental next to ski trails—these images transport viewers into the story of your space which evokes emotions (and people buy with their emotions!)
📸 Pro Tip: I offer drone photography as an add-on to all my STR packages (most of which include it)—perfect for Vermont hosts who want to highlight the views that make their location unforgettable (which is, if we are being honest, all of them!)
Capture the Magic Hour with Twilight Photography
If you’ve ever felt your space looks just okay in natural daylight but has that downright magical feel in the evening—twilight photos are your new best friend.
Why twilight photos stand out:
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They GLOW. Interior lights shining against a dusky blue sky creates instant warmth and visual interest.
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They evoke emotion. These images tap into how it feels to stay there—cozy, quiet, romantic. It stirs something up in the viewer.
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They grab attention because they're different. Most STR listings feature bright, daytime photos. A twilight image right in your thumbnail gallery? Scroll-stopper.
This is especially effective for:
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Homes with string lights, fire pits, or hot tubs
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Rentals with big windows or a clear view of sunset
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Properties aiming for a luxurious, boutique feel
Pro Tip: Twilight shoots require careful timing and patience—but they are 100% worth the effort for that golden glow and rich atmosphere. They are special because there are only a few minutes to capture it!
Add Lifestyle Elements to Make It Feel Like “Home (But Better)”
What makes someone click “Book Now”? It’s not always the floorplan or the appliances—it’s the feeling the space evokes (whether that's desire, excitement, or simply not wanting to miss out or make friends jealous by posting your amazing place all over social media).
Lifestyle photography is all about showing your space in action. Think:
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A knit blanket thrown over the couch
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A coffee mug beside an open book
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Someone lighting a fire, cooking pancakes, or walking through the yard barefoot
Adding human elements (without full faces) makes your listing feel lived-in, loved, and ready for guests. It’s subtle psychology—when people see someone enjoying a space, they automatically imagine themselves there too.
Pro Tip: I style lifestyle scenes into almost every STR session—whether that means lighting candles, arranging a brunch scene, or even borrowing a hand model (aka my assistant) to bring the space to life (and sometimes even using myself)
It's Not Just About What It Looks Like—It's How It Feels
With thousands of listings online, guests don’t want to just see four walls and a bed—they want to see a stay worth remembering.
Your listing photos should:
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Tell a story
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Make people feel something
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Reflect the experience you’re offering
Whether you’re renting a tiny cabin in the woods, a family-friendly farmhouse, or a luxe ski-chalet in the mountains, professional images will elevate your space and attract your right-fit guest.
Want Photos That Book?
I specialize in short-term rental photography across Vermont and New England—from Burlington to Boston to the ADK—and I’ve helped dozens and dozens of hosts create images that boost bookings, raise nightly rates, and build a trusted brand.
STR packages include:
✔️ Full-room photos in natural light
✔️ Vignettes + styled details
✔️ Optional drone + twilight add-ons
✔️ Lifestyle styling support
Let’s turn your space into someone’s dream stay.
[Click here to learn more about my STR photography services.]
Let's turn your space into a story worth booking.