Why Twilight Photos Help Airbnb Listings Stand Out

Twilight + Blue Hour Photography for Vermont & New England STRs

If you’ve ever scrolled through Airbnb listings and paused on a photo that felt warm, inviting, and calm — chances are it was a twilight image.

Twilight (followed by blue hour... and I could get really nerdy and get into the angle of the sun above/below the horizon but I won't bore you with that... ) photography is one of the most effective ways to elevate an Airbnb or short-term rental listing. Especially in Vermont and across New England, where light, seasonality, and atmosphere play a huge role in how spaces are experienced.

As a Vermont-based Airbnb and STR photographer, I’ve seen how twilight images consistently help listings stand out, feel more premium, and immediately create an emotional feeling that leads guests to book.

What Is Twilight and Blue Hour Photography?

Twilight photography is captured just after sunset, when the sky turns a deep blue and interior lights glow warmly from within the space. Blue hour happens JUST AFTER this- think dusk. There is a short period of time when its perfect to expose the outside with the glowing lights from the interior so that they are balanced.

This brief window of time allows photographers to capture:

• Soft blue skies

• Warm,cozy interior lighting

• Exterior lighting like sconces, string lights, and lanterns

• A sense of calm, arrival, and comfort

For Airbnb listings, twilight images often become the hero photo — the one guests will remember.

Why Twilight Photos Perform So Well on Airbnb

1. They Create an Emotional First Impression

Twilight photos feel different than daytime images.

They communicate:

• Warmth

• Welcoming

• Calm

• Comfort

Guests scrolling through listings are often imagining arriving after a long drive or flight. Twilight images help them picture that exact moment — pulling up, lights on, space ready for them. It's like they're already being taken care of.

That emotional cue is powerful.

2. They Help Listings Stand Out in Crowded Markets

Daytime photos are important, but many Airbnb listings look similar during the day. Not to mention the beauty of twilight light, especially when we get some cloud color cation.

Twilight photos immediately differentiate your listing by:

• Adding contrast

• Creating mood

• Highlighting both outdoor and interior lighting design

• Showing care, intention, and welcoming

On Pinterest i, twilight images are highly saveable — which can drive long-term visibility back to your listing or website.

3. They Highlight Outdoor & Exterior Features

Twilight photography is ideal for showcasing:

• String lights and porch lighting

• Fire pits and outdoor seating

• Hot tubs and saunas

• Entryways and pathways

In Vermont and New England, where outdoor amenities are a major draw, twilight images allow these features to shine — literally.

Steam rising from a hot tub or a fire pit glowing at dusk adds instant atmosphere that daytime photos can’t replicate.

Twilight Photography & Perceived Value

Listings with professional twilight photos often feel:

• More intentional

• More polished

• More premium

Even for cozy cabins or farmhouses, twilight images can increase perceived value without making the space feel cold or overly “luxury.”

It’s not necessarily about being fancy — it’s about being inviting.

When Twilight Photography Makes the Biggest Impact

Twilight photos are especially effective for:

• Cabins and A-frames

• Farmhouse Airbnbs

• Retreat centers

• Luxury or wellness-focused STRs

• Properties with outdoor lighting or amenities

They’re often used as:

• The first image in an Airbnb gallery (yes, do this!)

• Pinterest pin covers

• Website hero images

A Note on Seasonality in Vermont & New England

Twilight photography looks different depending on the season:

• Summer: lush, soft evenings and dramatic skies

• Fall: warm light against warm foliage

• Winter: glowing windows against snow (our personal favorite!)

• Spring: fresh contrast and soft skies

This makes twilight images especially valuable in New England, where seasons are a huge part of the guest experience.

Professional Twilight Photography for Airbnb & STRs

Twilight photography requires:

• Impeccable timing

• Location and light scouting

• Understanding of natural and artificial light and how to balance both

• Styling for evening atmosphere

• Experience working quickly during an extremely short window (we're talking minutes)

It’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your listing — but also one of the hardest to execute well without experience. Make sure you find an experienced photographer (ahem, I'm right here!) that will be able to get not just one twilight shots, but a few.

Some selfie action waiting for the light to hit just right for twligiht photos.

Airbnb Twilight Photography in Vermont & New England

I work with Airbnb and short-term rental owners across Vermont and New England to capture twilight images that feel:

• Warm

• Calm

• Guest-ready

• Experience-driven

My approach blends exterior photography with lifestyle awareness — so your space doesn’t just look good, it feels good to potential guests.

Want Twilight Photos That Make Guests Pause?

If you’re investing in your property, twilight photography is one of the most effective ways to showcase that care.

You can learn more about my Airbnb & STR photography services here