Why Human Elements Matter in Short-Term Rental Photography
- bhauzinger
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
How Lifestyle Details Help Guests Click “Book”
When someone scrolls through Airbnb or Pinterest, they’re not just comparing square footage or amenities. They’re asking a much quieter (and more important) question:
“Hmm... can I picture myself here?” "Is this Instagram-worthy?"
That’s where human elements come in.
As a Vermont-based short-term rental photographer working throughout New England and New York, I’ve seen again and again how the smallest of human details — hands, movement, food, textiles, and seemingly "lived-in" moments — can completely change how a rental feels online. These details create emotion, connection, and trust. And ultimately, they help guests decide to book. This is literally my job and I do not take it lightly (although I do have a ton of fun!)
What Are “Human Elements” in STR Photography?
Human elements are the small, intentional details that suggest human presence without overwhelming the space like a full on life-style shoot with models.
They include things like:
Hands holding a coffee mug or rolling dice for a board game
A blanket draped over the back of the couch
Steam rising from hot chocolate or a hot tub
A book left open on the nightstand or table (maybe paired with a coffee mug)
Food styled on a cutting board or basket
Blurred movement walking through a space (think those really cool architecture photos!)
These moments help a space feel real, warm, and approachable — not overly staged or sterile.
Why Human Elements Increase Bookings
1. They Create Emotional Connection
Guests don’t book logic — they book feeling.
Human elements activate:
Comfort
Coziness
Curiosity
Belonging
Honestly, sometimes a perfectly styled room can still feel distant, sterile even. Adding a human moment, an element and suddenly the viewer feels invited. It gives your space the hint of being alive, being its own host.
This emotional response is what turns a scroll into a save — and a save into a booking.
2. They Help Guests Imagine Themselves There
The most effective Airbnb photos don’t say “look at this space.”
They say:
“This could be you.”
Human elements act as a visual bridge between the guest and the space. A mug on the table or cards mid-game quietly invites the viewer to step into the scene.
This is especially important for:
Cabins (the coziest of stays)
Retreat centers (helps guests picture them at the retreat)
Farmhouse Airbnbs
Wellness-focused STRs
Luxury stays (lets see those amenities!)
3. They Make Listings Feel Trustworthy
Over-styled or empty spaces can feel like stock photography.
Human elements signal:
Care
Thoughtfulness
Real use
Authentic hosting
They help guests trust that the space is lived in, loved, and most importantly well cared for — which is crucial when someone is booking a stay they’ve never seen in person. It's a subtle but huge way psychology works on the mind when looking at images of where to stay. We want to feel well cared for.
Where Human Elements Work Best in STRs
Human elements don’t need to be everywhere — just intentional.
Some of the best and most effective placements include:
Kitchen counters (food, coffee, hands)
Dining tables (simple meals, place settings)
Living rooms (blankets, books, games)
Outdoor spaces (fire pits, hot tubs, seating, wood piles, towels)
Entry moments (boots, skis, jackets)
In Vermont and New England, where seasonality matters, these details become even more powerful — especially in fall and winter listings. And I'll go even further and say that it's important to keep a seasonal rotation of images available so you can swap out as the seasons change and guests are looking for more.
Subtlety Matters: Less Is More
Human elements should never overpower the space.
The goal is:
Suggest presence
Maintain clean lines
Keep the focus on the rental
Add warmth, not clutter
This is where professional Airbnb photography makes a difference — knowing how to add just enough life without distracting from the architecture or layout.
Human Elements & Pinterest Performance
Pinterest is especially receptive to human-centered imagery.
Pins with:
hands
food
movement
cozy details
These often get saved more frequently than wide, empty interiors alone.
That increased engagement helps:
Pinterest distribution
Airbnb visibility
Google SEO signals
YOU GETTING BOOKED!
It’s all connected.
Human-Centered STR Photography in Vermont & New England
I work with Airbnb and STR owners across Vermont and New England to photograph spaces in a way that feels:
Warm
Real
Experience-driven
Guest-focused
My approach blends clean interior photography with subtle human elements that help listings feel bookable — not just beautiful. We will collaborate to make sure we portray guests experience and hit all the important amenities your short term rental stay offers.
Ready to Elevate Your Airbnb Photography?
If you want your listing photos to do more than show rooms — if you want them to tell a story guests can feel — human elements are one of the most effective tools you can use.
You can learn more about my Airbnb and short-term rental photography services here.
