What Professional Photography Actually Includes (It’s More Than Just Photos)
If you’ve ever wondered, “What photos do I really need for my Airbnb?”—this post is for you.
In an ocean of gorgeous listings, it’s the ones with clean, well-lit, thoughtfully styled images that get the most clicks (and the best guests). Your photos are your first impression—and often your only chance to convince someone to book your stay.
If you're a short-term rental host, you already know just how crucial amazing photos are. They are the very first thing a potential guests see—probably even before they read your listing description. So yes, great images are essential.
But what you may not realize is this that professional STR photography is way more than just taking aesthetically pleasing photos.
Your listing is actually about strategy, styling, storytelling, and delivering images that actually drive bookings.
Let’s break down exactly what’s included in a professional short-term rental photography experience—and why it’s one of the best investments you can make in your listing.
Visual Strategy That Aligns With Your Ideal Guest
Before I ever pick up my camera or step inside, I’m thinking about "who is this space for?"
Is it a cozy, romantic getaway for couples? A family-friendly A-Frame by a ski mountain? A mod downtown city apartment for work-from-anywhere remote workers and creatives?
I like to approach this kind of photography as guest-focused photography. Each and every photogr should speak directly to the people you want to attract—and create visual cues that tell them, “Yes, this is the place for me.”
That’s where strategy comes in. I’ll help you think like a guest and shoot with that lens.
Full-Space Coverage That Tells a Visual Story
A professional STR photographer knows how to shoot your space like a tour—not just a gallery of random snapshots (think of a Zillow listing.. we don't want that!)
That includes:
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Wide-angle shots that show the full room
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Details (I call them "vignettes") that bring in emotion, texture, and those special touches you put together
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Thoughtful flow from entry → common spaces → bedrooms → bathrooms → amenities → outdoor spaces
What is really happening is a building up a visual trust and then guiding the viewer—so they feel like they’ve already walked through the space before they even book. It becomes so familiar that they just HAVE to click "book now"
The best listings don’t just show a space. They tell a story—and I make sure your photos do exactly that.
Styling and Staging Support
A good rental might have nice furniture.
But a great rental has intention—plus a little bit of life.
When you work with a professional photographer, you’re not just getting photos of what’s already there. You’re getting someone who knows how to style and stage a scene that feels warm, lived-in, and, let's be honest, scroll-stopping.
I bring or suggest:
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Neutral or seasonal accents
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Plants, throws, and soft textures
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Simple food and drink setups (think: a tray of tea, a loaf of bread, a croissant and coffee moment)
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Books, candles, baskets, and other lifestyle props
Through these props and clever staging, we create and photograph a space that’s clean and tidy—but not sterile. Trustworthy and elevated—but not overdone.
Pro Tip: Hiring a stylist can be such a crucial investment if you want incredible staged photos (complete with plans, charcuteries, etc).
Add-Ons That Truly Elevate Your Listing (Twilight, Drone & Lifestyle)
Want to stand out in a saturated market? Here’s what can take your listing from good to absolutely unforgettable:
Twilight Shots
Capture that warm, inviting glow of your space at sunset or dusk.
Perfect for:
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Fire pits, string lights, and cozy interiors
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Listings that want to feel luxurious, romantic, or special
Drone Photography
Aerial shots to show off your:
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Property layout and surrounding scenery
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Proximity to lakes, mountains, or city centers
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Sense of privacy or connection to nature
Lifestyle Details
Adding some human elements make your guests imagine themselves there:
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Slippers by the bed // sandals on the deck or by the pool
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A breakfast nook with steaming hot coffee and a bowl fruit
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A hand lighting a fire, pouring a drink, or playing a hand of cards
These little touches create emotional connections—and that’s what sells.
Delivery, Licensing & Support (No Guesswork)
When you hire a professional, you’re not left with a folder of unmarked files and no idea what to do with them.
With me, you’ll get:
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A fully curated gallery of web ready images, sized optimally and organized and ready to upload
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Clear usage rights for your listing, website, and social media pages
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Guidance on what to post, when, and how to keep your listing looking fresh
And if you ever need seasonal refreshes or social-ready content, I’m just a DM away.
The Real Value? Bookings, Branding, Increased Revenue and Better Guests
At the end of the day, professional photography isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about results:
✔️ More clicks in search results
✔️ Higher trust and better guest communication
✔️ The ability to raise your nightly rate
✔️ Guests who respect your space
✔️ A listing that feels premium and intentional
And yes—beautiful, intential photos that you can't wait to share!
Ready to Elevate Your Listing?
Whether you're launching your first short-term rental or giving your listing a much-needed refresh, I'm here to help you create a visual story that books.
Serving Vermont’s short-term rental community, including Burlington, Stowe, the Mad River Valley, and beyond.
Offering styling, drone, twilight, lifestyle add-ons—and images that actually work.
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.