In the competitive world of short-term rentals, high-quality photography is not just a nice-to-have—it’s an essential tool for maximizing bookings and revenue. In Episode 16 of our Unlock & Learn webinar series, Hosteeva’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Talia Lockard, sat down with STR Photography Consultant Keely Garrett to discuss how professional photography can bridge the gap between operations, guest expectations, and revenue optimization.
Whether you’re a first-time Airbnb host or a seasoned property manager overseeing hundreds of units, understanding the role of photography in shaping guest experiences and driving bookings is critical. In this episode, Talia and Keely dive into best practices for capturing stunning visuals, the pros and cons of in-house versus outsourced STR photography, and how AI is revolutionizing property management.
Why Photography Matters in Short-Term Rentals
Photography is more than just a collection of images—it’s a marketing tool that tells a compelling story about a property. As Keely points out:
“You are telling a story for the guest. We want it to be as welcoming as possible, warm and inviting.”
A potential guest isn’t just looking at square footage or decor; they are imagining themselves in the space, picturing their vacation before it even happens. The right photography can trigger an emotional response, increasing the likelihood of bookings.
In-House vs. Outsourced STR Photography: Weighing the Pros and Cons
One of the biggest questions property managers face is whether to handle photography in-house or hire external photographers. Both options have benefits and challenges.
In-house photography allows for full control over scheduling and consistency. It also enables coordination with cleaning teams for staging and can be cost-effective in the long run. However, it requires an investment in professional equipment and training, and it can be time-consuming for the property management team.
Outsourcing photography gives access to experienced professionals with high-end equipment, ensuring top-tier quality with optimized lighting and editing. It also saves time for property managers. The downside is higher upfront costs and less control over availability and image licensing rights. As Keely emphasizes, one of the most overlooked challenges with outsourced photography is licensing rights:
“A lot of the time when you’re working with vendors, they retain ownership of the images. Redistributing those images to homeowners or other vacation rental companies is a big no-no.”
Ensuring you have the right usage rights for your photos is crucial to avoid legal complications.
Download the Photography Checklist
To help you get started, we’ve created a FREE downloadable photography checklist. This guide ensures your properties are captured with maximum impact, covering everything from staging tips to must-have shots.
📥 Download the Photography Checklist Here
Optimizing STR Photography for Revenue Management
Photography isn’t just about aesthetics—it plays a direct role in revenue optimization. As Talia explains:
“If a property isn’t booked, this should be the time you’re planning to take the right photos, change out anything that needs to be updated, and optimize for peak season.”
Keeping listings up to date is crucial, especially when homeowners make changes to properties. Whether it’s a newly renovated kitchen, upgraded furniture, or updated decor, outdated photos can lead to guest dissatisfaction and negative reviews. Regularly auditing listings ensures accuracy and improves booking conversion rates.
The Role of AI in STR Photography and Operations
AI is playing an increasing role in short-term rental operations, but when it comes to photography, there are clear dos and don’ts.
AI can be used to analyze guest reviews for recurring issues, such as furniture quality or misleading descriptions. It can also suggest updates to property listings based on guest feedback and identify trends in booking patterns to guide photo refreshes. However, AI should not be used to generate fake property images or enhance or alter the reality of a listing. Keely strongly advises against AI-generated property images:
“You have to be able to showcase what actually exists for the guest to trust booking the property. AI should not be used to create an image.”
Transparency in listings is critical for building trust. Misleading images can lead to negative reviews and lost credibility. To explore more ways AI is transforming short-term rental management, read The Benefits of Using AI Software for Airbnb Management.
Best Practices for STR Photography
For property managers looking to enhance their listing images, Keely offers several key best practices:
- Capture the full guest experience: Include exterior shots, common areas, and local amenities like pools and walking paths.
- Use natural light: Schedule photo shoots during the best lighting conditions for warm and inviting images.
- Stage the home properly: Declutter spaces, ensure beds are neatly made, and highlight unique decor elements.
- Answer common guest questions visually: Show proximity to beaches, parking availability, and room layouts to eliminate uncertainties.
- Refresh photos regularly: Review listings at least annually to update any major changes in decor, renovations, or amenities.
Final Takeaways
Quality photography is one of the most powerful tools in the short-term rental industry. Whether managing a single unit or an extensive portfolio, investing in strong visuals is key to attracting guests, driving bookings, and maximizing revenue.
As Talia notes:
“Your photo is the first thing that starts the entire vacation memory for your guest.”
Keely adds:
“If your photo provokes an emotional response—like picturing themselves with a drink in hand or watching their kids play—you’ve done your job.”
For those looking to improve their listing images, a strong focus on accuracy, storytelling, and guest experience is the way forward.
Get in Touch
For more insights or to connect with our experts, reach out to:
📸 Keely Garrett – Expert in Vacation Rental Photography
📩 Email: [email protected]
🔗 LinkedIn: Keely Garrett
🏡 Talia Lockard – Hosteeva Sales & Marketing
📩 Email: [email protected]
🔗 LinkedIn: Talia Lockard
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🚀 See you next time!
