F.A.Q.’s To Know Before Your Short-Term Vacation Rental Shoot

In the world of Airbnb and similar online booking platforms, the visual presentation of your listing is crucial.

First impressions are key, and unfortunately, poor-quality images can lead to fewer bookings, irrespective of your property's actual condition. This is largely because subpar photographs undermine the professional appearance of your listing. With an increasing number or owners and managers investing in professional photography services, your listing may be overlooked even though your property may be a better choice then your competitors. We’re here to avoid that from happening.

In addition, research show listings featuring high-quality photography generating up to 40% more income than those without.

Generally, a photoshoot is expected to take around an hour, with the property needing to be photo-ready by the designated time to maintain efficiency. It's advisable to allocate an additional 30 minutes as a precautionary measure to accommodate any unforeseen delays, such as adverse weather conditions, necessary discussions, or last-minute adjustments and staging of the decor.

Typically, your Bundle or HDR images will be ready for review within business 10 days following the photoshoot. However, should you opt for the expedited service at the time of booking, your images will be prepared in just 3 business days. Once ready, these images can be directly incorporated into your listing.

For those who select 'A La Carte' Photography, you'll receive proofs at the 3 or 10 business day mark, depending on your chosen turnaround time, to select the number of images you'd like to purchase.

Before our photographer arrives, consider these preparatory steps:

• Tidy up the areas you plan to photograph, ensuring they're clean and presentable.

• Arrange each room in the most appealing manner to showcase its best features.

• Determine the optimal times to capture outdoor spaces like gardens and entryways, taking advantage of the natural light.

• Introduce decorative items such as colorful throws and cushions to enhance and add vibrancy to spaces that might otherwise appear plain.

• Focus on the details by removing any unsightly items like trash bins and worn-out doormats from the view.

• If necessary, have additional help on hand to assist with rearranging furniture or other heavy items to achieve the desired look for your photos.

Prior to photographing your home, consider enhancing its appeal by placing large bowls filled with tropical fruits and vegetables, alongside fresh flowers and plants, throughout the space. Adding home decor items, such as art books, can further elevate the ambiance.

We'll also conduct a thorough walkthrough to identify and address any clutter or visually unappealing elements. The goal is to present the experience your home offers in the best light, avoiding any imagery that could detract from its appeal.

Additionally, we may rearrange certain elements within your property to improve its overall symmetry and style, ensuring that each space is showcased at its best.

The timing for your photoshoot will be finalized after you've made your booking, as there are distinct advantages to shooting at different times of the day. Opting for a mid-day slot, specifically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., is ideal for capturing the vibrant blues of the sky and water under the likelihood of strong sunlight. On the other hand, scheduling your shoot during twilight can highlight the environment's softer, unique hues, adding a distinctive and attractive charm to your listing.

Our approach will encompass a diverse array of photographs, capturing the essence of different rooms, facilities, and the locale to provide a comprehensive view of what's on offer. The imagery will range from expansive wide-angle shots that encompass entire spaces to more intimate close-ups that highlight the intricate details, adding depth to the portrayal of your property. The initial photo, or the “Hero” or lead photo, is particularly critical; it serves as the focal point that draws potential guests in, making it crucial that this photo is the most captivating among the selection.

Finding the optimal balance for presenting your property on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO involves careful consideration of the number of images. Prioritizing the quality of images over sheer volume is essential. A collection of 25 to 35 high-quality images is advisable for effectively capturing and conveying the essence of your property. The arrangement of these images plays a crucial role as well, particularly on Airbnb. It's beneficial to highlight the top 5 images at the beginning of your listing to provide a comprehensive overview, with the foremost image serving as the standout "Hero" shot, drawing potential guests in and setting the tone for the rest of the listing.

While photography using a smartphone may suffice in some cases, discerning potential guests can often distinguish between average and high-quality imagery, which might influence their decision, especially if competitors showcase their offerings more compellingly through superior photography. For this reason, we strongly advocate for our High-Dynamic Range (HDR) photography, which leverages professional-grade equipment. The quality and refinement brought about by our advanced editing techniques are simply unmatched by standard phone photography.

Beyond just the equipment used, the professional touch in photography also significantly depends on the photographer's skill in choosing the right perspectives and framing. The "eye" for photography, which includes understanding the best angles, lighting, and composition, plays a crucial role in distinguishing professional content from amateur efforts. This artistic sensibility, combined with technical expertise, elevates the visual storytelling of the subject, making professional photography stand out.

Absolutely, vacation rental photography focuses on fully-realized spaces, helping potential guests visualize themselves using the amenities and features, unlike real estate photography which is more about potential and imagination.

If the shoot will take place in St. Thomas or St. John, there will not be any travel or lodging costs.

If the shoot is to be completed in St. Croix or Puerto Rico, there will be travel and lodging expenses in addition to the media shoot rate. They are as follows:

Flight: $200

Car Rental: $100/day

Lodging: $200/night