Boost Bookings with High-Quality Beach Rental Photography

A photo of the inside of a bright beach house with wood beams over a living area, looking out to ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Congratulations — you’ve found the best place to buy a vacation home in Florida! Now, you’ll want to pull every lever you can to help drive bookings and positive reviews for your vacation rental business. A crucial element that attracts potential guests is high-quality, strategic vacation rental photography. But it’s not just about taking pretty pictures; the best vacation rental photography is all about showcasing your property’s unique features and creating an emotional connection with viewers. 

Compelling someone to pick your home over other options on the vacation rental market may come down to whether or not someone feels a connection with what you have to offer — so why not put your best foot forward?

The Power of Professional Vacation Rental Photos

Young woman in a hat uses a professional camera to snap the exterior of a building on a sunny day, with a palm tree in view.

Before we get into tips on how to best use beach rental photography, let’s take a moment to see why investing in professional photos could be a game-changer for your vacation rental listing. 

Creating a Stellar First Impression

You may have the perfect location and an excellent set of must-have amenities at your beach rental, but does your listing show it?  Research shows visuals take approximately 20 seconds to capture an audience’s attention — so it’s important to nail the first impression potential guests have of your property. 

Have you ever seen a rental or vacation property that has blurry photos? Even if it’s in the perfect spot, you may not trust what you see is what you’ll get. You don’t want to risk losing potential guests because of poor-quality listing photos. 

Professional vacation rental photos can capture the beauty and uniqueness of your rental property, using different angles, special lenses, and calculated close-ups to significantly improve your online listing.

Showcasing Your Property’s Best Features

Professional photography helps highlight your vacation rental’s best features in ways amateur photos often can’t. And while smartphone pictures have come a long way, you’ll want a professional with experience to come into your space and find ways to make rooms look larger, cozier, and brighter. 

Interestingly, travelers are 83% more likely to inquire about property listings that contain over 20 photos. This underscores the importance of not just quality but also quantity when it comes to showcasing your property. 

Justifying Your Pricing

Quality photos not only attract more interest but can also justify higher pricing. When guests see beautiful, well-maintained spaces in your photos, they’re much more likely to take the plunge and invest in your listing. If you want to ensure you get the best tenants at the best prices, don’t risk it with bad photos.

Increasing Bookings & Occupancy

Studies show listings with professional photos receive significantly more bookings than those without. And it makes sense — those eye-catching photos are the first thing potential guests see when browsing listings. 

  • Listings with professionally taken photographs have, on average, 24% more bookings. 
  • According to Airbnb, listings with professional photos earn 20% more revenue.

By making sure your property stands out with high-quality photos, you increase your chances of increasing occupancy and filling up your calendar.

Tips for Planning Your Beach Rental Photoshoot

A focused woman places a pillow on a sofa with a large plant in the background.

A successful photoshoot requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s how to get ready for your beach rental photography session.

Timing Is Everything

Choose the right time of day for your photoshoot. For beach rentals, early morning or late afternoon often provide the best natural light, creating a warm, inviting glow. Avoid midday shoots when the sun is directly overhead as this can create harsh shadows and overexposed areas.

Prepare Your Property

Before the photographer arrives, ensure your property is in top condition.

  • Deep clean every room, paying attention to details like windows, mirrors, and reflective surfaces.
  • Declutter spaces to create a sense of openness and allow the room’s features to shine.
  • Consider minor repairs or touch-ups that could improve the overall appearance.
  • Stage rooms to look lived-in but not messy. A few strategically placed items can add character without overwhelming the space.

Consider the Seasons

If possible, consider photographing your property in different seasons. While beach rentals are often associated with summer, showcasing your property’s cozy winter appeal or colorful spring atmosphere can help attract guests year-round.

Working with a Vacation Rental Photographer

A photographer shows photos from his professional camera to a client, both smiling.

Choosing the best vacation rental photographer means looking beyond the basics and finding a professional who understands the unique needs of promoting a beach rental. Look for professional photographers who specialize in vacation rental photography or have experience with interior and architectural photography. They’ll understand the unique challenges and requirements of shooting spaces for short-term rentals.

Communicating Your Vision

Before the shoot, discuss your vision with the photographer. Share examples of styles you like, point out specific features you want to highlight, and discuss any challenges your property might present.

Balancing Realism & Appeal

While it’s important to make your property look its best, be cautious about over-editing or misrepresenting your space. Potential guests appreciate honest, accurate depictions of where they’ll be staying. A skilled photographer can make your property look fantastic while still maintaining realism.

Capturing the Local Flavor

Encourage your photographer to capture not just the property itself, but also the surrounding area. Beach access, nearby attractions, or local landmarks can help potential guests envision their entire vacation experience.

How Much Are Professional Pictures for Vacation Rentals?

The costs can vary depending on your property’s size and the professional photographer you choose. However, professional vacation rental photography services typically cost between $200 to $2,500+, depending on factors including staging, travel expenses, shooting time, and editing.

Homeowners who partner with Florida CFY receive 1 complimentary professional photoshoot at the time of signing!

Best Shots for Beach Rental Photography

A photo of a covered deck with furniture overlooking a canal with boats on a sunny day with blue skies.

When planning your photoshoot, consider your floorplan and make sure to include these essential shots that can make a big difference in showcasing your beach rental!

Exterior & Approach

  • Front of the house or condo building
  • Entryway or front door
  • Any unique architectural features
  • Landscaping or garden areas

Living Spaces

  • Living room with comfortable seating arrangements
  • Dining area, both indoor and outdoor if available
  • Kitchen, including any high-end appliances or unique features

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

  • Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom if available
  • Guest bedrooms, showcasing different bed configurations
  • Bathrooms, highlighting any luxury features like rainfall showerheads or soaking tubs

Outdoor Areas

  • Balconies or decks with ocean views
  • Pool or hot tub areas
  • Outdoor dining or BBQ setups
  • Beach access points or private beaches

Unique Amenities

  • Game rooms or entertainment systems
  • Exercise equipment or home gyms
  • Office spaces for working vacations
  • Any dog-friendly items — if allowing pets in your vacation rental
  • Specialty items like kayaks, bicycles, or beach equipment provided for renters

Views 

  • Sunrise or sunset over the ocean
  • Panoramic beach views from balconies or windows
  • Any water features or natural beauty surrounding the property

Advanced Photography Techniques for Vacation Rentals

A drone shot of a luxury vacation home on the coastline.

To take your vacation rental photography to the next level, consider these advanced techniques to really sell your vacation rental listing.

Virtual Tours

Let guests walk through your property and get a feel for the layout and flow of the space with 3D tours. This can help increase engagement with your listing and enstill booking confidence. 

Drone Photography

For beach rentals, aerials are particularly powerful. Drone photography can show your property’s proximity to the beach, so consider capturing overhead shots to give guests a wider view of the area.

HDR Photography

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography combines multiple exposures to capture a wider range of light so images look more like what the human eye sees. This is great for balancing outdoor light with interior darks.

At Florida CFY, we offer drone shots and Matterport walkthroughs for vacation rental owners — with our Florida CFY Advantage Plan!

Using Your Beach Rental Photos

A man and woman smile while looking at photos on a professional camera in front of a computer screen.

Now that you have great photos, it’s time to put them to work for your vacation rental business.

Add Photos to Your Listing

Using the best photos in your online listing is the first step!

  • Lead with your most attractive shot to grab attention straight away.
  • Show a variety of images that tell the guest experience.
  • Use captions to highlight features or add context where appropriate.

Post Across Social Media Accounts

Social media is perfect for showcasing your property’s visual appeal.

  • Keep branding consistent across your social media profiles.
  • Share seasonal photos to promote year-round.
  • Use your property’s location and target market hashtags.

Elevate Your Website

If you have a website for your rental, use your professional photos to create a visual experience.

  • Consider a gallery-style homepage that showcases your best images.
  • Use photos throughout the site to break up text and keep it visually interesting.
  • Have a dedicated photo gallery for guests who want to see more.

Update Photos As Needed

Remodeled or added amenities to your short-term rental? Make sure to keep your photographs updated!

  • Reshoot if you make major changes or upgrades to the property.
  • Replace any old images that no longer represent your rental home accurately.

Feeling overwhelmed? Let Florida CFY property management take care of everything for you, from photoshoot to photo editing to posts to updates!

Long-Term Value of Quality Photography

A nice photo of the interior of a luxurious bedroom with a balcony overlooking a canal.

Investing in high-quality vacation rental photography is one of the most effective ways to boost your property’s appeal and increase bookings. Whether you choose to work with a professional or improve your own photography skills, the impact of great visuals on your vacation rental business cannot be overstated.

Remember your photos are often the first point of contact between your property and potential guests. By showcasing your beach rental in its best light, you’re not just selling a place to stay — you’re selling a dream vacation experience.

Take the time to plan your photoshoot carefully, capture a wide range of images that tell your property’s unique story, and use those photos strategically across your marketing efforts. The result will be a more appealing listing, increased interest from potential guests, and ultimately, a more successful and profitable vacation rental investment.

At FloridaCFY, we are experts in successful vacation rental property management — and we’ve go the tips and insights you need to make sure your beach rental stands out from the competition. Feel free to reach out anytime for a Florida rental estimate!

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