Let’s be honest.

You can have gorgeous long-range mountain views, the best backyard in the neighborhood, a heated pool, and an epic game room…

…but if your photos don’t match the quality of the stay, you’re undercutting your nightly rates. 

Photography doesn’t just “show” your property. It sells the elevated experience.

And if you’re launching (or relaunching) an STR, your photos are your first impression, your silent salesperson, and your conversion engine.

Great STR photography is spellbinding. Here’s how to actually get it right.

1. Hire for Hospitality, Not Just Real Estate

Not every real estate photographer understands STRs.

There’s a big difference between selling an MLS listing and selling a 3-night experience at 2x the nightly rate.

An STR photographer understands mood, guest psychology, scroll-stopping thumbnails, and the amenities that drive clicks on Airbnb and VRBO.

You may not be able to hire the most famous STR photographer in the industry — that’s okay. What matters is whether they understand hospitality, can shoot lifestyle, and know how OTAs display images.

If they only deliver wide-angle shots of empty rooms, you’re getting documentation — not marketing.

2. Plan Ahead (The Good Ones Book Out Early)

Photography is not a last-minute checkbox. It’s a launch strategy.

If you wait until furniture is assembled, landscaping is finished, and the cleaning is done, you’re already behind.

When we launched our listings, I scheduled photography once we cleared inspection without major surprises.

Call me crazy, but I’d rather lock in a great STR photographer early and then focus on setting up the property.

Deadlines create action. Waiting creates rushed results.

3. Staging Is Not Optional

Not just nice to have. Not optional.

Before every shoot, we make sure every bed is styled, outdoor furniture looks inviting, the popcorn machine is filled, the fire pit is lit, the dining table is set, and the string lights glow.

Because empty rooms don’t book emotion.

A couch is furniture. A styled couch with throws, pillows, a tray, and wine glasses? That’s a weekend getaway.

4. Direct the Shoot Like a Film Director

Your photographer is the technician. You’re the strategist.

I always send a detailed shot list: priority amenities, hero angles, lifestyle moments, brand details, twilight timing, drone requirements, and both vertical and horizontal framing.

You know your property best. You know what justifies your premium rate. (That said, don’t micromanage — let your photographer work their magic!)

5. Go Beyond Daytime Interior Photos

If you want to stand out on OTAs, you need depth.

Twilight shots create mood and luxury perception. Aerial photos showcase setting and space. Lifestyle moments — popcorn in the theater, floats in the pool, fire pit glowing at dusk — help guests imagine themselves there.

Short-form video gives you months of social content.

One shoot should create an entire marketing library.

6. Shoot for the Platforms You’ll Actually Use

Airbnb crops differently than VRBO. Instagram crops differently than your website.

Request horizontal photos for OTAs, vertical versions for social, and both high-resolution and web-optimized files.

Otherwise, you’ll waste hours resizing, cropping, and degrading image quality right before launch.

7. Think Long-Term

Your photography isn’t just for Airbnb and VRBO.

It fuels your social media, email marketing, ads, website, and brand authority.

Thoughtfully crafted photos elevate perceived value, justify higher nightly rates, improve click-through, and become reusable content for months.

This isn’t an expense. It’s an asset library.

Real Talk: Photography Determines Launch Success

You can adjust pricing later. You can refine your messaging later.

But your first impression? That’s visual.

Guests don’t read first. They scroll. And you have about 5 seconds to win.

Ready to Launch the Right Way?

If you’re preparing for a launch or relaunch and want help defining your guest avatar, creating a photography brief, planning staging, or positioning your listing for premium rates — let’s build it strategically from the start.

Because cheap STR photos are expensive.

👉 Schedule your discovery call and let’s turn your property into a scroll-stopping booking machine.