Top 10 tips on how to Stage and Style Your Vacation Rental for Optimal Photography for Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com
Hello there, I'm David Pezzat, a San Antonio professional photographer who has spent the last decade capturing stunning photography of vacation rentals for platforms such as Airbnb - A vacation rental company, VRBO - A travel website company, and Booking.com - Lodging. Over the years, I've learned that one of the most critical aspects of vacation rental photography isn't always the camera you're using, but how the property is staged and styled. Today, I'd like to share my top ten tips on how to stage and style your vacation rental for optimal photography.
Let There Be Light: Natural light is a photographer's best friend. Open the curtains, pull up the blinds and let as much natural light in as possible. It creates a welcoming and airy feel, and it’s key for taking bright and attractive photos.
Create a Consistent Style: Stick to a color scheme or design aesthetic throughout your property. Whether it's rustic charm or modern minimalism, consistency helps create a sense of harmony and unity in photos.
Highlight the Best Features: Every property has a unique selling point. Perhaps it's a cozy fireplace, a stunning view, or a gourmet kitchen. Highlight these features in your staging and make sure they're the star of your photos.
Add a Splash of Color: While neutrals might be a safe choice, a pop of color can make your photos stand out. Think a throw pillow, a piece of art, or a unique rug. Just don’t go overboard - less is often more.
Don’t Forget the Outdoors: If you have outdoor space, make sure it's as inviting as the inside. Arrange patio furniture, tidy up the garden, and make sure any views are unobstructed.
Set the Table: A dining table set for a meal is much more inviting than an empty one. It helps potential guests visualize having their meals there. The same goes for outdoor dining areas.
Make It Cozy: Especially in bedrooms, coziness sells. Fluffy pillows, a throw at the foot of the bed, and ambient lighting can make a bedroom feel like a retreat.
Think Guest Experience: Stage the property in a way that conveys the guest experience. For instance, have a book and a cup of coffee by the armchair or set up the barbecue grill outside.
Stay True to Your Property: Finally, remember that every property is unique. Embrace this in your staging. If your property is a rustic cabin, then style it with cozy, rustic elements. If it's a beach house, incorporate some seaside decor.
Remember, the goal of staging and styling for Airbnb Rentals or VRBO photography is to help potential guests imagine themselves enjoying your property. By following these tips, you're well on your way to market your photos the right way.
Here's to creating beautiful spaces and capturing them perfectly,
David Pezzat
Check out our portfolio of Rental Vacation photographs that we have captured in the past.
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- Here are other services we offer:
- Vacation home photography
- Airbnb listing photos
- Property photography
- Rental property images
- Short-term rental photography
- Interior photography
- Exterior property shots
- Feature-focused photography (e.g., swimming pool, patio)
- Real estate photography
- Hospitality photography
- VRBO property photos
- Guest room photography
- Panoramic property views
- Lifestyle images (to show the experience of staying in the property)
- Ambient lighting in homes
- Professional home staging photos
- Detail shots (e.g., decor, amenities)
- Wide-angle property shots
- Twilight exterior shots
- Drone aerial shots of properties
- Holiday rental photography
- Luxury vacation home photos
- Cabin photography
- Beach house photography
- Mountain retreat images