Your listing photos are the first thing a guest sees, and often the only thing they judge you on before they book. You can have the comfiest beds on the Mornington Peninsula, but if your photos look flat, cluttered or dark, guests will scroll straight past. The good news? A little preparation before your photographer arrives makes a big difference. Here's how we get a holiday home camera-ready.
Start with a declutter (yes, more than you think)
What feels homely in person can read as mess on camera. Clear benchtops back to a few hero pieces, such as a bowl of lemons, a coffee station or a stack of cookbooks. Hide the kettle cord, the bin, the remote controls, the hand towel that doesn't match and anything with a big brand logo. Put away personal items, house rules signs and cleaning products. The camera exaggerates every little thing, so go further than feels natural.
Give every room a hero
Every room needs one clear thing for the eye to land on: the view, the fireplace, the outdoor bath, the beautiful bedhead. Arrange the furniture so it points towards that hero, and keep everything else quieter so it doesn't compete. If your property has a standout feature, make sure it appears in at least one wide shot and one close-up.
Make the beds like a boutique hotel
Bedroom photos are some of the most looked-at images in any listing. Iron or steam the linen, plump every pillow and layer a throw or quilt across the end of the bed for texture. A couple of sleeping pillows and a few cushions per bed is plenty. A mountain of cushions looks fussy, and tells guests they'll be moving them every night.
Work with the light, not against it
Open every curtain and blind, switch on lamps and turn off harsh overhead lights unless your photographer asks for them. Replace any blown or mismatched globes before the day, because warm white globes in your lamps make a room feel welcoming. Talk to your photographer about timing too, so the living areas and outdoor spaces are shot when the light suits them best.
Add life with small, purposeful details
Fresh stems in a vase, a book left open on an armchair, a tray with two glasses on the deck, a robe hanging near the bath. These considered touches help guests imagine themselves there. Keep it believable: one or two moments per room, not a set that feels too styled.
Style your outdoor spaces like rooms
Decks, gardens and verandahs sell holiday homes, especially on the coast and in the country. Sweep and hose down, put cushions on the outdoor furniture, set the table and make sure the barbecue is clean. If you have a fire pit, an outdoor bath or a view worth waking up to, give it a photo of its own.
Tell one consistent story
Your photos should feel like chapters of the same story. Repeat a few colours, materials and textures from room to room so your listing reads as one considered home rather than a collection of rooms. That consistency helps your property stand out in a sea of similar search results.
Write a shot list
Before the shoot, walk through your property and list the photos you need: the hero exterior, each bedroom, the bathrooms, kitchen and living areas, the outdoor spaces, and the features that set your place apart. Share it with your photographer so nothing is missed on the day.
When to bring in a stylist
If you've furnished your place beautifully but the photos still don't do it justice, that's exactly where we come in. With our styling for photography service, we make every room camera-ready, working with the natural light and your photographer's angles so your listing looks as good online as it does in person. You can see all the ways we help holiday home owners on our Work With Us page, or read more ideas in How to Style an Airbnb Guests Will Love and 7 Things Guests Notice First in a Holiday Home.
Ready for your close-up?
Grab our free 5 tips for your holiday home for more quick wins, or book a free consult and let's get your holiday home ready for its close-up.
Sharon & Dee
