Proud of your Breckenridge rental? Then let it shine! How to do it? Show it off with some fantastic photos. Exceptional photos aren’t just an extra — they’re essential for making your rental stand out and capturing guest interest.
With extensive experience in Breckenridge real estate and vacation rentals, at Ski Country Resorts we have mastered the art of capturing the perfect shot. In this blog, we’ll share 10 photography tips to make your vacation rental stand out and, as a bonus, potentially increase your Breckenridge rental rates by 50% — or more!
Let’s jump right in!
1. Why Great Photos Are a Game-Changer?
Let’s start with the basics: why are photos so important? You’ve probably heard the saying, 'A picture is worth a thousand words.' In the vacation rental business, it’s worth even more. High-quality photos help potential guests picture their vacation and see themselves enjoying your property.
Here’s how great photos can benefit your rental:
Rise above the competition: Attention-grabbing photos stand out in search listings.
Boost metrics: Drive more listing views, higher bookings, and increased nightly rates.
Set expectations: Give guests a clear picture of what they’re booking, reducing unexpected surprises.
Raise rental rates: Top-notch photos can raise your rates by at least 50%.
Your photos are like the first handshake with potential guests — a chance to leave a lasting impression. High-quality images highlight your property’s best features and reflect your professionalism and attention to detail, subtly influencing how guests perceive you as a rental owner.
In a competitive market like ours, this can be a real game-changer.
2. Your Photo Checklist
Now that you understand the value of great photos, let’s dive into what to capture. Our rule of thumb for short-term rentals is 'more is more.' A good approach is to aim for at least 25 high-quality shots of your property.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to photograph:
All usable spaces: Take photos of every room your guests can use, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, the living room, kitchen, dining areas, and any other functional spaces like a game room or office.
Multiple angles: Capture at least three photos per room (wide-angle, mid-range, and close-up). This approach offers a full perspective of each space, allowing potential guests to better grasp the layout and features.
Detail shots: Spotlight standout details like fluffy towels, fresh flowers, or stylish decor. These touches can enhance the appeal and luxury feel of your rental.
Room layout: Walk through the property as if you were guiding a tour, capturing how each room connects. This helps guests picture themselves navigating the space, making it feel more like home.
Expert tip: Let’s use the living room as an example of all of the above.
Start with a wide-angle shot to capture the full room.
Then, move in for a mid-range shot that focuses on the seating and decor.
Finally, get a close-up of an elegant coffee table setup or a unique piece of art.
This order strategy ensures you cover everything from the room’s layout to its intricate details.
3. Defining Your Focus
Every room has a focal point or distinctive feature that adds character, like a fireplace, hot tub, or piece of artwork. These are the elements to highlight in your photos by centering your camera on them, while also capturing the surrounding area without overcrowding the image.
Consider what sets your property apart and highlight those unique features. If your living room offers a breathtaking mountain view, be sure to capture that in your photos. If the master bedroom boasts a luxurious king-size bed with plush linens, make it the centerpiece of your shot.
Highlighting the unique features of each room will make your property more attractive to potential guests.
Expert tip: Make sure your images feature good contrast and sharp focus to enhance clarity and highlight fine details.
4. Mastering Light in Photography
In photography, lighting is everything. It’s especially important in real estate and vacation rental photography, where it not only controls the brightness and clarity of the space but also creates the mood and emotional appeal of the images.
Good lighting can make a room appear larger, cleaner, and more welcoming, while poor lighting can make even the most stunning spaces seem dull and uninviting.
Here’s how to master lighting when photographing your Breckenridge vacation rental:
Embrace natural light: Shoot your property during daylight hours. Open all the curtains to let in natural light, which creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Sunny days: If you can, opt for sunny days over cloudy ones. The golden hours — morning or late afternoon — offer a soft, diffused light that brings out the best in your space.
Turn on all the lights: Even with natural light, turn on all interior lights to balance the brightness between inside and outside, ensuring every corner of the room is well-lit and welcoming.
Expert tip: Experiment with different times of the day to determine what works best for your property. Early morning light provides a tranquil feel, while late afternoon light casts a warm, inviting glow. Steer clear of midday, when harsh light can create undesirable shadows.
5. Staging the Ambiance
Photographing your property is an opportunity to highlight its charm, so make it sparkle! Freshen up, organize, and add some stylish decor to create a warm and inviting space.
Here are some great tips:
Use props: Add plants, flowers, candles, and cushions to boost the appeal of your space. These little details can greatly influence the ambiance of your photos.
Show off your tableware & appliances: Set the table and display your kitchen appliances to highlight what’s offered. This not only highlights your amenities but also allows guests to envision themselves enjoying a meal or cooking in your kitchen.
Move things around: Objects may look different through the lens, so adjust them as needed to get the best image. Don’t hesitate to rearrange furniture or decor to create a visually appealing scene.
Heads up: Keep in mind that when you incorporate props like flowers, candles, and cushions in your vacation rental photos, you’re setting expectations. If guests arrive at your property and don’t see what was depicted in your listing pictures, they are likely to be disappointed.
Expert tip: Consider the narrative you want your photos to convey. Are you showcasing a warm, family-oriented retreat, or a sleek, contemporary escape? Use staging to craft the right ambiance and make your rental shine.
6. Experimenting with Angles
When photographing your Breckenridge rental, the angles you select can significantly impact the final result. Capturing various angles of the same room provides a fuller picture of the space, dimensions, and distinctive features.
Here’s how to master the art of experimenting with angles:
Wide shots: Include at least two or three wide shots of each room. These images offer a comprehensive view of the space and help potential guests grasp the layout.
Perspective: Focus on a corner to create depth. Steer clear of photographing flat walls, as they can make the space appear smaller. Including parts of the floor and ceiling in your shots can also provide a better sense of scale.
Include the floor: Showing part of the floor helps to suggest the room’s size and height. If you have eye-catching rugs or flooring, make sure they’re visible in your photos.
Expert tip: Play around with different heights and angles to determine what works best. Shooting from a lower angle can enhance the feeling of space, whereas a higher angle can give a wider view. A tripod can help keep your photos stable and consistent.
7. Portrait Mode vs. Landscape Mode
Although we’re in the era of vertical photos, for your rentals, the majority of your images should be in landscape mode to capture more of the space. Use portrait mode for distinctive vertical details or objects.
Landscape photos are perfect for showing the entire layout of a room, while portrait photos excel at highlighting individual features. For instance, a portrait shot of an elegant staircase or a striking piece of artwork can add interest to your photo collection.
Expert tip: Ensure your photos feature strong contrast and clear focus. Utilize selective focus and blurred backgrounds mainly for capturing intricate details.
8. Feature a Show-Stopping Hero Image
Not all photos carry the same importance. The impact of your hero image is unmatched—it’s the first impression potential guests will have of your vacation rental. Think of it as the banner image that highlights the best feature of your property, whether it’s a spectacular mountain view, an inviting hot tub, a beautifully decorated living room, or a gourmet kitchen. This photo should evoke emotions and make potential guests fall in love instantly.
If possible, use a drone to capture a breathtaking aerial view of your property. This can offer a distinctive perspective and emphasize features such as proximity to the mountains, outdoor amenities, or beautiful landscaping. Ensure your hero image is high resolution and presents your property in its best light.
9. DIY Photography vs. Professional Shots
Should you invest in a professional photographer? The answer is yes. If you have the resources, hiring a professional is a wise decision. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to make your property stand out. Professional photos can enhance listing views, boost nightly rates, and increase bookings.
Professional photographers use advanced lenses, lighting setups, and sometimes even drones to capture your property. They also have the expertise to edit and refine your images for optimal results. Despite the cost, hiring a professional is a valuable investment that can greatly enhance your rental’s performance.
10. Keep it Honest
To wrap up, be truthful. Although images can be deceptive, misrepresenting your space will only hurt you. Make sure your photos truly represent the property. Inaccurate images can lead to dissatisfaction and poor reviews.
Ask yourself:
Are these images a true representation of my property?
Are they potentially misleading?
Am I intentionally leaving out any features?
Matching what guests expect with the actual reality of your property is crucial for ensuring satisfaction and receiving good reviews. Prior to uploading your photos, assess them carefully. Confirm they truly depict your property's condition and features. If there are any potential issues, be upfront about them in your listing with accurate photos and descriptions.
Photographing Your Breckenridge Vacation Rental
Taking photos of your Breckenridge rental might feel overwhelming, but with these tips, you'll be equipped to create captivating images that draw guests in and increase your bookings.
At Ski Country Resorts, we’re committed to helping you maximize the potential of your Breckenridge property. We have a selection of highly skilled rental property photographers who will ensure your property looks its finest.
For more tips on making the most of your vacation rental business, visit our blog. Want to learn more about our services? Check out our website to discover how we can ensure your home stays in the spotlight.
