An investment in some professional photographs for your holiday rental that’s what!
Images sell a holiday home more than words on a page ever can. They make a holiday rental stand out from the competition, they grab the eye and the attention of future guests and they can attract more bookings.
Spending (or I’d rather say investing) now, on some quality, professional photographs will soon reap rewards.
It may seem like a spend that’s not necessary, given the fact we all have smart phones which take good photographs. But when it comes to marketing your holiday rental, don’t settle for “good” invest in “great”. You will be so glad you did!
But before you spend on this, here’s how to make the most from your photoshoot to get maximum return on this investment.
Tips for photgraphing your holiday home
1. Before the photoshoot
Prepare in advance and set the scene for the photographer to get to work. Make sure all your repairs have been carried out, the furniture is positioned correctly and the rooms have been cleaned and prepared as they would be ready to take a paying guest. Then you have to focus on the detail:
- Plump up cushions on the sofa and scatter cushions and arrange neatly
- Methodically straighten duvet covers and bed throws and push out any creases, lumps and bumps.
- Ensure duvets and throws are perfectly positioned.
- Make sure curtains are hung evenly and are symmetrical.
- Arrange fresh flowers in a vase instead of just putting them in a vase.
- Arrange neatly any items on display such as books on shelves, magazines on the coffee table and straighten artwork.
- Lift out wine glasses, a teapot, cups, saucers, milk jug, or other crockery which will compliment your welcome tray goodies.
- Light the fire (even if your shoot is taking place in the warmer months).
- Leave out your complimentary toiletries in the bathroom; fill the bath with bubbles.
- Place neatly stacked and folded towels on the end of the bed/in the bathroom.
- Open some local wine and pour into two glasses for images on the patio.
- Stage other items from your welcome hamper eg a packet of half eaten biscuits, with a cup of coffee, in front of the fire.
- Place a bowl of fruit in the kitchen (green apples work well as they are eye catching).
- Set out your patio table, chairs, parasol and sun loungers as if they were being used.
2. During the photoshoot
Take your bag of “props” eg fizz, fresh fruit, with you on the day. Remember, you’re selling a lifestyle not just getting room shots taken.
Have a list of shots that you want to achieve, remembering that you will need a mixture of room shots and close ups. The order of the shots may depend on the lighting so be led by your photographer on this, but keep your list of shots to hand and direct the photo shoot. You know your property’s benefits and best features so get the images that best work for you and will best sell your holiday home.
3. After the photoshoot
Use these images everywhere in your marketing – on your website, on listing sites and in your social media.
Use them day in, day out, to really sell your holiday home, as afterall that is their job! You can also add captions and comments to your photographs using free online photo editing tools such as Canva (www.canva.com), to really help get your marketing message across.
For more information on marketing, adding value and making-over your holiday rental you may be interested in my fabulous online program: Holiday Rental Money Makeover. I cover these topics in more depth. I’ll be opening my doors to this program in the summer, so why not register your interest now? No commitment, I’ll just keep you informed of when the doors open. Don’t miss the exciting opportunity, click here for more information.
Leave a Reply