How Professional Photography Can Increase Vacation Rental Bookings
When it comes to vacation rentals, guests often make a booking decision in less than 10 seconds. That means your photos aren’t just pretty—they’re your first impression, your marketing team, and sometimes your entire sales pitch. High-quality imagery can dramatically impact click-throughs, occupancy, and ultimately revenue.
If you think a smartphone shot from last year will cut it, think again. Here’s why professional photography is becoming a critical tool for vacation rental owners and how even small touches can pay off.
Why Photos Matter More Than You Think
Data doesn’t lie: listings with professional photos see up to 40% more revenue and roughly 24% more bookings compared to listings with amateur photos. Verified high-quality images can boost demand by 17.5%, translating into thousands of dollars in annual revenue. Meanwhile, hosts who upgraded their photos reported 65% higher click-through rates and 15–26% higher nightly rates.
Translation: spend a few hundred dollars on professional photography, and you could easily make it back in a month or two. In other words, a $250 photoshoot isn’t an expense—it’s an investment.
Lessons From Our Own Properties
When we purchased our Topsail Island home in 2023, we tried a DIY approach. Smartphones are amazing these days. With careful attention to height, angle, and making sure the ocean was framed in the background, our iPhone shots performed reasonably well. We got bookings, and our property looked great—proof that even with limited tools, thoughtful photography makes a difference.
Then came Scottsdale, Arizona. A very different story. Every property had professional photos—sometimes featuring staged actors enjoying the space (yes, they rented people to look like happy guests). Without professional photography, we quickly realized our listing was invisible in a sea of polished, enticing images. Once we invested in a pro shoot, bookings shot up immediately. This level of competitiveness is coming to Topsail, and owners who want to stand out should take note.
Touches That Really Matter
Professional photography goes far beyond “point and click.” The right details can elevate your listing instantly:
Drone shots: Aerial views sell the dream—proximity to the beach, deck layouts, neighborhood vibe. We actually bought our drone using credit card points, and here’s the secret: the photographer usually shoots during the day, but you’re there at sunrise, sunset, or when the clouds put on a show. If you’ve ever played a video game, you can fly a drone. Those golden-hour shots? They separate you from the pack.
Enhancements and effects: Talented photographers can clean up hot tub water, feature calming beach visuals on your TVs, brighten interiors, and bring a natural polish without crossing into “why does this look AI?” territory.
Lifestyle context: While full “lifestyle photography” (hiring actors, capturing staged experiences) isn’t a requirement in Topsail Island, smart staging still matters. If you offer complimentary coffee, display your coffee station. If you have welcome packages or add-ons, give them a hero shot. Guests need to feel what makes your space special.
The mission is simple: don’t just show a room—show the experience. Every detail nudges a guest closer to imagining themselves there, and that imagination is what drives bookings.
DIY vs. Professional Photography
DIY photos can work—if done with care—but professional photography often justifies itself:
Better first impressions: High-quality images create trust and encourage bookings.
Higher rates: Guests perceive professional photos as premium, allowing you to raise your nightly rates.
Faster bookings: Enhanced photos increase click-through rates and occupancy, particularly during competitive seasons.
Even if you DIY some shots or use drones yourself, professional images remain a strong competitive advantage. For those who prefer hands-off solutions, professional photographers can handle everything efficiently and professionally.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Photos
Hire a skilled photographer: Not all pros are equal. Look for someone who understands vacation rentals, staging, and the local market.
Plan your shots carefully: Focus on key areas—living spaces, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, decks, and outdoor amenities.
Update images regularly: Renovations, seasonal decor, or even new furniture can refresh your listing.
Use drones wisely: Capture aerial shots for context and lifestyle appeal. Even DIY drones can provide stunning sunset or sunrise shots if timed correctly.
Think about the guest experience: Highlight what makes your property unique—pet-friendly spaces, hot tubs, beach access, or views.
Conclusion
High-quality photography is one of the cheapest, most effective ways to stand out in the vacation rental market. Whether you DIY with advanced smartphone techniques or hire a professional, the impact on bookings and revenue is tangible.
If you want to see how professional photography, combined with full-service management, can increase your Topsail rental income, CRSJ Rentals offers photography and property management at a flat, predictable fee—no onboarding charges, no hidden costs. Contact us or join our newsletter today.