Great Guests & Tenants Start With Great Images—Here’s How to Get Them.

In the world of executive rentals (short or long-term), the difference between a booking and a bounce often comes down to a single moment: the guest’s first glance at your photos.

Before they read a word, ask a question, or check availability, your imagery has already told them everything they need to know—good or bad. And in a market where no one inspects a property in person, those photos are the inspection, the pitch, and the promise. So, the real question is: are your images selling your property… or underselling it?

Really, Professional Photography Is Non-Negotiable for ShortTerm Rental Success.

When it comes to preparing your property for the short-term rental marketplace, photography isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s a high leverage investment that directly influences enquiries, booking velocity, nightly rates, length of stay, and ultimately, your property’s financial performance. 

Yet, time and time again, we see owners tempted to “save money” by taking photos themselves or engaging a friend with a good camera. While the intention is understandable, the reality is simple: 

If the photography isn’t done professionally—and specifically by a photographer experienced in in short-term, executive or rentals—you will most likely get fewer enquiries, fewer bookings, and less money.  In today’s competitive market, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. And guests/tenants are not usually conducting in-person inspections; the photos are the inspection. They either give someone the confidence to click “Book”… or they don’t..period. 

Let’s break down why professional STR photography is essential, what makes it different from standard real estate photography, and how blending different photography types increases your return on investment significantly. 

Short-Term Rental Photography Is a Specialised Discipline

Real Estate Photography: Many owners understandably assume that realestate photography is interchangeable with STR photography—but this assumption often ends up costing far more than getting the photography done properly in the first place. It costs by lower conversion or confusion/compensation requests when a guest/tenant arrives..

Real estate photography exists to sell a property once. Short-term rental photography exists to sell it multiple of times, every year. 

A realestate photographer focuses on: 

• Hero shots designed to give a sense of space
• Dramatic wide angles
• Limited functional detail

But your STR guests have different needs. They’re making a purchase decision without physically walking through your property. They need confidence—not just that your home is beautiful, but that it is fit for purpose. 

This means:

• Clear representation of bedding configurations 
• Bathrooms, laundries, pantries, and storage 
• Parking, access points, outdoor furniture, BBQ areas 
• Small but important details—appliances, amenities, and lifestyle features 

An STR specialised photographer understands what needs to be communicated visually for guest confidence. A “friend with a good camera” simply doesn’t have that experience, and the missed detail translates directly into fewer bookings. 

Why Blended Photography Is the Gold Standard

For your property to stand out in a crowded digital marketplace, you need more than one “type” of image. Professional STR photographers use a blend of techniques to give potential guests a comprehensive understanding of what staying in your property will feel like. 

Here’s how each type plays a role: 

1. Architectural Photography

This is what demonstrates that you how you property is different.  Design plays a huge role in attracting (converting) enquiries – it is what makes the property different, unique, curated etc. 

Purpose:

• Creates emotional impact
• Communicates design, space, and light
• Establishes the “aspirational value” 

Benefit:  Your property competes in a split-second scrolling environment. Hero images stop the scroll.

2. Lifestyle & Vignette Photography 

These are close-up shots that convey mood, texture, and experience.

Purpose:

• Showcase considered details—coffee setups, soft furnishings, window seats
• Transform a “house” into a “stay”

Benefit:  Lifestyle imagery signals professionalism and elevates your property emotionally, helping attract longer and higher-value bookings.

3. Functional Photography (critical for STR)

This is often where DIY photography fails spectacularly.

Purpose: To give guests confidence by showing the practical elements of how they are going to live (remembering that these people are rarely inspecting the property however in some cases are also living there for months at a time. 

• Laundry facilities 
• Workspaces 
• Kitchen appliances 
• Heating/cooling 
• Car spaces (inc. sizes) 
• Access and entry 
• Storage solutions 
• Floorplans are viewed the longest! 

Benefit:  These images significantly reduce prebooking questions and guest uncertainty—two major barriers to securing bookings. 

4. Drone / Aerial Photography 

Perfect for showcasing the immediate location, proximity to beaches, parks, and transport links. 

Purpose: 

• Places your property within its lifestyle setting 
• Highlights views and surroundings

Benefit:  Guests aren’t just booking a home—they’re booking a neighbourhood. 

5. Twilight Photography:   

This adds emotional depth and creates atmosphere. 

Purpose: 

• Enhances warmth and ambience
• Conveys luxury
• Attracts premium guests

Benefit:  Twilight shots create a “wow factor” that pushes guests from browsing into booking.

6.  Location Photography

You know what they say, location, location, location. Location photography showcases the lifestyle your guests will enjoy beyond the four walls of your property.

Purpose: 

• Amenities that define the experience of staying in your neighbourhood. 
• This includes nearby beaches, parks,  
• Cafés, Village Hubs, Playgrounds,  
• Activities and Lifestyle 

Benefit:  Location shots are for short-term rentals, this is crucial because guests aren’t just renting a home — they’re buying a destination.

So, What Happens If You Don’t Do This Properly?

Let’s be direct. If you skip professional photography—or attempt to “DIY” it—here is what you can expect:

• Lower clickthrough rates on all platforms 
• Fewer enquiries 
• Shorter stays 
• Lower nightly rates 
• Lower-quality guests (professionals and executives simply won’t enquire) 
• A reduction in repeat bookings 
• A direct, measurable reduction in annual revenue

Photography is not a cost. It is a commercial investment that repays itself quickly—usually in the first booking or two. 

At Property Providers, our core purpose is “Helping People Live Better”.  As Sydney’s most flexible residential rental agency, we are focused on Property Management and renting “Your Property, Your Way”. We have designed 6 different rental services covering all facets of Long-Term Leasing and Short-Term Stays. Unlike franchise real estate agencies, we see the value in pragmatism and flexibility. Whether you want to rent your property furnished or unfurnished, for 6 months or 5 years, we will manage your property, your way. Our bespoke marketing strategies deliver discerning international tenants who understand quality and are prepared to pay for it.  If you would like to learn more, please visit our website or call us on +61 2 9969 7599

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