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A picture is worth a thousand words, and this old adage couldn’t be truer than in the case of your holiday home photography.
Your potential guests’ first impressions of your holiday property are formed mainly on the basis of your promotional photos. If they’re not showing off your holiday let to its full potential, they’re not doing their job properly.
The photos are so important that here at holidaycottages.co.uk, we offer professional photography through expert property marketing company ehouse. While they use the latest technology and expert photographers to capture your property, there are many things that you can do to ensure that the photos stand out to potential guests.
We’ve come up with a checklist of all the things you should consider, room by room, when preparing for your marketing photos. Some are things which need to be considered at the decorating and furnishing stage, others are small tweaks which make all the difference when it comes to making your property look inviting to guests.
If you’re ready to discover how we can help your property achieve its full potential, get in touch with our expert team today.
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General pointers when preparing for marketing photos
- Remove anything superfluous that could distract from the focus (items out of place, personal items etc.)
- Use considered colour schemes when decorating, avoid clashing styles
- Large white objects, like bedspreads or sofas, can upset the contrast of a photo, so consider breaking them up with coloured throws and cushions
- Arrange the rooms how they will be when guests arrive
- Straighten everything so it looks its best – nothing should look like it’s been used, sat on or slept in
- Turn on the lights, even in the daytime, to create a welcoming atmosphere
- Only accessorise with items that will be in the cottage when the guests arrive (with the exception of food and drink) – rooms should be dressed but not over the top
- Clean all windows and make sure they’re free of fingerprints and dust
- Present your property in an aspirational way – wine and glasses on the dining table, bubbling hot tub, roaring fire etc., are all luxuries that guests will look forward to enjoying
Photography tips for the lounge
The living room should come across as an inviting space in which to relax and unwind. Cosy soft furnishings, textured throws, cushions and art on the walls all add to the welcoming feel.
- Balance neutral décor with splashes of colour – cushions, throws and artwork in harmonious hues help bring the colour scheme together
- Plump up cushions on sofas, arrange throws aesthetically and adjust curtains
- Pop an open book and mugs of coffee on the coffee table to help the viewer imagine themself using the room
- Light the wood burner if you have one
- Straighten books and ornaments on shelves
- Pause the TV on an attractive screen
Photography tips for kitchens
In terms of holiday let photography, the kitchen should look clean, uncluttered and ready for your guests to cook up a storm! If there’s a breakfast area, it should be dressed as such to help the viewer envisage how the space is designed to be used.
- Polish the sink and taps, worktops, cupboard handles and all glossy surfaces – anything that can shine, should shine!
- Put away any clutter, including cleaning equipment
- Dress the table or breakfast area with enticing breakfast foods, and perhaps a vase of flowers
- Make sure key appliances (coffee machines, range cookers etc) can be clearly seen
- Choose tea towels, small appliances, artwork and ornaments (if any) to match your colour scheme or theme
- Consider breaking up large countertops or tables with items such as a fruit bowl or homemade scones
- Display local delicacies to give potential guests a taste of the region before they’ve even arrived
- Make sure blinds are neatly drawn
Photography tips for the dining room
When preparing your dining room for holiday rental photography, it’s important that you show your guests that there is enough space for everyone in their party to sit around and enjoy a meal.
- Lay up the place settings and straighten chairs
- Ensure tableware is matching
- Add a splash of colour with some fresh flowers, a jug of orange juice, or other appetising food items
- Avoid using any branded props when you set up compositions, i.e. food cartons or labelled bottles
- Make sure any artwork is straight on the walls
- Open patio doors if there are any to show that guests can enjoy the garden/view at mealtimes
Photography tips for bedrooms
For your holiday home photography, your bedrooms should be displayed as they will when your guests arrive, with a special focus on neatness.
- Straighten and smooth bed linen – make sure it is crisp and ironed as this will come across in the photos
- Ensure there are sufficient pillows and that they are plumped and inviting
- Arrange any throws and extra cushions neatly
- Towels can be folded and arranged neatly on the bed – make sure the colours complement the colour scheme
- Consider minimal props such as a book or coffee on the bedside table
- Turn on all lights, including lamps, to create a homely feel
- Any luxury items such as bathrobes which will be available to guests should be displayed
Photography tips for bathrooms
It goes without saying that bathrooms should be clean and polished, but small extra touches can add an element of luxury, and help your holiday cottage photographer capture them in an aspirational way.
- Make sure that everything is sparkling clean – pay particular attention to shower screens and mirrors
- Put out fresh towels and present them straight and crisp
- Display any products which will be available for guests' use (shampoo, soap, etc.), and consider these items carefully – your photos will be used for a while
- Straighten all loose items – make sure the toilet roll is neat, bins closed, toilet brush clean and tucked away
- Make sure cleaning products aren’t visible
- A small vase of flowers or pottery in the window can help add a splash of colour
Photography tips for gardens and outside areas
Gardens are sometimes overlooked when preparing for holiday let photography, but they are an important consideration for most guests. Ensure that you treat your outdoor spaces with as much care as the interior and they can become a unique selling point that makes your property stand out from the rest.
- Give the garden a good tidy up – make sure shrubs and flower borders are neat, potted plants are alive and thriving, lawns are mowed, and plants are dead-headed
- Sweep and pressure wash paths and driveways
- Ideally, garden photos will be taken in spring or summer when new growth and flowers add a splash of colour and vitality
- Water the flowers and plants as they will sparkle in the light making for a beautiful photo
- Put away any gardening equipment – lawnmowers, hoses, trowels, etc.
- Make sure outdoor furniture is clean and in good condition
- Dress the table with a tablecloth and a few accessories such as fruit juice, wine and place settings
- Arrange cushions on the outdoor seating, put up the parasol if it is sunny
- Ensure that the BBQ is clean and visible
- If there is a hot tub at your property, remove the cover and switch on jets and lights so that it is bubbling and inviting
- If you have an outdoor swimming pool, clear all leaves, robotic pool cleaners and inflatables
Final considerations for your holiday let photography
When staging your holiday let for photos, do one final walkaround to check if there’s anything you’ve missed, and to make sure that the property’s styling is working together as a whole.
The thing to remember is that you want the character of your property to shine through, rather than your own personal style – that’s not to say that subtle themes (such as a nautical theme, or country cottage style) are undesirable, but ‘less-is-more’ is a good mantra to stick to.
Your photos are the advert for your property, they need to catch the viewer's eye, draw them in and help them envisage enjoying the spaces themselves.
For more ideas on how to style your holiday home, take a look at our articles on decorating your holiday home and top features for holiday lets.
Let with us!
We’re always on the search for new owners to let their properties, whatever the style and appeal.
With an exceptional team who are dedicated to showcasing your property to help maximise its true potential, you get a simple, stress-free and successful letting experience that delivers you a healthy return.
If you are considering letting your holiday home, then we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and let us help you on your journey. Call 01237 459991 or send us a message.
You can also download a free letting guide.
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