What's the difference?
When it comes to photographing a property, the approach can vary significantly depending on its purpose. Two common types of real estate photography—short-term rental (STR) photography and real estate listing photography—serve different goals and require distinct strategies. While both aim to showcase a space in its best light, STR photography is focused on long-term marketing appeal, while real estate listing photography is designed for a quick sale.
Real estate listing photography is primarily functional, capturing a property’s layout, features, and overall condition to attract buyers. The goal is to provide an accurate yet visually appealing representation of the home, helping potential buyers decide if it meets their needs. Since a listing is only active for a limited time—typically until the home is sold—the images serve a short-term purpose. Real estate photos often follow a standard formula: well-lit rooms, wide angles, and straightforward compositions that provide a clear sense of space.
Short-term rental photography, on the other hand, is all about selling an experience. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo rely on high-quality, inviting images that make potential guests envision themselves staying in the space. This type of photography goes beyond simply showing the property—it highlights ambiance, comfort, and unique details that set the rental apart from the competition. Staging, styling, and mood-setting techniques, such as warm lighting and lifestyle elements, play a key role in making an STR listing more appealing. Because these images are used for ongoing bookings, they must be polished, enticing, and evergreen, ensuring they remain effective for months or even years.
Why does Short Term Rental Photography cost more than Real Estate Listing Photography?
Short-term rental (STR) photography typically costs more than real estate listing photography because of the differences in purpose, quality expectations, and the amount of work involved. Here’s why:
1. Marketing vs. Sales Approach
- Real Estate Listing Photography: The goal is to sell a property, and once it’s sold, the photos are no longer needed. These images are usually viewed for a few weeks or months.
- Short-Term Rental Photography: The goal is to market a property for ongoing bookings. These photos can be used for months or years, requiring a higher level of quality to maximize booking potential.
2. Higher Quality and Attention to Detail
- STR photos must be engaging, warm, and inviting, showcasing not just the space but the experience.
- Extra effort goes into staging, lighting, and angles to make it look as appealing as possible to potential renters.
3. More Time and Effort in Shooting and Editing
- STR photography involves capturing more details, such as décor, amenities, and ambiance, requiring more shots per room.
- Advanced editing is often needed to ensure bright, crisp, and vibrant images that stand out on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
4. Usage Rights & Longevity
- STR photos are used for an extended period and directly generate ongoing revenue for the owner, increasing their value.
- Real estate listing photos typically have limited use since they only serve the purpose of a one-time sale.
5. Additional Services Included
- STR photography focuses on shots of provided items in the rental which add to the cost.
- Real estate listing photography is usually more basic and may not include these extras unless specifically requested.
Pro Rental Photos: See the Return on Investment
Investing in professional photography for an Airbnb or Vrbo listing can significantly boost bookings and revenue. While the exact return on investment (ROI) varies depending on factors like location, competition, and pricing strategy, here’s what you can generally expect:
1. Increased Bookings (Up to 40% More)
- Airbnb has stated that listings with professional photos tend to earn 20–40% more than those without.
- High-quality images make a property stand out, leading to more clicks, views, and ultimately more reservations.
2. Higher Nightly Rates (5-20% Increase)
- Listings with high-quality images often command higher rates, as professional photos create a sense of luxury and trust.
- Guests are willing to pay more for a property that looks well-maintained and inviting.
3. Faster Bookings & Fewer Vacant Nights
- Professional images help reduce the time a listing stays unbooked, ensuring higher occupancy rates.
- A more attractive listing can lead to last-minute bookings and repeat guests.
4. Better Reviews & Guest Expectations
- Professional images set accurate expectations, reducing cancellations and negative reviews.
- Guests who get exactly what they expect are more likely to leave positive reviews, further boosting bookings.
5. Long-Term Value
- Unlike a real estate listing, STR photos keep working for months or years, maximizing their impact over time.
- A one-time investment in high-quality photos can generate thousands of dollars in additional revenue over the lifespan of a listing.
