{"id":3610,"date":"2024-02-29T10:38:36","date_gmt":"2024-02-29T10:38:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.schofields.ltd.uk\/blog\/?p=3610"},"modified":"2024-03-01T12:18:19","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T12:18:19","slug":"photographing-a-holiday-let","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schofields.ltd.uk\/blog\/3610\/photographing-a-holiday-let\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Take Better Photos of Your Holiday Cottage"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 10<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

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They say that \u201ca picture is worth a thousand words\u201d, and nowhere is this truer than when selling holidays. Studies show that you have just 20 seconds for your photos to make an impression before viewers lose interest and move on to a competing holiday let.<\/p>\n

Holiday cottage photography is one of the most versatile tools to increase bookings \u2013 but only if it\u2019s done well. Do your photos showcase the property features at their absolute best? Do they entice people to stay there? If not, it\u2019s time to take some new photos.<\/p>\n

In this guide we\u2019ve put some tips together to help you create professional photos of your holiday let.<\/p>\n

Holiday cottage photos have two objectives<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With over 2 million listings on Vrbo and 7 million on Airbnb competing with your ad – travellers are spoilt for choice.<\/p>\n

Firstly, high-quality professional photographs and stylish interior design will help your property stand out from similar holiday lets, grab the attention of customers and draw them in.<\/p>\n

Secondly, your photos must make an emotional connection with guests and convince them that your holiday home is where they will enjoy the best possible holiday experience.
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\n<\/strong>Think about what your guests want<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Before your photoshoot think of the holiday experience your typical guest is looking for at your holiday cottage so your photos can appeal to their emotions.<\/p>\n

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  • What is your ideal guest looking for in a holiday let?<\/li>\n
  • Which stand-out features does your holiday let have?<\/li>\n
  • What are the focal views in each room and outside?<\/li>\n
  • Are there any local views\/scenes\/attractions that would be good to include in your marketing?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Should you hire a professional photographer?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    Anyone can take photos, right? Wrong. Although digital technology and smartphones have made photography much easier, not everyone can take a good picture, and not everyone has the right professional equipment to do so either.<\/p>\n

    Most owners have a habit of taking photos at eye level, showing lots of ceiling, so they point the camera down, resulting in \u2018wonky-looking\u2019 shots.<\/p>\n

    As a business priority, you should invest in hiring a professional photographer to take your holiday cottage photos. This is because the quality of photos taken with professional photography, lighting equipment and a skilled eye will always be higher than those you take yourself. This means that your holiday let can be promoted in the best possible way.<\/p>\n

    Some professionals even have access to drones that can capture your holiday cottage and its surroundings from the air \u2013 often the results can be truly stunning.<\/p>\n

    Think of the cost of hiring a photographer in terms of extra bookings too. If having professional images allows you to secure just two or three extra bookings, then the long-term benefit will more than offset the original cost of hiring a photographer. Plus, any extra demand they create means you could also increase your rates.<\/p>\n

    Hosts with professional photos receive 20% more bookings and earn more than other hosts in their area.<\/p>\n

    How to choose a holiday cottage photographer<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    A simple Google search will probably leave you spoilt for choice in terms of photographers for hire, with a mixture of freelancers and agencies to choose from.<\/p>\n

    It might be a good idea to look specifically for a photographer who specialises in holiday let or property photography. If you list on Airbnb, they offer a service to hire a photographer via their Pro Photo Programme<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    You could ask for recommendations on social forums such as a Facebook Group for holiday let owners \u2013 but be sure to do your research before you hire.<\/p>\n

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    • Examine the photographer\u2019s existing portfolio of past work. Make sure that all the finer details have been addressed. Untidy curtains, a crumpled bed, wonky pictures and unfluffed pillows in photos are unacceptable.<\/li>\n
    • Do they have verified testimonials?<\/li>\n
    • Do they already work with holiday letting agencies and tourist businesses in your area?<\/li>\n
    • Expect to pay upwards of \u00a3500 per day including editing.<\/li>\n
    • Discuss your requirements with potential photographers. For example, some won\u2019t include staging and styling as part of the price they charge, so check they\u2019re providing exactly what you expect.<\/li>\n
    • Make sure you establish who has the ownership rights to any photos taken. You need full control over ownership and where photos are published.<\/li>\n
    • To compliment your photos, some professionals can also create a floorplan, 360 interactive tours<\/a>, aerial drone photography and videos<\/a> of your holiday cottage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Here are some professional holiday cottage photographers to research further:
      \nhttps:\/\/www.insidestoryphotography.co.uk\/<\/p>\n

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