Frequently Asked Questions on Holiday Home Photography

What is holiday home photography?

Holiday home photography is a professional photography service specifically designed for short-term rental properties, including vacation homes, Airbnb listings, serviced apartments, and villas. It focuses on showcasing the guest experience, comfort, and lifestyle rather than just room layouts.

Why is holiday home photography important?

Holiday home photography is important because high-quality images:

  • Increase booking rates
  • Improve listing visibility on Airbnb and Booking.com
  • Allow owners to charge higher nightly rates
  • Build trust and credibility with potential guests

Most guests decide whether to book based on photos alone.

How does holiday home photography increase bookings?

Professional photos attract more clicks, keep users engaged longer, and create a premium perception of the property. Platforms like Airbnb reward this engagement with better rankings, leading to more bookings and higher occupancy.

Is holiday home photography different from real estate photography?

Yes. Holiday home photography focuses on ambiance, lifestyle, and guest experience, while real estate photography is aimed at selling or leasing a property and is more neutral and technical.

How many photos are ideal for a holiday home listing?

Most platforms recommend:

  • 20–30 photos for apartments
  • 30–40 photos for villas or large holiday homes

This typically includes interior rooms, outdoor areas, amenities, and lifestyle shots.

How often should I update my holiday home photos?

You should update your holiday home photography:

  • After renovations or furniture changes
  • When adding new amenities
  • If booking performance drops
  • At least once every 12–18 months

Updated photos help keep listings competitive.

Does holiday home photography help with SEO?

Yes. Optimized images improve website SEO by increasing dwell time, reducing bounce rates, and appearing in Google Image Search. Using proper image filenames and alt text enhances visibility further.

Should I use my phone or hire a professional photographer?

While smartphones are improving, professional photographers use:

  • Wide-angle lenses without distortion
  • Advanced lighting techniques
  • Professional editing optimized for booking platforms

Hiring a professional delivers significantly better results and higher ROI.

How long does a holiday home photography shoot take?

A typical shoot takes:

  • 60–90 minutes for apartments
  • 2–3 hours for villas or large properties

Turnaround time is usually 24–48 hours.

What should I prepare before a holiday home photography session?

Before the shoot:

  • Declutter all rooms
  • Clean thoroughly
  • Open curtains for natural light
  • Remove personal items
  • Style beds, cushions, and dining areas

Good preparation maximizes photo quality.

Is holiday home photography worth the investment?

Yes. Holiday home photography is one of the highest-return investments for short-term rentals. It directly impacts visibility, pricing power, and booking consistency.