There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing your holiday let’s calendar packed with bookings, isn't there? It's the reward for all the hard work you've poured into creating a wonderful escape for your guests. But before they can fall in love with your property in person, they have to fall in love with it online. And that’s where professional photography comes in.
I’m Matthew, a professional property photographer based here in Somerset. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing countless beautiful holiday lets across the region, from chic apartments in Bristol to charming cottages in the Mendip Hills. I’ve seen firsthand what a dramatic difference the right images can make. The secret, however, isn’t just about having a professional camera; it’s about what happens before I even arrive. It’s all in the preparation.
This guide is for you, the host. I want to pull back the curtain and share my insider knowledge on how to style your holiday let for photography day. Think of me as your partner in this process. Together, we can create a gallery of images that don’t just show a space, but sell an experience. We'll walk through every room and every detail, ensuring your property looks its absolute best and is ready for its close-up. If you're ready to elevate your listing, my professional Airbnb and holiday let photography services are designed to do just that.
01Why Great Styling is Your Secret Weapon
In the bustling online marketplace of Airbnb, Vrbo, and other booking sites, your photographs are your single most important sales tool. Before a potential guest reads a single word of your description, they will have already made a snap judgment based on your lead image. Great styling, captured by professional photography, is what turns a casual browser into a booked guest.
Styling is about creating an aspirational vision. It’s about helping people imagine themselves pouring a glass of wine in your kitchen, curling up with a book in your living room, or waking up refreshed in your beautifully prepared bedroom. It’s not about misrepresentation; it’s about showcasing your property at its absolute peak potential. When you invest in styling, you’re not just making things look pretty. You are directly influencing your business's bottom line by enabling higher booking rates, justifying a premium price point, and making your listing the one that stands out amidst a sea of competitors.
02The Three Pillars of Photoshoot Preparation
To get those stunning, booking-magnet photos, we need to focus on three core principles. Getting these right lays the foundation for a successful shoot.
1. Deep Clean & Declutter: The Non-Negotiable First Step This goes far beyond your standard changeover clean. Every single surface needs to be spotless. We're talking gleaming taps, streak-free windows, and dust-free skirting boards. The camera lens is unforgiving and will pick up details the naked eye might miss. Decluttering is just as crucial. This means clearing away anything that isn't essential or beautiful. Piles of magazines, remote controls, and kitchen gadgets should all be tucked away out of sight. A clean, clear space feels more spacious, serene, and luxurious.
2. Depersonalise: Help Guests Imagine Their Stay This can be a tough one, but it’s vital. You’ve made your holiday let a home, but for a photoshoot, we need it to be a blank canvas for your future guests. This means temporarily removing personal items like family photos, children’s drawings, and quirky souvenirs. The goal is to allow potential bookers to project themselves and their own holiday dreams onto the space. When they see the photos, they should picture themselves making memories there, not stepping into someone else's life.
3. Define Your Vibe: Style with Your Ideal Guest in Mind Who are you trying to attract? Is your property a romantic retreat for two? A base for a family’s adventurous week in Somerset? A chic city-break pad in Bath? Once you know your target audience, you can style the property to appeal directly to them. For a romantic getaway, you might add plush throws, and elegant glassware. For a family, you could have a few stylish board games on a shelf or a welcome basket with some local treats. This targeted approach makes your listing resonate strongly with the right people.
03A Room-by-Room Styling Masterclass
Once you have the foundations in place, it’s time to focus on the details. This is where we elevate your property from simply ‘clean and tidy’ to ‘magazine-worthy’. Let’s walk through your holiday let, room by room.
The Living Room: Your Welcome Hug This is where your guests will unwind. It needs to feel comfortable and inviting. Start by plumping up every cushion and neatly folding any throws. On the coffee table, less is more. A simple, elegant vignette works best – think a small stack of interesting local books, a single beautiful plant, or a stylish tray. Make sure any shelves are tidy and curated, not cluttered. The goal is to create a sense of calm and order.
The Kitchen & Dining Area: The Heart of the Holiday Kitchens are often the hub of a holiday home, and they need to be spotless. Clear every single worktop. That means the toaster, the kettle, the knife block, and especially the washing-up liquid and sponges all need to be temporarily hidden away. For the dining table, set it simply for two or four people. You don’t need a full banquet setting; a placemat, plate, and glass for each setting is perfect. A bowl of fresh, colourful local produce – some lovely Somerset apples or a punnet of Cheddar strawberries – or a simple vase of flowers can add a perfect pop of life and colour.
The Bedrooms: A Sanctuary for Sleep Your guests are dreaming of a restful escape, and the bedroom photos must promise just that. The single most important element here is crisp, clean, and ideally ironed bedding. Hotel-quality white linen is always a winner as it looks fresh, clean, and luxurious. Ensure the bedside tables are symmetrical and clear, perhaps with a matching lamp on each. While you should remove all personal items from wardrobes, if you have a beautiful, high-end wardrobe, we might want to photograph it with the door slightly ajar and a single, stylish wooden hanger inside to show off the quality storage.
The Bathrooms: Your At-Home Spa Transform your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary. This means it must be impeccably clean. Provide a set of fresh, fluffy white towels, neatly folded or rolled. Remove all personal toiletries from the shower and countertops. If you have wall-mounted dispensers, ensure they are full and clean. A brand-new bar of soap in a dish or a stylish set of dispenser bottles for hand soap and lotion is a must. A small, moisture-loving plant like an orchid or a fern can add a touch of green and a sense of tranquility.
The Great Outdoors: Your Alfresco Selling Point If you have a garden, patio, or balcony, it’s a huge selling point. Make sure the lawn is mown, and any weeds are removed. Set up your garden furniture as you would for guests, including the cushions. If you have a special feature like a hot tub, BBQ, or pizza oven, make sure it’s clean and ready to be the star of the show. We want to sell the lifestyle that your outdoor space offers.
04To Buy or To Borrow? A Quick Guide to Styling Props
Adding a few key props can make all the difference. But you don’t need to spend a fortune. Here’s a quick guide on what’s worth investing in versus what you might be able to borrow or use from your own home.
| Item | Buy or Borrow? | The Reason Why |
|---|---|---|
| High-Quality White Bedding | Buy | A fantastic investment that you can reuse for years. It screams ‘luxury’ and ‘cleanliness’ to guests. |
| Fluffy White Towels | Buy | Like bedding, this is a guest experience essential. Buy a dedicated ‘photo shoot’ set to keep them pristine. |
| Neutral Throws & Cushions | Borrow/Buy | You may have suitable items at home. If not, buying a few neutral options is a versatile investment. |
| Fresh Flowers & Plants | Buy | A must for shoot day. They bring life, colour, and a touch of nature indoors. Always buy them fresh. |
| Local Guidebooks & Maps | Borrow | Your local tourist information centre might provide these for free. Otherwise, a few nice-looking local guides are a good touch. |
| A Bottle of Local Cider | Buy | A bottle of local Somerset cider or a nice wine is a great prop for a ‘welcome’ shot. |
| Cafetière & Nice Mugs | Borrow/Buy | If you don’t already have a stylish set, it’s a good purchase. It helps sell the ‘morning coffee’ moment. |
05Timing is Everything: Scheduling Your Shoot
Clients often ask me when the best time to photograph their property is. While great photos are possible year-round, there are a few things to consider.
The Best Season Honestly, any season can work! Summer gives us glorious sunshine and brings the garden to life, which is perfect for properties with a strong outdoor focus. However, don’t discount the colder months. A cosy shot of a living room with the fire lit on a crisp autumn day can be incredibly appealing and help you secure those off-season bookings. The key is to style for the season you're shooting in. We want the photos to feel authentic to the time of year.
The Best Time of Day This is my job, so you can leave the lighting logistics to me! As a rule, I work with natural light as much as possible. I typically schedule shoots to take advantage of the bright, soft light of the morning and the warm, golden glow of the late afternoon. This avoids the harsh midday sun, which can create unflattering shadows. I’ll plan my visit to capture every room and your property’s exterior in its very best light.
06The Photoshoot Day Countdown
To make the day of the shoot as smooth and stress-free as possible, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s a simple timeline to follow.
The Day Before This is your main preparation day. The goal is to get everything 95% ready so that the morning of the shoot is just for final touches.
- The Big Clean & Declutter: This is the time to do the deep clean and hide away all the clutter we talked about.
- Shop for Fresh Props: Go out and buy your fresh flowers, fruit, or any other perishable props you want to use.
- Check Your Bulbs: Do a quick check of every light and lamp in the property. It’s amazing how often a single blown bulb can disrupt a shot, so replace any that aren’t working.
The Morning of the Shoot On the day I arrive, it’s all about the final presentation. I’ll typically arrive a little early to have a walk around with you.
- Final Tidy-Up: Do one last sweep for any clutter. Make the beds perfectly and arrange the cushions.
- Open All Curtains & Blinds: Let that beautiful natural light flood in! We need as much of it as possible.
- Lights On: Please turn on every single interior light and lamp. Yes, even in the daytime! This adds a layer of warmth and ensures all the spaces look bright and inviting in the photos.
- A Touch of Warmth: If it’s a cool or overcast day, putting the heating on for a little while before I arrive can help create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that really comes across on camera.
07Ready to Get Your Holiday Let Booked Solid?
And there you have it. Styling your holiday let for a professional photoshoot isn’t about being deceptive; it’s about showing your property in its best possible light. It’s a collaboration between your hard work in preparing the space and my expertise in capturing it.
By following this guide, you’re not just tidying up; you’re strategically preparing your most valuable marketing asset. You're creating the visual story that will stop scrollers in their tracks and have them reaching for the ‘Book Now’ button.
If you’re ready to create a stunning gallery of images that does justice to your beautiful holiday let, I’d love to chat. You can learn more about my approach on my professional Airbnb photography page, or if you’re ready to get the ball rolling, you can get a quote directly on my website. Let’s make your property the most sought-after listing in the area.
