The light:
Natural light: take photos during the day, using natural light whenever possible. Open curtains and shutters to let the light in. It’s not out of the question to take additional photos during the evening blue-hour or at sunrise, too, to capture the pleasant atmosphere this can create.
Avoid harsh shadows: photograph during the golden hours (just after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, pleasant light. If you’d still like to have some night shots, especially for Loves-Rooms, you’ll need to go the other way around and play up the night-time atmosphere with all the lights on.
Interior lighting: I strongly recommend turning on all the lights in the apartment (ceiling lights, halogens, bedside lamps, various spotlights, light from the kitchen hood…) to describe the cozy atmosphere of the apartment intended for vacation rental, so that the future customer can project himself into his new vacation home.
Composition:
Wide angles: use a wide-angle lens (I personally don’t hesitate to go up to 12 mm) to capture more of the room in a single photo. This gives a better impression of the space. When using a wide-angle lens, be careful not to frame furniture on both sides of the composition, as you risk distorting the image.
Shooting height: take photos at an intermediate height, about eye level when seated, or about the height of a doorknob… for a natural, balanced perspective (not too much ceiling, not too much floor).
Rule of thirds: compose your photos using the rule of thirds to create balanced, interesting images. Imagine dividing the image into nine equal parts and placing key elements along these lines or at their intersections. Show the junctions between rooms by leaving all doors to rooms and corridors open.
Technical details:
Use a tripod: a tripod ensures camera stability and sharper shots, especially in low light.
Camera settings: if you’re using an SLR or hybrid camera, set a small aperture (large f value) for maximum depth of field. Use a low ISO to avoid digital noise (or de-noise in post-processing).
Post-processing: use photo editing software to adjust brightness, contrast and saturation. Correct optical distortions and straighten horizontal and vertical lines. Shoot in RAW format for greater retouching range. Prepare photos in HD and a BD copy for the web.
Specific points to photograph :
Main rooms: focus on living areas such as the living room, kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. Make sure you show the view from the windows, so you can project yourself into the traveler’s eyes.
Equipment and conveniences: highlight important equipment such as the pool, spa, fireplace and barbecue, set up the deckchairs in the garden and open the awnings and parasols… but don’t forget the small kitchen appliances either (hiding the unsightly electrical cords).
Exterior: take photos of the exterior of the property, garden, terrace or balcony. Show the views if they are remarkable. Do the photo shoot during the summer, avoid facing the sun, beware of shadows. If your property has a sea view, avoid low tide and prefer high tide.
Examples of shots :
Living room: shoot diagonally to show more depth. Include elements such as sofas, coffee tables and decorative elements.
Kitchen: highlight equipment and cleanliness. Take photos of uncluttered worktops. Avoid showing marks.
Bedroom: take photos of the bed made with clean, unstained sheets and pillows arranged neatly without creases. Add decorative touches like bedside lamps that will be lit for the shot.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create attractive photographs that will attract the attention of potential tenants and enhance the value of your vacation rental.
Stéphane Clément