After more than two decades of photographing homes, hotels, and short-term rentals, I’ve learned one constant truth: great, eye-catching photos sell spaces. When browsing to book a short-term rental, a listing’s first impression is often its only impression. The first impression often isn’t due to the listing description, but a reader’s first impression comes from the photo(s).
However, here is the ‘secret’ that nearly all beginners miss — it’s not just about fancy gear or perfect lighting. What matters most is catching the right angles, which help depict the space’s story.
After 20 years behind the lens, here are my top five photo angles I feel stand out, and help convert a casual browser into a paying guest.
The Wide-Angle Living Room Shot
Your living room is the heart and soul of the property, and it’s the area that immediately sets the tone for the entire property listing or flyer.
Nothing beats taking a wide-angle shot from one corner of the room that captures the entirety — the layout, furniture, decorations, and natural light flow.
Pro tip:
- Always shoot from waist-height so that it has a balanced perspective of the space.
- Use natural light where possible – typically, the morning light is always the best (softest and most flattering).
- Lastly, please don’t photograph directly into a window – avoid glare by tilting your camera slightly to the side.
In capturing the length and breadth of the living room, you provide guests with a realistic feel for the space — the space may fool you into thinking it is big, bright and welcoming.
The Bedroom Corner Angle
Bedrooms are all about comfort, and the easiest way to convey that is using a corner shot that shows the bed and its environment—lamps, windows, or artwork. This angle helps your guests imagine themselves relaxing after a long day of exploring.
Pro-Tip:
- Fluff pillows and straighten bedding prior to the shot.
- Keep bedside tables simple—it’s okay to have a book or plant, too.
- Create a cozy, lived-in feel with warm lighting.
Remember: our guests are not just seeing the place they are sleeping—they feel it.
The Kitchen Work Triangle
Kitchens are a huge selling feature for travelers who would prefer to cook their own meals, and think about how to show the “work triangle”—stove”, sink, and refrigerator. The work triangle tells you about functionality and flow within the kitchen space.
Pro-Tip: Clear countertops of everything except a couple props (a coffee mug or a bowl of fruit adds warmth.)
- Shoot from a diagonal across the space to show depth.
- If available, turn on under-cabinet lights—they create texture on surfaces beautifully.
A great shot of the kitchen conveys to the guest, “You are going to love to cook here.”
The Bathroom Mirror Angle (Done Right)
Bathrooms can be challenging — they are confined spaces, shiny, and don’t always have fantastic lighting. The trick I have learned is to photograph from the doorway at an angle that shows the sink, mirror, and shower without being in your own reflection.
Pro Tip:
- Leave lights on, but balance with natural light if you can.
- Take a shot with a tripod — bathrooms tend to need slower shutter speeds.
- You could roll a towel or add a small vase for a spa-like touch.
A well lit an clean looking photo shows the cleanliness and care of your property.
The Exterior Welcome Shot
Your exterior photo can be considered the digital equivalent of a “handshake”. It is the first thing a potential guest sees.
Be sure to take the front angle of the property during the golden hour (early am or late afternoon), as the light will be soft and warm.
Pro Tip:
- Consider showing part of the entrance or patio to add depth.
- Remember to clear the path or driveway, to be trash bin, car and shadow free.
- For additional appeal, if you have outside seating, you could stage it with cushions or a drink tray.
This photo should immediately make guest say “yes, that’s where I want to stay.”
Bonus Tip: Tell a Story
The images you display in your listing must have coherence—from living room to bedroom to balcony to kitchen. Guests will feel as though they are walking through the home as they scroll through the listing.
A reminder—don’t just simply photograph the rooms; capture the moments and the details. Shooting a cup of coffee on the balcony, a ray of sunshine across the floor, a sumptuous throw on a couch—these details speak to guests and help them imagine themselves in your space.
Summary
As a photographer with 20 years of experience, I can tell you this—the right angles will take your short-term rental photo from mediocre to irresistible.
It isn’t about perfection; it is about emotion. Every photo should have guests feel like they are already at home, way before they click and book.
So next time you’re photographing your listing, just remember: lighting, composition, and storytelling matter much more than equipment. Once you get those elements right, your calendar will fill before your camera’s memory card fills.
