How Interior Photography Helped Increase Rental Bookings and Prices
Let’s be honest—what’s the first thing you check when looking for a place to stay?
Good photos. Clear, bright, detailed photos that show the size of the rooms, the furniture, and the little extras that make a stay more comfortable. Personally, I get really frustrated when people rent out expensive properties, but I can’t even tell how big the kitchen is or whether the bedroom has enough closet space.
One day I was contacted by Simon from Leeds. He asked me to photograph several rooms in his large house, which he rents out on a short-term basis to tourists from all over the world. His place is an affordable but cozy option for travelers who want their own kitchen, fridge, and a homely atmosphere.
The Photography Brief
My job was to take interior photos of the guest living room, a few bedrooms, and shared spaces like the bathroom and toilet. While I won’t share all the photos here (there were many!), I’ll walk you through a few examples.
First up: the living room. It was important to highlight how spacious and inviting it is, with a comfortable sofa and natural light. We also made sure to show a small breakfast setup—a nice extra for guests.
Then there was one of the main bedrooms. A large, sunny room with a soft bed, side tables, a chair, and a full-height window that opens wide. Guests can adjust the temperature as they like, and fun cat-themed wallpaper adds a quirky charm. These small details make a big difference when it comes to standing out on rental platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
Of course, not all rooms were large. One room in particular was very compact—just a bed and a chair fit inside. Still, it included a built-in wardrobe. Shooting such a small space was a challenge, but thanks to my Canon full-frame camera and a Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens, I was able to capture the entire room without distortion.
The Results?
I followed up with Simon to see how things were going—and the results were fantastic. He told me that after uploading the new photos, his bookings increased significantly, even though he had raised the rental price.
Why? Because the photos didn’t just look good—they showed the right things: the extra features, the cozy furniture, the sense of space and comfort. That’s what helped potential guests imagine themselves staying there—and that’s what sells. And here’s a little backstage with a cute dog as a bonus.
