Because you live in a stunning yet out-of-the-way vacation destination, chances are that the first time that your guests discover your location – and your company – is via the internet. With property searches, reservations, leases, and guest communications all taking place online, visitors generally rely on the web to learn all there is to know about the vacation rental homes with your company.

As a result, having gorgeous photos for your vacation rental properties is essential. Your online photos serve as the first impression of a property to guests, and multiple studies have shown that attractive photos are one of the primary reasons why guests will book one home over a second comparable property.

So if you want your vacation rental property photos to shine and stand out in a crowd, be sure and follow these tips that will always put your homes in a positive light.

Use a wide angle lens (most of the time)

Not only will a wide angle lens show more of the room you’re photographing, but it will also make all those interior rooms look larger and more spacious. There’s only one caveat to a wide angle lens – don’t use it for views! A wide angle lens will also make attractive landmarks in the neighborhood, (like the oceanfront beaches), look much farther away.

Let there be light

Natural lighting will go a long way in brightening up your photos, so before you shoot, be sure and turn on all of the lights in the home, and open up all of the blinds and windows. This is especially important if there’s a great view waiting outside, as your guests will appreciate getting a peak of the ocean or waterfront from their bedroom, kitchen, living area, etc.

Make the beds

A scruffy bed with tangled sheets and plain pillows is not a very inviting image. So make sure the beds are nice and neat before you start your photo shoot. If there aren’t pillowcases available, simply place the comforter on top of the pillows so it looks cozy and enticing.

Don’t be afraid to stage

It’s perfectly fine to move little décor items around the home to create a prettier picture! If the vacation rental has gorgeous dishware, go ahead and set the table for the dining room pic. If there is a pretty statue or vase with flowers, go ahead and sneak it into the shot. Use the home’s existing attributes and décor items to create a more attractive picture all around.

Know what to shoot, and what to leave out

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to shoot all interior rooms, decks, pools and hot tubs, and views, when applicable. But remember that this itinerary of photos doesn’t have to be set in stone! Bathroom pics, (unless the bathroom has enticing features like a separate shower or Jacuzzi), generally aren’t necessary, and if the home is in a crowded neighborhood, you may want to skip those exterior deck and view pics. Make smart decisions on what to photograph, and what can be left out, to avoid focus on any less-desirable aspects of the home.

Keep it sunny

Sounds obvious, but the best time to shoot is on a sunny day! So when the weather is clear and gorgeous, and your local landscape is at its best, grab the camera and get to work. Best of all, a bright and sunny day is the perfect time to get out of the office, get out in the field, and discover how pretty your vacation rentals are when the sun is out.