(Because a Great First Impression Can Make All the Difference!)
When it comes to renting out your unit or spare room, first impressions matter—and in today’s online world, that “first impression” often comes from your listing photos. Whether you’re listing an ensuite, a private room, or a shared space, high-quality images can make your unit pop off the page and invite potential guests to click that all-important “Book” or “Contact Host” button. In this guide, we’ll cover why quality photos are crucial, and how to capture them like a pro.
1. Why Good Photos Matter
Attract More Viewers: Eye-catching photos help your listing stand out from the crowd. A clear, well-lit image piques interest faster than a blurry, dimly lit shot.
Build Trust: Clean, accurate photos show that you take pride in your unit. Guests feel more confident booking when they can clearly see the space they’ll be living in.
Showcase Highlights: Have a stunning view from the window or a newly renovated kitchen? Proper photos let you show off these features and justify your rent price.
Tip: Many guests decide whether to continue reading a listing after looking at the first few images. Don’t miss your chance to make a great impression!
2. Prepare Your Space
A little effort before you snap pictures can go a long way.
Clean and Declutter: Pick up any items on the floor, fold laundry, and store away random knick-knacks. A tidy room looks bigger and more inviting.
Make It Cozy: Fluff pillows, straighten bedsheets, and add small decorative touches like a plant or a lamp. This gives potential renters a glimpse of what it feels like to live there.
Check the Lighting: Natural light is your best friend! Throw open the curtains, turn on lights in darker corners, and avoid overly bright or artificial-looking bulbs.
3. Master the Lighting
Lighting can make or break a photo. Aim to shoot during daylight hours if possible, especially morning or late afternoon when natural light is warm and soft.
Use the Window: Position yourself so the light from the window is behind you or at an angle, illuminating the room.
Avoid Harsh Shadows: Too much direct sunlight can create unwanted shadows. If necessary, use a sheer curtain to soften the rays.
Use Interior Lights Strategically: Turn on lamps or overhead lights to brighten any dark corners. If one corner of the room is too dark, potential guests might wonder what’s hiding there.
4. Find the Right Angles
Wide Shots: Step back as far as you can, and hold the camera (or phone) at about chest height. This helps capture the room’s layout, including the walls and furnishings.
Corner Angles: Shooting from a corner can show more of the room’s depth and size than shooting straight on.
Highlight Features: Get a close-up of that cool study nook, large closet, or stunning city view. These details might seal the deal for a prospective guest!
5. Use the Right Tools
Most modern smartphones have decent cameras. If you have access to a DSLR or mirrorless camera, even better—but it’s not a must. What is essential is to ensure your photos are:
Clear: No blur or shakiness.
High Resolution: Aim for images at least 1080p resolution or higher for an appealing look on any screen size.
Properly Oriented: Landscape orientation often works best for online listings, but a vertical shot of certain nooks or bathrooms can also be helpful.
6. Edit with Care
A bit of light editing can make your photos look more professional:
Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Bring out the room’s natural colors without making it look artificial.
Straighten the Image: Use your editing app’s straighten tool to ensure the walls and furniture are aligned properly.
Avoid Over-Filtering: Keep colors true to real life. You want your guests to see exactly what they’re getting!
7. Be Honest and Transparent
While good editing and flattering angles are key, avoid making the space look drastically different from reality. Guests appreciate honesty and consistency between the listing photos and the actual unit. Overly edited or misleading images can lead to disappointed tenants—and negative reviews down the line.
8. Upload Strategically on RoomHoppa
When you’re ready to list on RoomHoppa, make use of the platform’s media gallery to feature your best shots:
Main Image: Pick your absolute best photo—usually a wide shot of the bedroom or living area—for the main image. This is what potential guests see first.
Gallery Order: Arrange photos to guide the viewer through the space logically: main area, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, any interesting features.
Keep It Consistent: Use similar lighting and angles throughout to create a cohesive listing.
9. Reap the Benefits
High-quality photos can speed up the booking process, fetch better rental rates, and attract more serious inquiries. Ultimately, the extra effort you put into your listing photos translates to happier guests, faster occupancy, and a stronger reputation as a reliable host.
Final Thoughts
Taking a few moments to stage your unit, find good lighting, and snap well-angled photos can dramatically boost your listing’s appeal. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to showcasing an inviting and trustworthy rental space on RoomHoppa. Soon enough, prospective renters will be clicking “Book” or “Send a Message” with confidence—and that’s a win for everyone!
Happy photographing, and here’s to making your listing shine!