By Michael Vos Photo and AI — Cabo San Lucas
When travelers browse vacation rentals online, the photos are the make-or-break moment. Beautiful imagery doesn’t just show a space — it sells a feeling, a lifestyle, and a promise of the perfect getaway. Whether you’re a property owner, a manager, or a fellow photographer refining your craft, these expert tips will help elevate your vacation rental photos and boost your bookings.
1. Capture the Space’s Story, Not Just the Room
Every vacation home has a vibe — ocean-breezy, romantic hideaway, family-friendly, or luxury escape. Before shooting, take a moment to walk through and understand the flow.
Ask yourself: What would make someone fall in love with this place?
- The morning sun pouring onto the terrace
- A cozy reading nook
- The dramatic entryway
- The outdoor firepit under Cabo’s starry sky
Focus on moments, not just furniture.
2. Use Natural Light — It’s Your Best Friend
Nothing sells a vacation rental like natural light. Open all the curtains, blinds, and doors.
Pro Tips:
- Shoot during golden hours for soft, flattering light.
- Turn off interior lights to avoid mixed color temperatures.
- Face the light source when shooting interior rooms to avoid harsh shadows.
In Cabo properties especially, natural light creates that clean, warm, tropical feel guests crave.
3. Declutter… Then Declutter Again
Less is more. Remove anything that distracts from the room’s purpose.
Things to hide before shooting:
- Cords, chargers, remotes
- Personal items, toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
- Busy décor
A clean space feels more luxurious and more spacious — both huge booking triggers.
4. Shoot from Heart Height for Natural Perspective
Most beginner photographers shoot too high. For interiors, the best camera height is around 4ish feet (heart height).
This creates:
- Balanced lines
- More natural depth
- A grounded, magazine-style look
Straighten your verticals in post-production for that polished, architectural quality.
5. Highlight What Makes the Property Unique
Your photos should shout: Here’s why THIS rental is special.
Think:
- The infinity pool overlooking the ocean
- A chef’s-level kitchen
- A rooftop sunset deck
- Walk-out beach access
- Luxury finishes and details
These images anchor the listing and become the “hero shots” for Airbnb, VRBO, and your website.
6. Don’t Forget Lifestyle Shots
Lifestyle shots help guests imagine themselves living there.
Consider adding:
- A breakfast tray on the terrace
- Towels rolled by the pool
- A margarita setup overlooking the ocean
- A sunhat and book on a lounger
These emotional cues boost conversions dramatically — especially in beach markets like Los Cabos.
7. Edit for Clarity, Warmth, and Realism
Editing should enhance, not deceive.
Recommended adjustments:
- Boost whites and highlights for a clean look
- Increase warmth slightly for an inviting feel
- Sharpen details (especially for luxury villas)
- Straighten lines and correct distortion
- Keep skies bright and natural
Your final images should feel bright, clean, airy, and honest — the look that consistently outperforms on vacation rental platforms.
Ready to Elevate Your Vacation Rental Listing?
Professional photography is one of the highest-ROI investments a property owner can make. If you want magazine-quality photos that increase bookings and make your listing stand out in the crowded Cabo market, I’d love to help.
👉 Book a photoshoot at:
www.michaelvosphoto.com
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