Really good marketing relies on great photography, which is especially true when advertising your holiday let online. Indeed, the old phrase of a picture being worth a thousand words couldn’t be more accurate.

A terrific tool for relaying the space and amenities your holiday home provides, photography when in the hands of professionals, can interpret more than just fact – it’s way to capture the feeling of actually being there, sparking the imagination and creating an emotional connection that will attract potential guests.

Most professional photographers have a good grasp of what works well to capture a home’s main selling points, but there are a few things you can do before a photo shoot that will help to infuse your images with uniqueness and personality, helping it to stand out from the rest.

Make it personal

The villages and towns of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset are fascinating, with many being of historic interest – mining, maritime, architectural and artistic heritage remain woven into the fabric of the landscape and its communities, giving these places their authenticity.

Pieces that either nod to these connections, or those which have been created by local artists, will always add an air of provenance, serving to pique interest as well as looking terrific in photos.

Black and white prints from photographic archives or handmade items from local craft studios displayed on shelves, add depth and feel personal, while showing off local talent too.

Showcased home: Treen House near Porthcurno

Pooch appeal

If your holiday home welcomes dogs we think it’s worth shouting about as more and more guests out there are seeking out pet-friendly retreats.

A great way of doing this is to feature your pooch in some of the images taken in and around your home.

Bear in mind though that if your house rules don’t allow pets on the furniture, it’s probably a good idea for their moment in the spotlight not to be on the sofa or bed.

The cuteness factor also plays a role in creating an emotional connection so those in search of the perfect pet-friendly abode will be drawn to your property.

Out out

As locals to the area, we know how fabulous our little slices of paradise really are. But for guests who may be new to this part of the world, they’ll want to get a feel for the neighbourhood before committing.

The professional photographers we use at Luxury Coastal will always try to snap the surrounding area of a holiday property (weather dependent), as well as the home itself.

If you know of a nearby viewing point with cracking vistas over the sea and landscape, or maybe have a recommended pub, restaurant or shop, it may be a good idea to let them know as these will give guests a more personal understanding of the overall experience they can look forward to when visiting the area.

Showcased photography from Swan’s Nest in Torcross

Charm intensive

If your property is an idyllic cosy retreat, you’ll want to make the most of its hygge features.

If it’s couples you’re looking to attract, consider asking your photographer for a few images styled accordingly, with champagne and a boardgame in front of the fireplace, or luxury bath salts and bath bubbles in the bathroom.

If your property has a hot tub, it’s a great idea to turn it on well in advance of the shoot as steam never fails to look moody and inviting against a wintry outdoor backdrop, and look great in photographs.

If your property has a log burner or fire bowl and you provide wood for guests as part of their stay, make sure this is stocked and on show as it will set the mood for images of cosying up in front of the fire on cold or blustery days.

Showcased home: The Pink House in Budleigh Salterton

Heads up

You know your property inside out. The quietest spot to catch up on your reading, or the best place for a shady nap in the garden when the sun is beating down.

Mention these to your photographer so they can be styled accordingly. Guests will love to imagine how they can use all of the space on offer during their stay.

Highlighting any extras you offer such as a welcome hamper, picnic set, children’s books, dog bowls and treats, outdoor beanbags etc as these are lovely things to show in your photographs and give guests a snapshot of the attention to detail and extras provided.

Showcased home: Decoy Farm House in Somerton

Go for green

A lovely feature to add as a permanent fixture, plants not only bring an element of nature inside, but they also add colour, texture and shape – all of which look great in photos.

Equally dramatic in pared back designs and colour schemes as they are in those that are bright and eclectic, their enormous range in variation of size and shape makes them extremely versatile.

Use tall, Mediterranean varieties like palms and Birds of Paradise to add an architectural quality, or multiple smaller potted plants like succulents grouped together to add homeliness. Flowering plants add pops of colour which can contrast a muted colour scheme, and really lift a photograph.

Showcased home: De’Nada in Torquay

These are just some examples of the small details to consider including in your property’s photography to help make it stand out, but of course our photographers and marketing team will always be on hand to offer tips if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration.

You have to sea this

@luxurycoastal
ocean 1, newquay

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