Photography plays a vital role in both real estate and holiday property markets, but the approach to photographing a holiday let is vastly different from capturing a property for sale. While real estate photography focuses on functionality and appealing to a buyer’s practical needs, holiday property photography is all about sparking imagination and selling an experience.

Here’s why they differ and why your holiday let deserves a tailored approach:
1. Selling a Lifestyle vs Selling a Building
When photographing a home for sale, the aim is to present the property clearly and honestly. Buyers want to see floor plans, room sizes, and how spaces connect. It’s about practicality.
Holiday Let photography, on the other hand, is about storytelling. You’re not just selling a roof and four walls—you’re selling the dream of a cosy winter getaway, a summer retreat, or a place to reconnect with loved ones.
It’s all about evoking emotion and showing potential guests how your space will feel to stay in. This is a project I captured a few years ago because evenings there and how the Bedsheds look at night are important to the owners, they asked me to do a session in the daytime and then in the evening. Some Holiday Lets should consider the time of year they get their photos done or make a point of topping up photos seasonally. This gives a rounded view of what you can expect, and it also gives you high-quality content to post on all platforms, giving you consistency and high-end imagery which elevates your brand and the experience you're trying to sell people.
2. Holiday Let Photography: Focusing on the Details
In holiday let photography, and details matter. A perfectly plumped cushion, a welcoming coffee table vignette, or a rustic dining table set for two can make all the difference. Guests want to visualise themselves in the space—curling up with a book, sharing a glass of wine, or enjoying breakfast with a view.
Real estate photography doesn’t require the same level of staging. It’s often more minimalist and focuses on creating a clear sense of space rather than mood.






3. Lighting and Atmosphere in your Holiday Let
Real estate photography typically relies on bright, even lighting to clearly show the property. Holiday property photography, however, thrives on creating an atmosphere. Soft lighting, golden-hour shots, or a crackling fire can evoke the cosy charm of your property.
Capturing how the space transitions between day and evening is also key for holiday properties, as potential guests want to imagine themselves enjoying every moment—from morning coffee to a sunset dinner on the terrace.








4. Showcasing Unique Features
For a holiday property, it’s all about highlighting what makes your space unique. Be it the stunning view, a hot tub under the stars, or a quirky décor style, these elements are what draw bookings.
Real estate buyers, while interested in unique features, are ultimately focused on whether the property fits their needs, meaning the focus is broader rather than on specific selling points.

5. Experience-Driven Outdoor Shots
In real estate photography, outdoor shots are often functional—showing the front of the property, garden size, or parking space. For holiday lets, outdoor photography paints a bigger picture. It’s about showcasing the nearby beaches, countryside walks, or views from the property. Guests want to know not just what they’ll be staying in but what they’ll be experiencing.



Why It Matters
For holiday property owners, getting the photography right is critical. Guests will make split-second decisions when scrolling through booking sites, and strong, experience-led imagery can make your property stand out in a crowded market.
If you’re looking to make your holiday let irresistible to potential guests, I’d love to help you capture its unique charm. From cosy corners to breathtaking landscapes, let’s work together to show everything your property has to offer!
Let’s tell the story of your space—and make it impossible to resist!
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