STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Mastering Short-Term Rental Photography with Andrew Keller

Apr 3, 2025

In this discussion, Andrew Keller, a renowned short-term rental photographer and founder of ISOneedphotos, emphasizes the vital role of professional photography in boosting booking rates. He shares his journey from childhood photography to capturing properties in over 22 states and Costa Rica. Andrew highlights common pitfalls of using amateur images and offers practical tips for staging, lighting, and angles to attract guests. His expertise shows that the right visuals can dramatically enhance a rental’s appeal and lower guest dissatisfaction.

37:01

Episode guests

Andrew Keller

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Professional photography is crucial for short-term rentals, as high-quality images can increase booking rates by up to 20%.

Effective staging for rental photography should create a welcoming atmosphere, showcasing livable spaces rather than over-staged environments.

Deep dives

The Value of Professional Photography

Hiring a professional photographer is essential for short-term rental success. Many property owners underestimate the impact that high-quality photos can have on bookings, believing that simply taking their own pictures will suffice. However, without professional images, listings can fail to stand out, resulting in lost opportunities. The podcast highlights that professionally taken images significantly enhance the appeal of a rental, with some owners reporting increased bookings by 10-20% after updating their photos.

Intro

2min

From Passion to Profession: A Journey into Short-Term Rental Photography

2min

Evolution of Property Photography Techniques

2min

Mastering Short-Term Rental Photography

16min

Ambitions in Short-Term Rental Investment

2min

Mastering Short-Term Rental Photography

13min

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, the Chief Economist at AirDNA, is joined by Andrew Keller, a short-term rental photographer and founder of ISOneedphotos. Andrew shares the importance of professional photography for short-term rentals, emphasizing how it can significantly improve booking rates. He outlines his journey into photography, starting from a young age and transitioning into short-term rental photography around December 2020.

Andrew highlights the common mistakes property owners make by using amateur photographs, noting that lack of professional photos can cost potential bookings. He discusses the evolution of his own photographic style, emphasizing the importance of providing a variety of photos, including drone shots, twilight shots, and interior shots from multiple angles. Andrew mentions how his extensive experience, which includes photographing properties in 22 different states and Costa Rica, has honed his skills. He believes in dedicating a full day to a shoot to capture the best light at different times of the day. He also offers advice on staging for short-term rental photography, stressing the importance of details like setting the dining table, filling the hot tub, and ensuring sufficient matching plates and utensils. Jamie corroborates the importance of professional photography, sharing personal anecdotes about how professional photos helped answer guest questions and lowered guest dissatisfaction.

Andrew provides tips for those considering DIY photography, such as holding the camera at light switch height and managing lighting. He advises on how to find a good local photographer by checking their recent work on Airbnb listings and stresses thorough preparation of the property before the photographer's visit, ensuring it is guest-ready. Andrew shares his future goals of investing in his own short-term rental property and talks briefly about his co-hosting experiences. He also offers contact details for those interested in his services and emphasizes his commitment to helping clients increase bookings through top-tier photography.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

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Andrew Keller Contact Info:

https://isoneedphotos.com/

423-316-1967

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Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇

https://app.airdna.co/data

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Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane