Holiday rental photography: an owner’s shot list

Prepare the home as it will be used

Complete the clean and make the beds using the agreed guest presentation. Remove personal papers and anything that reveals access codes or private information. Keep everyday furniture and the supplied equipment in place. A styled scene should not imply amenities, extra beds or views that guests will not have.

Give the photographer a coverage list

1. 01

   Living and dining

   Show the overall layout and seating. Include a second angle when it helps guests understand how rooms connect.

2. 02

   Bedrooms

   Record each room and its bed configuration. Match photo captions to the actual sleeping arrangement rather than relying on a decorative close-up.

3. 03

   Kitchen and bathrooms

   Show usable space and the equipment guests can access. Flag shared facilities clearly if any apply.

4. 04

   Arrival and outdoor space

   Show the entrance, steps, parking arrangement and usable outdoor areas. Describe any limitations accurately, without publishing security details.

Check the final set against the listing

Walk through the photo sequence as if you have never visited. Can you identify each bedroom and the route into the home? Does a wide-angle image make a tight area look misleadingly large? Ask for clear room labels and captions where they help. Only include local attraction images when labelled as places to visit, so they cannot be mistaken for an on-site feature.

Agree ownership and updates

Mellow's setup service includes professional photography and listing presentation. Confirm the photography scope and current cost in writing, including what use of the images is permitted if management changes. Keep a simple record of the shoot date and significant changes since then. New furniture, a different bed configuration or a removed amenity may call for fresh photos before the next booking.