10 Photo Tips That Can Boost Your Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Income

Posted by: Editor

High-quality, well-lit photos help build trust, boost your bookings, and make it easier to charge what your place is really worth. Think of them as your rental’s personal highlight reel.

Running a successful vacation rental in the U.S. takes more than just a great view. Maybe you’re welcoming ski crowds in the  Rockies, nature lovers in the Smokies, or beachgoers right here in Myrtle Beach. No matter the crowd, one thing stays the same: you’ve got to know what’s clicking and what’s not.

One of the biggest game-changers from day one? How your place looks in the listing. Yep, I'm talking photos!

In a place like Myrtle Beach, where options are everywhere, your photos do a lot of heavy lifting. They're often the first thing guests see, and if they don’t catch someone’s eye right away, it’s easy to get passed over. The right images don’t just show off your space, they tell a story, set the mood, and invite people to picture themselves there. 

In a hurry? Here’s the scoop:

At Luxury Beach Rentals, we’ve spent years managing properties here in Myrtle Beach, so we know what it takes to make them thrive, and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned.

Below, I’m sharing 10 expert tips on how investing in great photos can boost your Myrtle Beach rental rates, attract more bookings, and set your vacation rental business up for success.

Ready to let your rental shine with well-crafted photos? Let’s jump into the details!

1. Understand The Power of Great Photos

In the world of vacation rentals, your photos do a lot of the talking. Before a guest even reads your description, they’re scrolling through your images. That’s your first chance to grab attention and build trust. Strong, polished visuals help guests picture themselves in your space, and once they can do that, they’re far more likely to book.

What good photos can do for you:

Grab attention in search results: Stand out from the sea of listings with scroll-stopping images.

Drive more bookings: More views often turn into more reservations and at better rates.

Set the tone: Professional photos help set clear expectations and build trust.

Boost revenue: A strong photo gallery can increase your nightly rate by up to 50%.

Key takeaways:

Think of photos as your property's handshake, they make the first impression.

Great visuals signal care, professionalism, and value.

In a crowded market, strong photography can give you a real edge.

2. Know The Essential Shots You Really Need

Once you've nailed down the importance of strong visuals, it's time to focus on what to actually shoot. The rule of thumb for vacation rentals? The more (quality) photos, the better. Aim for at least 25 polished images that give a full and honest look at your space. You're not just showing off rooms, you’re helping guests imagine their stay from the moment they click.

What to photograph:

Every space guests will use: Think bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas, living rooms, patios, game rooms, home offices, you name it.

Different angles for each room: Snap a wide angle for the big picture, a mid-range for balance, and a close-up to highlight textures and details.

The personal touches: Catch the cozy throw on the couch, the bowl of lemons on the counter, or the art that gives the room personality.

How it all connects: Give guests a sense of flow. Shoot how rooms link together so they can mentally walk through the space.

Key takeaways:

Aim for a full visual story that starts with layout and ends with charming details.

Use a variety of angles (wide, medium, and close) to bring out the best in every space.

Treat your gallery like a guided tour, not just a checklist.

 

3. Highlight Your Best Features

Every room has a hero moment. It could be a bubbling hot tub, a bold piece of art, or a killer ocean view. These standout details deserve the spotlight in your photos, without clutter or distractions stealing the show. Think of it as giving your space its close-up.

Capture it in a way that draws the eye and sets the mood. These signature features, and how you showcase them, help guests imagine themselves enjoying your space, and ultimately booking your rental.

What to spotlight:

That “wow” element in each room (hot tubs, big windows, statement furniture.)

Anything that adds personality or luxury like linens, lighting, and textures.

Your views! If you’ve got that stunning ocean view, don't be shy to show it off.

Outstanding amenities like top-notch kitchens, game rooms, etc. 

Expert tip: Ensure your images have strong contrast and sharp focus. This enhances clarity and makes those standout details pop.

Key takeaways:

Pick a clear focal point for each image and keep it clutter-free.

Make the space feel inviting and lived-in, but polished.

Sharpen contrast and focus to help your photos stand out in crowded listings.

4. Harness the Power of Light to Transform Your Photography 

Lighting plays a major role in how your Myrtle Beach rental looks in photos. It's not just about visibility, it’s about mood. The right lighting can make your space feel bright, airy, and relaxing. Poor lighting, on the other hand, can make even the most stylish condo or beach house feel flat or uninviting.

Here’s how to get it right:

Maximize natural light: Shoot during the day with windows uncovered and blinds pulled up. Coastal properties shine in natural light, especially when the sun highlights breezy curtains and clean, white walls.

Pick the right day: Try to photograph on clear, sunny days. Overcast skies can work for exterior shots, but inside, sunshine makes everything pop. Aim for golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for a softer, more flattering effect.

Turn on all lights: Even when there’s good sunlight, switch on overheads, lamps, and accent lights. This helps balance the lighting and ensures your photos don’t have dark corners or washed-out windows.

Try different times: Test morning vs. late afternoon light. In Myrtle Beach, early morning can capture that serene, beachy calm, while golden hour brings a warm glow that feels cozy and welcoming. Avoid midday when harsh light can create unwanted shadows.

Key Takeaways:

Lighting sets the tone for your photos. Use it to your advantage.

Natural light is your best friend, but indoor lights help with balance.

Shoot during golden hours for the most flattering results.

Great lighting makes your rental feel more inviting and bookable at first glance.

5. Craft an Inviting Space for the Camera

Your photos are often the first impression guests get of your Myrtle Beach rental, so make them count. A little staging and thoughtful styling can transform your space from average to irresistible.

Simple prep makes a big difference:

Freshen and declutter: Clear off countertops, fluff the pillows, smooth out the bedding, and make sure everything looks clean and breezy. You want the space to feel fresh, not overly lived-in.

Add thoughtful props: Small touches go a long way. A vase with beachy flowers, a bowl of citrus, or a few coastal-themed cushions can help create a welcoming, vacation-ready feel.

Highlight what you offer: Show off key amenities. A good approach is to set the dining table for two or four, display the coffee machine or blender on the kitchen counter, and fold towels neatly in the bathroom or near the pool area.

Move things around if needed: What looks good in person might feel cluttered on camera. Be willing to shift furniture or decor for a better composition and better sense of space.

Expert tip: Think about the mood you want to convey. Family-friendly beach house? Stylish oceanfront condo? Staging sets the tone for the kind of stay guests can expect.

Heads up: Little touches like flowers or candles can make your photos feel more inviting, but it’s important to manage expectations. If something shows up in your listing images, guests might assume it’ll be there when they arrive. Aim to stage your space with items that are actually part of the rental to keep things consistent and avoid any letdowns.

Key Takeaways:

Clean, decluttered, and styled spaces photograph best.

Props and staged amenities help guests picture themselves there.

Adjusting for the camera can make the space feel bigger and more inviting.

Your photos should tell a story, and that story starts with great staging.

6. Master the Art of Angles

The way you photograph your Myrtle Beach rental can dramatically change how it feels in your listing. Strategic angles don’t just capture the room, they tell a story about space, layout, and style.

Tips to get the best shots:

Use wide shots: Aim for two to three wide-angle photos of each room. These give guests a better sense of space and how different areas connect, especially in open-concept beach condos or family-friendly homes.

Add depth from the corner: Position your camera near a corner instead of facing a flat wall. This creates more depth and helps the room feel larger. Include a bit of the floor and ceiling to give a better spatial context.

Highlight flooring and rugs: Show off tile, hardwood, or beach-friendly rugs that give your rental personality. Flooring helps communicate size, cleanliness, and style.

Expert tip: Try shooting from different heights. A slightly lower angle can open up the space, while a higher one can help show the layout. Use a tripod to keep your shots crisp and level.

Key Takeaways:

Wide shots help guests understand the flow of the space.

Corner angles add dimension and make rooms feel bigger.

Highlighting flooring can give your photos more style and depth.

Experiment with camera height to find your best look. Always use a tripod for consistency.

7. When to Use Portrait vs. Landscape Mode

When you’re photographing your Myrtle Beach rental, how you frame your shots matters. While vertical photos are great for Instagram, horizontal (landscape) shots do a better job of showing off your space in listings.

Here’s how to choose the right format:

Landscape mode: Perfect for capturing full rooms and layout. Use it for: bedrooms and living areas, open-concept kitchens, and outdoor spaces like patios or balconies with ocean views

Portrait mode: Use it selectively for standout vertical elements: tall windows with coastal curtains, art pieces, statement lighting, narrow entryways, and compact areas like powder rooms.

Expert tip: Keep your images crisp with strong contrast and good lighting. Use soft-focus effects only for close-ups, like a styled nightstand or a beachy welcome basket.

Key Takeaways:

Landscape format works best for full rooms and makes spaces feel larger.

Use portrait shots to highlight unique vertical features.

Prioritize sharp, well-lit images with minimal visual gimmicks.

Think about how each shot helps guests visualize the space.

8. Make a Statement with Your Hero Image

Your hero image is your rental’s first impression, and in a busy Myrtle Beach market, it needs to stand out. This single photo is the first thing potential guests will see on booking platforms, so choose something that instantly sparks interest and sets the tone.

What makes a great hero image:

Pick your best angle: Showcase what makes your property special: ocean views from the balcony, a bright, open living room with coastal decor, a private pool or breezy outdoor space, and a beautifully set patio for sunset dinners.

Consider a drone shot: An aerial view can highlight proximity to the beach, backyard amenities, or your spot within a resort community. It’s a great way to show off location and scale in one image.

Keep it clean and high-res: No clutter, no blur. Use natural light, stage the space, and make sure the photo feels polished and inviting.

Expert tip: Test a few options. Sometimes a sunny exterior outperforms an indoor shot, and small changes (like adjusting the time of day) can make a big difference.


Key Takeaways:

Your hero image is your rental’s visual headline. Make it count!

Choose a photo that captures the best, most eye-catching feature of your space.

Drone shots can add a wow factor by showing off the location and layout.

Keep it high-quality, clutter-free, and beautifully lit.

9. Should You Hire a Photographer or DIY It?

Thinking about photographing your Myrtle Beach rental yourself? You can, but hiring a professional is often a game-changer. If it’s within your budget, pro photography is one of the smartest investments you can make for your listing.

While professional photography has a cost, it can easily pay for itself by boosting your listing’s visibility and nightly rate.

Here’s why it pays off:

Professional results stand out: Photographers bring the gear and experience to make your space shine. From crisp room shots to dreamy outdoor lighting, their photos attract more clicks, and more bookings.

They know the tricks: Pros use wide-angle lenses, proper lighting setups, and thoughtful staging to highlight your rental’s best features. Many also offer drone shots, which can show off ocean proximity, private pools, or outdoor spaces beautifully.

Polished edits: After the shoot, your photographer will enhance the images for clarity, color balance, and mood, something that’s hard to do well with phone filters or basic editing apps.

Key Takeaways:

Professional photos help your rental stand out in a crowded Myrtle Beach market.

Better images lead to more clicks, more bookings, and higher rates.

Pros bring the right tools and know-how to show your space in its best light.

If your budget allows, it's a smart investment with a long-term payoff.

10. Keep It Real

Polished photos are important, but honesty matters most. Your rental should look as good in real life as it does online. Misleading images might boost clicks in the short term, but they almost always lead to negative reviews, and those are harder to fix.

Before uploading, run a quick reality check:

Do the photos reflect the space as it really is?

Guests should walk in and recognize the place immediately.

Are you over-staging or hiding details?

Avoid angles that hide flaws or exaggerate room sizes. It's better to be clear now than deal with complaints later.

Did you skip anything important?

Show all the guest-accessible areas: bathrooms, entryways, outdoor spots, and even smaller bedrooms or shared amenities like laundry rooms.

Be upfront about quirks

Does your rental have limited parking? Stairs? A bit of street noise? Mention these in the listing and show them when relevant. Being transparent builds trust and lowers the chance of mismatched expectations.

Key Takeaways:

Great photography should still reflect reality.

Misleading images often lead to bad reviews and fewer repeat guests.

Be honest about layout, size, and limitations. It builds trust.

A well-represented rental sets the stage for happy guests and better ratings.

Vacation Rental Management, the Easy Way

Managing a Myrtle Beach vacation rental can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be. With years of hands-on experience, our team at Luxury Beach Rentals has built smart systems that help keep your property booked, well-maintained, and bringing in steady income.

Curious about what your rental could earn? Get a free estimate on our website and discover how working with a local expert can simplify everything.

Posted in Property Management # Property Management Tips