Somerset is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the South West. From coastal retreats in Minehead and Watchet to countryside escapes near Glastonbury, Wells, and the Quantock Hills, the county attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. For holiday let and Airbnb owners, the competition for bookings is fierce — and the quality of your listing photos is the single biggest factor in whether a potential guest clicks "Book" or scrolls past.
Why Photos Matter More for Holiday Lets
Holiday let guests are making a different decision to property buyers. They're choosing where to spend their precious time off, often browsing dozens of listings in a single session. Research from Airbnb shows that listings with professional photography receive up to 40% more bookings and can command significantly higher nightly rates than those with amateur photos.
In Somerset's holiday let market, where guests are often choosing between similar properties in similar locations, your photos are your competitive advantage. They need to tell a story — not just show rooms, but convey the experience of staying at your property.
What Makes Holiday Let Photography Different
Photographing a holiday let requires a different approach to standard property photography. While estate agent photos focus on space, layout, and condition, holiday let photos need to sell a lifestyle and an experience.
Atmosphere is everything. A roaring log burner, a glass of wine on the terrace, soft lighting in the bedroom — these details create an emotional response that drives bookings. I style and light each shot to make your property feel warm, inviting, and aspirational.
Outdoor spaces sell the stay. For Somerset holiday lets, the garden, patio, hot tub, or countryside views are often the main attraction. Drone photography is particularly effective here, capturing the setting and surroundings that make your property special. A bird's-eye view of a cottage nestled in the Somerset Levels or perched on the Mendip Hills is worth a thousand words.
Seasonal photography pays dividends. Consider having your property photographed in different seasons. Summer shots with the garden in full bloom appeal to peak-season bookers, while cosy winter images with fairy lights and a fire attract off-season guests looking for a countryside retreat.
The Platforms That Matter
Whether you list on Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Sykes Holiday Cottages, or your own website, every platform prioritises listings with high-quality images. Airbnb in particular has a professional photography programme because they know how much it impacts booking rates.
For Somerset holiday let owners who market across multiple platforms, having a consistent set of professional images ensures your property looks its best everywhere. I deliver images optimised for each platform's requirements — landscape format for Airbnb headers, square crops for social media, and high-resolution originals for your own website.
Local Knowledge Makes a Difference
As a Somerset-based photographer, I understand what makes this area special to visitors. I know that a shot of the Quantock Hills at golden hour will resonate with walkers, that a view towards Glastonbury Tor adds mystique, and that the Bristol Channel coastline at sunset is irresistible to anyone planning a coastal break.
This local knowledge informs every shoot. I don't just photograph your property — I photograph the experience of staying there, in this part of the world.
What's Included in a Holiday Let Shoot
A typical holiday let photography session includes interior photography of every room, exterior shots from multiple angles, drone photography showing the property in its setting, and detail shots that capture the character and amenities. If you have a hot tub, a games room, a pizza oven, or any other feature that guests love, we'll make sure it's showcased beautifully.
All images are professionally edited and delivered within 24 hours, ready to upload to your listing platforms.
The Return on Investment
Professional photography for a holiday let typically costs between £149 and £249. If better photos help you achieve even one or two extra bookings per month — or allow you to increase your nightly rate by £10-20 — the investment pays for itself within weeks.
For Somerset holiday let owners who take their rental income seriously, professional photography isn't an optional extra. It's the foundation of effective marketing.
If you're a holiday let or Airbnb owner in Somerset, Bristol, or Bath and you'd like to discuss how professional photography can boost your bookings, get in touch. I'd love to help showcase your property at its best.
