Short-Term Rental Photography Secrets with Andrew Keller

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, AirDNA’s Chief Economist Jamie Lane sits down with Andrew Keller, founder of ISO Need Photos and a rising authority in short-term rental (STR) photography. Whether you're furnishing your first STR or managing a high-performing portfolio, this conversation dives into how high-quality visuals can set your listing apart—and drive higher occupancy rates and revenue.

Andrew has photographed more than 200 STRs across 22 U.S. states and Costa Rica, perfecting a style that blends artful design with booking strategy. He shares the importance of staging, lighting, seasonality, and other often-overlooked details that elevate listings. From drone imagery and 3D floor plans to lifestyle shots that answer unspoken guest questions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about creating a best-in-class STR listing.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

Why short-term rental photography is one of the most misunderstood (and most powerful) parts of a listing
How professional photos can increase bookings by 10–20% or more
The key differences between STR photography and traditional real estate photography
How to stage your rental like a pro—including details that most hosts miss
Why time of day matters when capturing photos and how Andrew plans full-day shoots for better light and variety
Tips for choosing the right photography for your short-term rental listing, even if you go the DIY route
How to find and vet a quality STR photographer in your market

Episode Highlights

Introduction

Jamie kicks off the episode by reflecting on his own experience hiring Andrew to photograph his short-term rental. What he thought would be a standard shoot turned into a lesson in strategy—from creating scroll-stopping hero images to anticipating guest concerns with detailed lifestyle shots. This episode explores how photography isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a key contributor to trust, clarity, and conversions.

Meet the Guest: Andrew Keller of ISO Need Photos

Andrew Keller’s journey into STR photography began in 2020 with a drone and a river cabin. Since then, he's built a thriving business based on one philosophy: go above and beyond to help hosts get more bookings. From the start, Andrew has emphasized variety and depth in his work—delivering more than 150 edited photos per shoot, including drone shots, twilight exteriors, cozy interiors, and amenity close-ups.

Andrew believes great photography tells a story, and a well-told story is what turns curious booking platform browsers into paying guests.

STR Photography: More Than Just Good Lighting

A recurring theme throughout the episode is how professional short-term rental photography directly impacts bookings. Andrew’s clients consistently report 10–20% increases in performance after upgrading their photos. For properties grossing $50K or more annually, that’s thousands in added revenue.

It’s not just about glossy images, though. Andrew explains how quality photography builds trust. When guests see clean, welcoming spaces and can visualize the layout through drone photos or 3D floor plans, they ask fewer questions and book more confidently.

Staging Like a Superhost

Staging isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation. Andrew offers a detailed rundown of how to prep for a shoot, from the basics (clean spaces, working lights, matching dinnerware) to standout touches like:

Setting the dining table completely
Filling the hot tub
Adding string lights for ambiance
Including lifestyle elements like cozy blankets or mock place settings

Hosts should aim to make the home “guest-ready,” not just photo-ready. That means no visible clutter, no half-finished installations, and no last-minute scrambles. Andrew recommends that hosts treat the shoot as if a five-star guest were checking in.

Choosing the Right Photography for Your Short-Term Rental Listing

When it comes to choosing the right photography for your short-term rental listing, Andrew has advice for both pros and DIYers. For those with a good camera and some editing know-how, he recommends:

Shooting from light-switch height for more natural angles
Keeping vertical lines straight to avoid distortion
Turning on all interior lights and opening window blinds
Avoiding ceiling fans and toilet lids in the frame
Shoot photos in a RAW file format rather than a compressed format like JPEG

For those hiring a photographer, he suggests using local STR Facebook groups to find recommendations. Ask for links to the last 10 Airbnb listings they’ve shot. This offers a more realistic view of their capabilities than a polished portfolio will.

Beyond the Basics: Floor Plans, Drone Footage, & Seasonal Updates

The episode also dives into lesser-known photography strategies that make a big difference:

3D floor plans: These reduce booking friction by showing exactly where guests will sleep or how accessible the property is.
Labeled drone shots: Show distance to key amenities like beaches, trails, or downtown.
Seasonal refreshes: Hiring a local photographer to update exteriors during fall foliage or summer green-ups can boost bookings without the cost of a full shoot.

The Hero Image Dilemma

What’s the best hero image to lead your listing? According to Andrew, it depends, but it must stand out in the search feed. Twilight exteriors with warm window light tend to outperform daytime shots, but if every listing in your market does the same, consider leading with a unique view or amenity.

A smart approach? Test and rotate. As seasons change and your listing evolves, so should your lead image.

Final Tips for Hosts

As the episode winds down, Andrew shares a few final tips:

Always prep your property as if it’s about to welcome guests.
Think about what your guests need to know—and answer that visually.
Consider small, ongoing updates. New game room feature? New outdoor seating? Get one or two photos to reflect that.
Don’t skip the details. A single labeled drawer photo can communicate more than a paragraph of listing text.

Connect with Andrew Keller

Interested in working with Andrew? Visit ISO Need Photos or text him directly at 423-316-1967 to get on his schedule.

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https://app.airdna.co/data

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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

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