Spring is photography season for SoCal STR listings. Natural light, lengthening days, pre-summer landscaping all peak. Before Memorial Day turns into your highest-volume booking window, reshoot these four.
The four shots that matter most
- The hero (first photo on your listing). This is the single most-viewed image. If it's more than 18 months old or shot in low light, reshoot it this week.
- The kitchen. The 2nd-most-viewed photo. Morning light, counter staged for use, a bowl of fruit, a French press on the counter.
- The primary bedroom. Made bed, layered white linens, one side-table accessory, natural light. No clutter.
- The outdoor space. Spring is when your yard looks best. Capture it now — summer sun will flatten the photograph.
What not to worry about yet
- Bathroom photos — these rarely drive conversion. Can wait until next refresh.
- Close-ups of fixtures, artwork, details — useful but not the main drivers.
- Neighborhood shots — usually better pulled from professional stock than captured.
The output spec
- 3:2 or 4:3 ratio, landscape orientation
- 3000px+ on long edge
- Minimal HDR processing — looks dated fast
- Natural light only — no flash, no mixed lighting
Who should take them
A professional photographer for $400-$700 per property, or you with a modern phone in perfect morning light. Both beat a mid-day iPhone snap from 2023.
