Introduction
A picture tells a thousand words, and if you’re an RV owner who wants to put your RV up for rent, what better way than to take quality photos of your RV?
The quality photos help you to unlock the full potential of your RV on rental sites and allow those who are looking for rv rental from owners to get a visual representation of your RV so that they are more inclined to book yours over other listings out there.
Some owners have hired professional photographers to visit their RV and have professional shots taken of it, viewing it as a marketing cost related to doing business. By doing so, they get luxurious-looking pictures that are sure to woo any renter. However, if you can’t afford to hire a professional photographer, rest assured — you can still get great photos as long as you’re willing to put in some effort to learn.
Read on for a list of curated tips that are bound to get your RV rented time and again!
- Focus is key
Much like how UFOs or the Loch Ness monster cannot have their existence confirmed nor denied as a result of blurry photos, you also wouldn’t want the chance of your RV being booked to be denied as a result of blurry unfocused photos. This not only suggests that you are a crappy photographer but may even suggest that your RV is not in the best condition and you’re trying to hide it in the listing.
Well, you’re in luck if that is not your intention! The advent of technology nowadays means that most, if not all, cameras have an auto-focus function. Simply point your camera at the subject, wait for the auto-focus to kick in, and snap the shutter button. No more messing around with chunky and expensive DSLRs. In fact, most iPhone cameras nowadays have specs comparable to an entry-level DSLR, and all you have to do is ensure that your RV is in frame and shoot once your subject (in this case, your RV) is in focus.
When in doubt, take a few more photos so that you can be sure at least one, will have your RV in focus.
- Compose your photo
What sets a hastily snapped photo apart from one that has planning involved is often the photo composition. This differentiates the mediocre photos from ones that stand out and are a piece of art themselves.
Not sure how to start? Well, you can consider following the rule of threes. When framing your photo, imagine a three-by-three grid along the picture axis that cuts your photo into nine smaller squares. Most amateurs are going to think that the subject of the photo — the RV; should be front and center, but this is not the case. The truth is that by simply aligning the subject of your photo slightly to the sides, you instantly upgrade your photo. While ensuring that the entirety of your RV is in the shot, consider how you can utilize the rule of thirds to frame the photo better, bringing attention to the RV rather than its surroundings.
Another good tip for composing photos of your RV is to ensure that your RV is somewhere in the foreground of the photo. You wouldn’t want your RV to be overshadowed by the surroundings, which can easily occur if you place it in the background.
- Lighting is key
Without lights, your camera is as good as useless. That’s why most if not all modern cameras have a built-in flash function that will activate in overly dark environments.
However, this does run the risk of making your image look overexposed and creepy. Instead, you will want to take pictures of your RV under natural lighting conditions. On a sunny day out, make sure your RV is spruced up before parking it outside for some photos. Open up the window shades and draw back the curtains to allow the natural light to shine in for photos of the interior. For the exterior shots, the best time to do it is when the sun is just barely there, either just after sunrise or just before sunset. This lighting will dramatize your RV, giving it an ethereal and dreamy look.
If you, unfortunately, live in an area where it rains more often than it shines, then you will have to consider exterior lighting tools to help you such as studio lighting. If this is too costly, consider making a homemade refractor by covering a wide piece of cardboard with aluminum foil and getting a friend to help hold it up while you shoot.
- Stage the photos so that they tell a story
Remember, stories sell more than products. Adidas sells you the story that nothing is impossible, AirBNB sells you the story of a home away from home. As an RV rental business, sell your renters an experience, not an RV. Your photos need to show them the experience that they could be having.
This can easily be done through staging. While there’s no doubt that your RV is clean and livable, there’s no harm in applying a little extra oil to the countertops on photo day to make sure they really shine. Why not have some flowers in a vase while you’re at it? You could even light a candle near the bedding area! These little touches are what make the RV looks like it would be when lived in, and are what adds oomph to an otherwise standard photo.
If you have a sports-themed RV, why not have some photos of yourself fishing or kayaking? If you are including camper chairs with your RV, you can stage a photo of yourself and some friends around a bonfire seated on those chairs. Have a full-sized kitchenette? Sit around the dining table with a hearty bowl of soup! These small touches are sure to attract more attention from potential renters.
Conclusion
By following our photography tips, your RV is sure to attract more renters. Be sure to follow up your beautiful photos with a strong and descriptive listing, along with a calendar for instant booking. Keep these pointers in mind and you’re sure to be earning loads of money quickly!
