Vacation Rental Photography for Airbnb & VRBO: A Western Colorado Shot List That Gets More Clicks

If your vacation rental is competing in Montrose, Ouray, Ridgway, Delta, Gunnison, or Telluride, your photos are doing more than “showing rooms.” They’re answering questions fast—so guests click, save, and book with confidence.

Below is a Western Colorado–ready shot list (and the logic behind it) so your Airbnb/VRBO gallery tells a clear story from the first image to the last.

The goal: win the scroll in the first 10 photos

Most guests decide whether to keep scrolling in seconds. Your first images should quickly confirm:

• What the home feels like (bright, comfortable, welcoming)

• That it’s clean and consistent (trust)

• That the best features are real (views, hot tub, fire pit, game room, workspace)

• That the layout makes sense (especially for families/groups)

If you’re pairing media (recommended), start here:

• Vacation rental service overview: https://bluemoonmedias.com/vacation-rental-airbnb-vrbo-photography

• Virtual tours: https://bluemoonmedias.com/virtual-home-tours-real-estate-photography

• Drone services: https://bluemoonmedias.com/drone-services-and-commercial-virtual-tours-inspection

• Pricing & bundles: https://bluemoonmedias.com/blue-moon-medias-real-estate-photography-real-estate-pricing

• Contact: https://bluemoonmedias.com/real-estate-photography-contact-us

The Western Colorado Vacation Rental Photo Shot List

Use this as your “must capture” plan.

1) Cover photo (choose the strongest promise)

Pick ONE:

• Best living room with natural light

• The view (mountains, mesas, valley)

• Hot tub / fire pit / outdoor dining

• Exterior hero if the home has strong curb appeal or a unique build

2) The “anchor spaces” (living + kitchen + primary bedroom)

These are the trust builders:

• Wide living room angle that shows seating and flow

• Kitchen wide + a clean detail (coffee bar, range, finishes)

• Primary bedroom wide + a small lifestyle detail (lamp glow, tidy linens)

3) Bathrooms (clean, simple, bright)

• One strong angle per bath (no clutter; toilet lids down; fresh towels)

• If it’s a “wow” bath (soaking tub, tile shower), add a second shot

4) Sleeping setup (especially for groups)

Guests want to confirm: “Will this work for us?”

• Each bedroom wide

• Bunk/extra beds

• A shot that shows two beds in one frame when relevant

5) The reason they chose your place (amenities)

This is where Western Colorado properties win:

• Hot tub / sauna / fire pit

• Outdoor dining + grill

• Game room / theater

• Ski/gear storage

• Workspace with chair + outlet access

• EV charging (if applicable)

6) Outdoor spaces + approach

• Deck/patio seating (staged, cushions aligned)

• Entry approach (helps arrivals)

• Parking clarity if it’s confusing at night or in snow

7) Views (the “proof” photo)

If you have a view, don’t bury it.

• Clean window, open blinds

• Consider a second view at golden hour if it’s dramatic

8) Layout help (optional but powerful)

If guests often ask “how does this connect?”, add:

• A simple floor plan: https://bluemoonmedias.com/interactive-floor-plans

• Or a short virtual tour walkthrough: https://bluemoonmedias.com/virtual-home-tours-real-estate-photography

Staging rules that photograph well (without looking fake)

• Clear counters (leave one intentional element: bowl of fruit or tray)

• Remove personal items, mail, kid art with names, prescriptions

• Match light bulbs (mixed color temps look messy)

• Hide trash cans, cords, hoses, cleaning supplies

When to add a virtual tour or drone

Add-ons are most useful when they reduce doubt:

• Virtual tour: multi-level homes, unique layouts, higher-end stays
  https://bluemoonmedias.com/virtual-home-tours-real-estate-photography

• Drone: view properties, cabins, acreage, proximity-to-town/resort context
  https://bluemoonmedias.com/drone-services-and-commercial-virtual-tours-inspection

Related reading

• “Drone isn’t always necessary—here’s when it matters:”
  https://bluemoonmedias.com/when-drone-photography-makes-sense-for-western-slope-properties-and-when-it-doesnt

• “Simple upgrades that elevate a listing’s presentation:”
  https://bluemoonmedias.com/5-simple-media-upgrades-that-make-your-listing-presentation-stand-out

• “Hiring checklist (applies to short-term rentals too):”
  https://bluemoonmedias.com/five-questions-to-ask-any-real-estate-photographer-before-you-hire-them

Want a gallery plan built for your property?

Send the address/town, sleeping count, and top amenities. We’ll recommend the best shot list and bundle for your listing goals.
https://bluemoonmedias.com/real-estate-photography-contact-us