What Should I Use as My Hero Image?

A question I am commonly asked once I deliver the photos after a vacation rental photo shoot is:

"What photo should I use as my lead (or hero) photo?"

I recently saw a post by property management expert and founder of LevelUp Stays, Derek R. Gisriel, in which he recommends adding 3 photos to improve your listing. I think this is also a great way to order your first 3 photos:

 1) Your first photo should be your HERO IMAGE or most visually appealing image, a scroll stopper that showcases your property's strongest or most unique feature. This photo needs to get people's attention, basically screaming at them to stop and take a look. You want to either evoke emotion in this image or give the viewer the sense that they want to experience this place!

This inviting image would be a great hero image as it shows an awesome outdoor hangout space with a movie projector and screen and a fire pit with cozy chairs, blankets and wine. This photo evokes the viewer's imagingation and stops the scroll with the pretty twilight sky and fun elements they'll get to enjoy there.

2) Your second photo should be your BEST AMENITY (such as a hot tub which is also the #1 searched for amenity). Showing amenities is super important these days in order to stand out and show value. The more you have to offer, the more the viewer feels he/she is getting from this investment. Show your best amenity early on then show more in later photos.

Both of these images are great examples of best amenities. Who wouldn't want to step into and enjoy that hot tub with their partner? Or sit by that cozy fire pit wrapped in a soft warm blanket and sipping on some yummy red wine?

3) Your third photo should be the BEST GROUP GATHERING SPACE. Today creating memories and having experiences is really important to show in your vacation rental photos. Make the viewer feel like this space is where we are going to have a lot of fun and make some great memories!

This professionally designed group space gives the viewer a peek into what their experience will be like once there with their family or friends, watching a movie on the big screen and enjoying a fire on a warm winter night after a day of skiing in the Rocky Mountains.

If you want more advice on photography for your listing or want me to photograph your rental, feel free to reach out to me.

For more professional advice and help with your rental, consider hiring an STR expert like Christine Smith. She can help you launch your STR and give pointers on self-managing it. Her work focuses on building strong foundations, optimizing listings, and creating systems that support both income and lifestyle.