Hey, I’m Jason, a business journalist at Bukit Vista. In today’s article, I’ll walk you through insights shared by a seasoned resort photographer, Rusdi Sanad on our special Bali Business Review channel on YouTube about how property visuals—especially hero shots—can influence booking success. Whether you’re managing a new villa or struggling to boost your occupancy, understanding how to present your property visually is one of the most underrated yet powerful strategies available.
Villa photography starts with your most powerful impression
According to a recent interview with professional resort photographer Rusdi Sanad on Bali Business Review, the most important visual in any villa photography is the hero shot. These are the top 25–40 images used when uploading your villa to platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. They create the first impression that convinces users to click and explore further.
Rusdi, with over 15 years of experience in villa photography, emphasized that hero shots should highlight your property’s best features—bright spaces, inviting pools, and clean layouts. These shots act as your villa’s digital handshake. The objective of villa photography is to create an immediate sense of desire in the viewer. Once these images are strong and clear, you can expand into lifestyle visuals like food photography, guest activities, and atmospheric evening shots to deepen emotional appeal.
The hero shots must be curated with intent. Think of them as a visual elevator pitch—what are the three to five moments or spaces that define your villa’s identity? A cozy reading nook, a sparkling plunge pool, or a sunlit breakfast corner may all become assets in this strategy. According to Rusdi, these aren’t just photos; they’re decision-making triggers that either pull guests into your listing or push them to scroll past.
Property listing success means selecting—not stacking—your images
Rusdi explained that success in OTAs isn’t about quantity but relevance. Uploading too many villa photography images can overwhelm the viewer. If the first five photos don’t hit the mark, most users scroll away. You need to win attention fast. A well-sequenced image gallery, starting with your hero shots, followed by room-by-room views and supporting lifestyle images, helps create a clear and compelling journey.
More isn’t always better, especially in the context of online travel agencies. While platforms often allow dozens of images, overuse can dilute impact. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where high-frequency visuals are a strength, your listing needs editorial focus. Each photo should answer: What does this tell the guest about the space and experience?
Phone cameras might look good on the surface, but professional villa photography brings essential advantages: controlled lighting, strategic staging, and an understanding of what each platform requires. More importantly, pros know how to prepare a space to be visually appealing—something most DIY shots miss. Details like decluttering, symmetry, and avoiding lens distortion all play a role in making the space look both aspirational and honest in villa photography .
OTA listings require accuracy—not artificial perfection
One common mistake is over-preparing—adding oversized flowers, excessive decor, or things that won’t be available when guests arrive. These misrepresentations can hurt guest satisfaction and reviews. Rusdi recommends using only realistic staging that reflects what guests will actually experience.
This practice isn’t just about being honest; it’s about protecting your brand. When guests feel that a property doesn’t match the photos, they’re more likely to leave lower ratings or request refunds. That’s not a risk any property manager should take. Staging should amplify what’s already good—not invent scenes that won’t exist during check-in.
What works better is consistency and subtle charm. Use decorations that reflect local culture, add lighting that brings warmth to the room, and show spaces in their natural flow. Guests want to picture themselves waking up there, eating there, or relaxing there—not in a showroom. Realism, paired with tasteful refinement, delivers more long-term value than visual exaggeration.
Professional photographers reveal your villa’s real potential
Some owners believe their villa isn’t photogenic. Rusdi disagrees. With good light, timing, and vision, most villas can be captured beautifully. The key is working with a photographer who understands how to shape spaces visually and tell the property’s story through images.
Even compact villas with minimalist design can look compelling when approached with creative composition. Angles matter. Time of day matters. Removing or repositioning furniture can redefine the sense of space. Professionals use these techniques not to mislead, but to highlight the most inviting aspects of a space.
That said, there are limits. No photographer can cover for a property that’s poorly maintained. Peeling paint, broken fixtures, and cluttered surroundings will show—even with post-processing. The best photos start with a clean, functioning space. Once that baseline is met, photography becomes a tool not just for marketing, but for storytelling.
In short, your villa doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be presented with intention and care. A great photographer sees potential where others see limitations and transforms that potential into images that connect emotionally with guests.
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