Taking the perfect photograph of your vacation rental property is difficult, especially if you own a condo. You're not a professional photographer, so how could you possibly convey all that your second home has to offer in a 1 by 2 inch picture? While, it may be tempting to use a professional photo of your complex or stock photos of your destination, be aware that other owners in your area may be doing the same.

Also, be aware that many condo owners take similar photos of the complex pool or the view. When renters browse the HomeAway site, the first thing that they notice about a listing is its thumbnail. If several listings have similar thumbnails, renters are likely to assume that they're duplicates and skip to the next ad.

Check out these three Maravilla listings. While the photos may not be identical, they're close enough that a prospective renter might get confused.

When choosing a thumbnail, select a photo that is different from the others in your destination. It's great to include photos of your complex pool and the view from your balcony in your listing, but they're not necessarily the best shots for your thumbnail. Instead, choose a picture that showcases something specific to your vacation home, like your living area, balcony, or hot tub.

Here are some examples of ads with good thumbnails:

What aspect of your home does your thumbnail showcase? "My vacation rental is in Kihei on the island of Maui.  I have a picture of my patio, which overlooks the ocean.  I included the patio set with a bowl full of tropical fruit on the table." - Dana P., Kihei, Maui.

The 7 Photos to Include in Every Vacation Rental Listing   Put yourself in the shoes of your vacation rental guest. Would the photos of your property make YOU want to rent it?   How to Take and Select Great Photos for Your Listing Improve the quality of your vacation rental listing photos for better results.   Creating a Top-Notch Marketing Plan for Your Vacation Rental Pointers for attracting more travelers, getting your financials in order, and determining your personal keys to success. How to Write a Compelling Property Description The property description is a 100 word summary that should paint a clear picture of your vacation rental property.

© Copyright 2008, HomeAway, Inc., Updated 10/24/08.