How I Captured the Ultimate Girls’ Getaway at a Luxury Airbnb in Arvada, CO
If you own or manage a short-term rental, you probably know how important photos are for your listing. In today’s crowded vacation rental market, your pictures are usually the very first thing people see, and they can make or break someone’s decision to book.
Recently, I had the chance to spend a full day photographing a luxury Airbnb in Arvada, CO for Somerled Designs. This was one of those shoots where I wanted to go beyond just capturing rooms and square footage. The goal was to really show off the experience of staying there. It was staged as a girls’ weekend getaway, and I think that made the photos feel a lot more real and inviting.
Setting the Scene
Somerled Designs has a knack for creating spaces that feel both stylish and welcoming, and this property was no exception. To bring their vision to life, I photographed four models enjoying the common spaces as if they were on a weekend trip together. The goal of lifestyle photography is to capture those moments in a way that feels real and inviting, like someone could picture themselves right there. Some of the key scenes I photographed during the lifestyle photography portion of the shoot included:
- Relaxing in the hot tub
- Using the private gym
- Sharing drinks in the speakeasy-style lounge
- Gathering around the dining table
- Hanging out in the cozy living room
When it was all said and done, I delivered 145 images that showed off the home’s details and the feeling of spending time there with friends.
Why I Believe Lifestyle Photography Works for Rentals
Most real estate photography focuses only on rooms and angles, which is important, but for short-term rentals I think it’s just as important to capture the experience. Guests don’t just want to see a bedroom—they want to imagine themselves relaxing in it after a long day. Lifestyle photography helps make that connection.
I’ve noticed that when listings show people enjoying the space — whether it’s cooking, lounging, or gathering together — it tends to grab more attention and create an emotional pull. And for owners, that often translates into more bookings and better nightly rates.
Additional Lifestyle Photos (Swipe to view more. Click to view larger photo):
Thinking About Your Own Rental?
If you have a short-term rental in Denver, Arvada, Castle Rock, or anywhere nearby, professional photography can help your listing stand out in a big way. I offer:
- Vacation rental and Airbnb photography – Click to view my short-term rental portfolio
- Lifestyle sessions with or without models
- Detail shots that highlight design choices
- Photos that showcase amenities people care about
- Virtual & True Twilight Photography – Click to learn more
If you’d like to learn more or talk about a custom shoot, click here to book online or reach out to me directly. I’d be happy to help show your property in the best possible light!
More images from this photoshoot:
About Me
I’m Michael Phillip, the owner and lead photographer at Panorama Home Photography. I work with homeowners, real estate agents, and designers across Colorado to create photos that not only look great, but also help properties sell or book faster. I believe a good photo tells a story — and for short-term rentals, that story should make people want to pack their bags.