Photos aren’t a cost, they are an investment.
Real Results From Our Clients
When it comes to short-term rentals, photos aren’t just decoration — they are often the deciding factor between a booking and a scroll-past. The right images can change how your property is perceived, what guests are willing to pay, and even how often it shows up in search results.
Here are three stories from real properties we’ve worked on. Each one shows how professional photography and a strategic approach can completely change the revenue potential of a short-term rental.
Case Study 1: From $72k Projection to $215k Reality
The Bear Mountain Adventure Barn – Evergreen, CO
This home started with an AirDNA projection of only $72,000 a year. That number assumed standard photos and average guest expectations. After relaunching with professional lifestyle photography, consistent branding, and a smarter pricing strategy, everything changed.
In the first month alone the property beat the market by $5,000 in revenue and 10% higher occupancy. With the new photos setting a premium tone, we raised rates from around $200 a night to more than $700 a night - a 254% increase in ADR. Guests kept booking, reviews stayed strong, and the numbers spoke for themselves.
Year one revenue landed at $180,000, nearly double the market average, and year two is projected at $215,000. What was supposed to be a $72k property turned into one of the top performers in the area.
Before & After
Projected Revenue: $72,000 → Year 2: $215,000 (+198% increase)
Year 1 Revenue: $180,000 (+150% over projection)
ADR: ~$200 → $703 (+254% increase)
Case Study 2: The STR Revival
Elegant A-Frame — Evergreen, CO
This A-frame cabin had the bones of a great rental, but it was struggling. Despite its charm, it was only bringing in about $72,000 a year, stuck on page three of Airbnb search results, and dragging a 4.6-star rating. Guests mentioned cleaning issues and the listing photos weren’t doing the property any favors.
We stepped in with fresh professional photography, a rewritten listing optimized for search, and dynamic pricing to capture peak demand. Almost immediately, the listing jumped from page three to the top three search results, the star rating climbed to 4.9, and bookings started rolling in at higher rates.
By the end of the first year with new management, revenue grew to $114,000 - a 58% increase. Year two is on pace for $145,000, more than double the revenue from before. The photos didn’t just make the cabin look better; they positioned it as a top-tier experience worth paying more for.
Before & After
Previous Mgmt: $72,000 → Year 1: $114,000 (+58% increase)
Year 2: $145,000 (+101% increase from baseline)
Star Rating: 4.6 → 4.9
Search Rank: Page 3 → Top 3
Case Study 3: Colorado Springs Transformation
Colorado Springs, CO
This property in Colorado Springs was underperforming despite being in a prime location. The design was solid, but the photos were dark, inconsistent, and failed to capture the home’s best features. Bookings lagged behind market averages and the homeowner felt stuck.
We re-shot the property with lifestyle-driven photos that highlighted the bright, spacious layout, local views, and curated details. The new imagery gave guests a clear sense of what staying there would actually feel like. Combined with a refreshed listing description and improved staging, the property’s performance quickly turned around.
The results were clear. Revenue increased by more than 40% in the first year with the new photos, ADR climbed substantially, and the property began attracting a higher caliber of guest. What had been a mid-level listing became one of the stronger earners in its area.
Before & After
Before Photos: $60,000
Year 1 with Professional Photos: $85,000 (+42% increase)
Year 2 with Professional Photos: $120,000+ (+100% increase from baseline)
ADR: +40% increase
Guest Quality: Average → Consistently higher-spending guests
How We Can Help Your Listing Stand Out
Your property only gets one chance to make a first impression online. Guests make their decision in seconds, and if the photos don’t stop them in their tracks, they’ll keep scrolling.
At OneSource Media, we don’t just take pictures of your property — we craft a visual experience that makes guests feel like they’re already there. Professional photography paired with optimized listings and a strong pricing strategy helps your property earn more, book faster, and stand out in a crowded market.
If your rental isn’t living up to its full potential, you may not need a remodel. You may just need the right story told through the right images.
📩 Reach out to us at onesourcemediallc@gmail.com or (719) 431-9541 and let’s talk about how we can help your property shine.