What Are Twilight Photos (and Why Every Short-Term Rental Needs Them)
If you’ve ever scrolled Airbnb or Vrbo and stopped on a listing that just felt different… chances are, it had a twilight photo.
Twilight photography is one of the most powerful tools you can use to make your short-term rental stand out and ultimately get more bookings.
Let’s break down what twilight photos are, when they’re taken and why they matter so much for your STR listing.
Twilight photos are images captured just before sunset or shortly after, when the florida sky starts to show its beautiful, colorful glow and the interior lights of the home are turned on.
This combination creates:
Warm, inviting lighting to set the tone for evening hangouts at your property
Rich, colorful skies in the background
The result? A photo that feels emotional, high-end, and eye-catching.
When Are Twilight Photos Taken?
Seth Michael Media photographs your twilight photos within a very tight window:
20–40 minutes before sunset (most common)
Shortly after the sun has set
Why this timing matters:
The sky still has color and detail
Exterior lights are visible and glowing
Interior lighting looks warm and welcoming
The property stands out instead of blending into daylight
Because the window is so short, timing and preparation are everything.
Depending on your own property and the exterior lighting that you have, the perfect time to capture your twilight photos may vary.
Why Are Twilight Photos So Important For STR Listings?
1. It causes people to stop scrolling. Twilight photos instantly stand our in search results which makes your property more likely to get clicked.
2. They create an emotional connection. Twilight photos don’t just show the property at night, they give a feeling that a potential guest may feel when enjoying your property during those evening hours. Pool lights, string lights and fire pits are perfectly captured in your twilight photos.
3. The top rated properties and hosts utilize twilight photos to help enhance their STR listings.
If you’re serious about standing out in a crowded short-term rental market, twilight photography isn’t just a “nice-to-have”, it’s a strategic advantage.
It grabs attention, creates emotion and showcases your property in its best possible light—literally.
Seth Michael Media is a trusted STR Photographer based out of Pinellas County Florida. With hundreds of airbnb, vrbo and vacation rental properties photographed, Seth Michael Media is dedicated to helping your and your vacation rental stand out!