Rainier Beach Rental Property Photography: 1918 Craftsman Core Package Case Study

How professional photography helps landlords attract quality tenants faster in competitive neighborhoods like Rainier Beach

The Seattle rental market doesn’t forgive mediocre listing photos. When a property owner contacted us about photographing their newly remodeled 4-bedroom home in Rainier Beach, they understood something crucial: in a market where renters scroll through dozens of listings before their morning coffee, you have about 3 seconds to make them stop.

This wasn’t just any rental property. This was a 1918 Craftsman that had been thoughtfully updated throughout—the kind of home that deserves photography matching the quality of the renovation. The owner chose our Core Listing Package, and here’s what happened on shoot day.

The Property: Where History Meets Modern Living

Rainier Beach has evolved into one of Seattle’s most interesting neighborhoods—close to light rail, Lake Washington, and increasingly attractive to renters who want character without the Capitol Hill price tag. This particular home bridged nearly a century of Seattle history with today’s rental market expectations.

Two-story charcoal gray craftsman-style home with white trim and red six-panel front door, featuring covered entry porch with white railings and posts, arched cedar shake detail above porch, brick and concrete tiered front walkway with mature landscaping including trimmed evergreen shrubs and fall foliage from deciduous trees, paver driveway leading to left side of frame, photographed on partly cloudy autumn day in Seattle residential neighborhood — First impressions happen in 7 seconds—this welcoming front exterior tells buyers exactly what they want to hear. Notice how the angle captures both the architectural charm and the mature landscaping that frames the home. The covered porch adds instant curb appeal, while the fall foliage creates warmth that online shoppers can’t scroll past. Pro tip: That red door isn’t just pretty—it’s a proven attention-grabber that makes listings 15% more memorable.

The exterior retained its Craftsman charm—that covered porch, the architectural details, the inviting red door—while hiding a completely modernized interior. For rental photography, this combination is gold. Renters want character, but they also want updated kitchens and bathrooms. This home delivered both.

Why Professional Photography Matters for Rental Properties

Here’s a stat that surprises landlords: rental listings with professional photos receive 61% more inquiries than those with smartphone photos. But it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality of leads.

When you invest in professional photography for a rental, you’re filtering your applicant pool before they ever schedule a showing. The renters who respond to well-photographed listings tend to be:

More serious about finding their next home
Better able to afford the rent (quality photos signal quality property)
More respectful of the property (they can see it’s been maintained)
Less likely to waste your time with showings

This owner understood that vacant rental properties cost money every day. Getting the right tenant quickly matters more than saving a few hundred dollars on photography.

The Core Listing Package: What’s Included

Our Core Listing Package is designed specifically for properties where complete marketing materials matter—whether you’re selling or renting. Here’s what we delivered for this Rainier Beach rental:

Professional Interior & Exterior Photography

We shot 80+ images covering every room, angle, and detail. For rental properties, we focus on the questions tenants always ask: How much natural light? Will my furniture fit? Is the kitchen really updated?

Spacious remodeled kitchen with full-height charcoal gray shaker-style cabinets extending to ceiling including glass-front upper cabinets on left, white quartz countertops throughout, large gray-painted center island with white quartz waterfall edge and seating area, white farmhouse apron-front sink, stainless steel dishwasher, white electric range, brushed nickel modern faucet, white geometric hexagonal tile backsplash, light oak or natural hardwood flooring, ornate bronze chandelier with frosted glass shades hanging above dining area, white French doors with multiple glass panes leading to exterior deck visible in background, natural light streaming through doors and side window, beige or off-white painted walls in dining area beyond kitchen — Kitchens sell homes—it’s that simple. This is why we spend extra time getting the kitchen perfect. Shot from the corner to show the full scope, we’ve captured the gray shaker cabinets that are currently trending, the generous island that buyers specifically search for, and those patio doors that flood the space with light. Notice how the backsplash texture is visible but not distracting? That’s intentional HDR technique. The stainless appliances reflect light without creating harsh glare, and you can actually see the quartz countertop veining that cost the homeowner a premium.

The kitchen renovation was the star of this property—and we made sure every detail showed up in the photos.

The kitchen photos alone probably added $200-300 to the achievable monthly rent. When renters see a kitchen like this, they’re not just looking at cabinets and countertops—they’re imagining their life here. That’s worth paying for.

Close-up detail of kitchen featuring white porcelain farmhouse apron-front sink with chrome gooseneck faucet, charcoal gray shaker-style lower cabinets with black hardware pulls, white quartz countertop with subtle gray veining, white elongated hexagonal tile backsplash in vertical picket pattern, open floating shelves above sink displaying items, gray upper cabinets flanking window, double-hung window with white frame centered above sink allowing natural light, window partially obscured by backsplash tile work visible to ceiling height on sides, professional residential kitchen renovation finishes — Detail shots like this do the heavy lifting when buyers are comparing listings. This close-up proves the quality of the remodel—that deep farmhouse sink everyone wants, the trendy hexagon backsplash, and those open shelving displays that suggest “Pinterest-worthy.” Notice the symmetry and the way the natural light from that window illuminates the white backsplash? These are the photos that make buyers think “I wouldn’t change a thing,” which translates directly into stronger offers.

Detail shots prove quality. That farmhouse sink and hexagon backsplash signal this wasn’t a budget flip.

Drone Aerial Photography

Aerial shots answer questions before renters ask them. How big is the yard? What’s the neighborhood like? Is parking available?

Overhead drone photograph taken from approximately 50 feet showing two-story charcoal gray craftsman home with dark gray composite roof, elevated wooden deck with natural wood railing extending from rear of house, fully fenced backyard with bright orange-stained wood privacy fence, patchy grass lawn area, covered storage structure in back corner, surrounding residential neighborhood with mix of single-family homes in various colors including blue and orange siding, mature deciduous trees displaying autumn colors in yellows, oranges and reds throughout neighborhood, evergreen trees interspersed, asphalt streets visible — Here’s why drone shots aren’t just about looking cool—they answer the questions buyers ask before the open house. How big is the lot? Is there outdoor space? What’s the neighborhood like? This aerial captures everything: the spacious fenced yard, the new deck perfect for PNW summers, fall color that adds seasonal charm, and enough context to show the quiet residential setting without revealing specific addresses. Buyers viewing this photo stay on listings 3x longer than those without aerial perspectives.

Drone photography shows what ground-level photos can’t: the full scope of the property and its setting.

For this property, the aerial shots showcased that fully fenced backyard (massive selling point for pet owners) and the quiet residential street (appealing to families). The fall colors didn’t hurt either—Seattle looks particularly beautiful from above in October.

Wide-angle aerial drone photograph taken from approximately 200 feet elevation showing established residential neighborhood with mixture of single-family homes in various architectural styles and exterior colors including gray, blue, orange, and white siding, mature landscaping with deciduous trees displaying full autumn foliage in vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds interspersed with evergreen conifer trees, asphalt streets with parked vehicles, well-maintained properties with fenced yards, distant view of large body of water (lake or Puget Sound) visible on horizon, forested hillside or mountain range in far background, mix of overcast and partly sunny conditions with white clouds, Pacific Northwest residential character, established neighborhood infrastructure, subject property identifiable as charcoal gray two-story home with orange-red privacy fence in lower foreground portion of image — This is the photo that answers “Why should I pay Seattle prices?”—and the answer is written right across the frame. The neighborhood setting shows character and maturity, those fall colors provide seasonal appeal, but most importantly, that glimpse of the lake and mountains reminds buyers exactly why they want to live here. Aerial context shots increase listing engagement by 60% because they tell the bigger story: you’re not just buying a house, you’re buying into a beautiful Pacific Northwest lifestyle. For sellers, this is the shot that justifies your asking price.

This wider aerial shot reminded prospective tenants why they want to live in Seattle—lake views, mountains, and established neighborhoods.

Zillow 3D Home Tour

Interactive Photos, Floorplan and Tour of 8633 Wabash Ave S
Created using Zillow 3D Home app

Here’s where rental photography in 2025 gets interesting. The 3D tour integration with Zillow means renters can virtually walk through the property before scheduling a showing.

Why this matters: You eliminate unqualified leads. Someone who virtually tours the home and then requests a showing is genuinely interested. This saves landlords hours of time showing the property to people who would have realized it wasn’t right the moment they walked in.

The 3D tour also keeps your listing active longer on Zillow’s platform, improving your search ranking and visibility.

Black & White Floor Plans

Most landlords skip floor plans for rentals. Big mistake.

Professional architectural floor plan diagram showing two-level home layout with Floor 1 on left displaying entry foyer measuring 10'5" x 7'4", living room 13'9" x 20'10", dining room 18'6" x 10'1", bedroom 9'4" x 13'2", kitchen 14'9" x 17'2" with pantry, bathroom 7'8" x 7'5", multiple closets, and stairs up; Floor 2 on right showing primary bedroom 11'10" x 23'3", primary bathroom 8'11" x 10'5", primary closet 11'10" x 3'10", bedroom 14'3" x 11'4", additional bedroom with 6'1" x 5'9" closet, laundry 6'0" x 5'1", family room 23'7" x 22'0" with open to below area, stairs down, and basement 23'5" x 23'8" unfinished; all walls, doors, windows, and spatial relationships clearly marked in black line drawing on white background — Floor plans might seem technical, but they’re actually secret weapons—listings with floor plans get 30% more inquiries. Why? Because they let buyers mentally move in before the showing. They can see that the primary suite is truly separated from other bedrooms, spot the dedicated laundry room, and understand how that open main level flows. We include these because agents tell us it cuts down on unqualified showings while increasing serious offers.

Floor plans help renters understand the layout before they visit—reducing unnecessary showings.

Floor plans accomplish two things:

They help serious renters determine if the layout works for their needs
They make your listing look professional and legitimate (which matters in a market with scams)

For this 4-bedroom property, the floor plan clearly showed that the primary bedroom was separated from the other bedrooms—a huge plus for families or roommate situations.

The Shoot: Timing, Angles, and Light

We arrived at this Rainier Beach property at 11 AM on a partly cloudy October day—perfect conditions for Seattle real estate photography.

Exterior Shots: Making Curb Appeal Count

Vertical composition of craftsman home entry showcasing white six-panel front door with decorative glass transom window, covered porch with natural cedar shake arched roof detail and white painted railings and posts, wooden front steps with white risers, brick tiered walkway with concrete edging and retaining walls, mature foundation plantings including rounded evergreen shrubs on both sides, backlit green tree foliage framing top of image, charcoal gray horizontal siding with white trim throughout — The vertical angle here does something clever—it emphasizes the covered entryway that Seattle buyers specifically search for (trust us, “covered porch” appears in 40% of local searches). The brick walkway creates a natural leading line right to that welcoming red door, while framing with the tree branches adds dimension without blocking the home. This is the shot that makes buyers text their agent to schedule a showing before they even finish scrolling the listing.

The vertical composition emphasizes the covered entry—a feature Seattle renters specifically search for.

The front exterior required two key angles: one showing the full property and neighborhood context, and one emphasizing that covered porch entry. In Seattle, covered entries aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re functional. Renters know this, so we made sure the photos highlighted it.

The timing was intentional. Late morning light in October provides even illumination without harsh shadows, and the fall foliage added seasonal warmth without overwhelming the architecture.

Interior Shots: Proving the Quality

Empty homes can be challenging to photograph, but they have one advantage: renters see the actual space without someone else’s furniture influencing their perception.

Spacious living room with gray walls, hardwood floors, and abundant natural light from large windows. Professional HDR real estate photography showcasing move-in ready Seattle home interior. — Empty rooms are actually harder to photograph than furnished ones, but here’s the advantage—buyers see the true space and can envision their own furniture. The key is capturing it like this: shooting from the corner to maximize the sense of space, timing it when natural light floods those windows (creating that bright, airy feeling Seattle buyers crave), and exposing for both the interior and exterior so nothing looks dark or blown out. Those gray walls? Neutral enough to appeal to everyone while still having personality.

Shooting from the corner maximizes the sense of space while showcasing the hardwood floors and natural light.

We shot every room from multiple angles, but the strategy remained consistent: show the space, show the light, show the condition. For rental properties, condition matters enormously. These photos proved that “updated throughout” wasn’t marketing speak—it was reality.

Formal dining room with medium gray painted walls and white trim, medium-brown hardwood flooring in plank pattern, ornate bronze or oil-rubbed bronze chandelier with six frosted glass bell-shaped shades hanging from white ceiling, single double-hung window with white frame and horizontal blinds on right wall, white baseboard and crown molding throughout, wide arched doorway opening on left leading to living room with visible hardwood floor continuity, electrical outlet and light switch on gray walls, vent register visible on floor, room evenly lit by natural window light and chandelier — Dining rooms are tricky because they’re often pass-through spaces, but this angle captures what matters: the elegant chandelier that says “this home has been loved,” the gracious archway showing how spaces connect, and enough room dimension to help buyers picture their holiday dinners. The chandelier is perfectly lit without glare, the hardwood shines without looking slippery, and you can see clear through to the living room—showing that coveted open feel without the home actually being open-concept.

The dining room chandelier and architectural details signal quality construction and maintenance.

The living and dining rooms flowed together, and we made sure the photos demonstrated that open feel. Modern renters want spaces that work for both daily living and entertaining—even in rental properties.

Bathrooms: Where Renovations Show Their Worth

Elegant primary bathroom vanity featuring white shaker-style double vanity cabinet with multiple drawers and decorative round knob hardware in chrome or nickel finish, white quartz countertop with subtle gray veining and integrated double undermount white sinks, two modern brushed nickel widespread faucets with separate handles, large frameless wall-mounted mirror spanning full vanity width reflecting bathroom details, modern chrome and clear glass cylindrical wall sconce light fixtures flanking mirror on left, chrome towel ring mounted on right wall, white subway tile or light neutral wall finish, partial view of dark charcoal or black modern tile work in adjacent shower area reflected in mirror, white ceiling with recessed lighting, professional bathroom renovation finishes — Bathrooms are the second-most important room to buyers (after kitchens), and this primary bath checks every box. The double vanity screams “no more fighting for sink space,” the crystal light fixtures add a touch of luxury, and that quartz countertop coordinates with the kitchen for design continuity. We’ve lit this to eliminate any harsh shadows while making the fixtures sparkle—notice how you can see the quality of those faucets and hardware? The frameless mirror expands the space visually, and the gray tile preview hints at the beautiful shower that’s coming next.

The double vanity with quartz countertops—this is the photo that justifies premium rent.

If kitchens sell homes, bathrooms seal the deal. This primary bathroom renovation was spectacular, and we lit it to showcase every detail: the quartz countertops, the modern fixtures, the frameless mirror, the quality tile work.

Modern walk-in shower stall with large-format rectangular charcoal gray porcelain or ceramic tile in horizontal brick pattern covering all walls from floor to ceiling including tub surround, white ceiling, built-in white acrylic or fiberglass bathtub with chrome fixtures and handheld shower attachment, frameless clear glass shower door panel on hinges, chrome towel bar mounted on glass, modern chrome rain showerhead and control fixtures on left tile wall, white grout lines creating geometric grid pattern, professional tile installation with precise alignment, natural and artificial lighting creating dimensional shadows highlighting tile texture, partial view of white vanity cabinet reflected in glass shower door, beige carpet flooring outside shower area — This shower photo does something crucial—it proves the bathroom renovation is high-end, not basic builder-grade. The large-format gray tile creates a spa-like feel, the frameless glass door makes the space feel larger, and that rain shower head suggests luxury daily experiences. We’ve shot this straight-on to show the tile pattern clearly and used lighting that reveals the texture without creating harsh reflections on the glass. Buyers spend an average of 40% longer looking at listings with quality bathroom photos like this, and it directly correlates with higher offers.

Detail shots like this walk-in shower prove the renovation quality—this isn’t builder-grade work.

For rental properties especially, bathroom photos eliminate concerns. When renters see a bathroom this nice, they’re not worried about what’s behind the walls or whether the landlord cuts corners.

The Family Room: Bonus Space That Commands Premium Rent

This is what we call a “wow factor” room—and it required specific technique to capture properly. Vaulted ceilings can look weirdly distorted if the angle is wrong, so we shoot level and use the vertical lines of the beams to anchor the composition. The exposed black beams create dramatic contrast against the lighter ceiling, and the two-tone wall treatment adds sophistication without overwhelming. The carpet shows texture but no unflattering shadows, and that subtle glimpse of the hallway beyond helps buyers understand this is a separated space—perfect for kids or media rooms.

The vaulted ceiling family room was a show-stopper—the kind of space that makes renters willing to pay more.

This family room on the upper level was the secret weapon. Most 4-bedroom rentals in this price range don’t have bonus spaces like this. The vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and generous square footage made this feel less like a rental and more like a home.

We shot it to emphasize the volume and architectural interest. Renters scrolling listings at midnight will stop on this photo.

Bedrooms: Simple, Clean, Spacious

Large empty primary bedroom with light beige or cream painted walls, fresh beige wall-to-wall carpet in uniform clean condition, white baseboards and crown molding trim, two double-hung windows with white frames and horizontal white blinds on left wall providing natural light, modern brushed nickel or chrome two-light wall sconce fixture between windows, white ceiling with simple flush-mount light fixture, single electrical outlet visible on right wall, room proportions suggesting king-size bed accommodation with ample walking space, neutral color palette creating calm serene atmosphere — Primary bedrooms need to feel like a retreat, and this photo delivers that message without a single piece of furniture. The corner angle maximizes the perceived space, the dual windows prove there’s plenty of natural light, and the neutral beige walls create that spa-like calm buyers are looking for. The wall-to-wall carpet looks fresh and inviting, and those modern light fixtures add a touch of style. Empty bedroom photos answer one crucial question: “Will my king bed fit?” This angle makes it clear the answer is yes, with room to spare.

The primary bedroom photography focused on showing true size and natural light—the two things renters care most about.

Empty bedrooms need to feel spacious and bright. We achieved this by shooting from corners (maximizing perceived space), timing for optimal natural light, and ensuring the neutral colors showed true-to-life.

For rental properties, bedroom photos answer a simple question: “Can my bed and furniture fit?” These photos made the answer obviously yes.

Outdoor Spaces: The Seattle Dream

Rear exterior view of two-story home showing recently constructed elevated wooden deck with natural cedar or pressure-treated lumber decking boards and natural wood railing with horizontal cable or thin spindle infill, deck accessible through white French doors with multiple glass panes on main level, charcoal gray horizontal siding with white trim on house exterior, bright orange-red stained vertical board privacy fence enclosing backyard perimeter, patchy grass lawn area with bare dirt sections, old concrete patio slab section visible in foreground, mature landscaping including evergreen shrubs along fence line and deciduous trees with autumn yellow and orange foliage, neighboring homes with blue and teal siding visible in background, partly cloudy autumn day lighting — Outdoor spaces have become non-negotiable for Seattle buyers, and this photo proves this home delivers. The new cedar deck is shot to show both its size and connection to the home, the fenced yard promises privacy and pet-friendliness, and the angle includes enough of the house to show how well the exterior has been maintained. That fall color adds seasonal charm, and the patio slab hints at additional outdoor utility. We time these shots for even lighting that shows texture without harsh shadows—because buyers need to envision their summer barbecues before they’ll make an offer.

The new deck and fenced yard are major amenities—photos prove they exist and show their condition.

The new cedar deck and fully fenced backyard were significant selling points. In Seattle’s rental market, outdoor space commands a premium, especially when it’s usable and private.

We shot the outdoor areas to show both the spaces themselves and their connection to the home. Renters need to visualize summer barbecues and morning coffee on that deck.

The Results: What Professional Photography Delivers

While we can’t share specific rental income details (client confidentiality), we can tell you what typically happens when landlords invest in our Core Listing Package:

Faster Rental Times: Properties with professional photos rent 30-50% faster than those with DIY photos. In Seattle’s market, that can mean 2-3 weeks versus 6-8 weeks vacant.

Higher Quality Tenants: Better photos attract more qualified applicants. When you have 20 applications instead of 3, you can be selective.

Premium Rent Justification: Professional photos help justify asking rent. When your listing looks better than comparable properties, renters understand why you’re asking more.

Reduced Showing Time: 3D tours and quality photos mean fewer unnecessary showings. Your property manager (or you) saves hours.

For this Rainier Beach property specifically, the owner reported receiving multiple qualified applications within the first week of listing. The winning tenant cited the photos as the reason they prioritized this property over others in their search.

Why Rainier Beach Properties Deserve Great Photography

Rainier Beach is often overlooked in Seattle rental marketing, but it shouldn’t be. The neighborhood offers:

Light rail access (massive for Seattle renters)
Proximity to Lake Washington
Relative affordability compared to North Seattle
Diverse, established community character
Quality housing stock (including historic homes like this one)

The challenge is overcoming outdated perceptions. Professional photography helps position Rainier Beach properties appropriately—as quality homes in an up-and-coming area with real amenities.

What Landlords Should Know About Rental Photography

If you’re managing rental properties in Seattle, here’s what matters:

Invest Before Listing: Professional photography isn’t an expense—it’s marketing that pays for itself in reduced vacancy time. A property that sits vacant for an extra week costs far more than photography.

Update Photos After Renovations: If you’ve updated the property, your listing photos should reflect that. Don’t use 3-year-old photos of the old kitchen when you’ve just installed new cabinets.

Include Floor Plans: Especially for single-family rentals, floor plans reduce confusion and unqualified showings.

Use Aerial Photos: If you have a yard, parking, or neighborhood context worth showing, drone photos are invaluable.

Consider 3D Tours: The marginal cost is minimal, and the qualified lead generation is significant.

The Core Listing Package: Is It Right for Your Property?

Our Core Listing Package makes sense for:

Single-family homes for sale or rent
Higher-end rentals where quality tenants matter
Properties with recent renovations you want to showcase
Competitive markets where presentation matters
Landlords who understand that vacant properties cost money

It’s probably overkill for:

Budget apartments where turnover is expected
Properties that will rent regardless of photos
Situations where you have qualified tenants already lined up

For this Rainier Beach property, the Core Listing Package was the right call. The owner invested in a quality renovation and wanted photography that matched.

Lessons from This Shoot

After 5000+ Pacific Northwest property shoots, here’s what this one reinforced:

Historic homes photograph beautifully when they’ve been thoughtfully updated. The exterior charm combined with modern interiors creates compelling contrast.

Fall in Seattle is underrated for real estate photography. The color and light create warmth that resonates with buyers and renters.

Details matter more than square footage. The farmhouse sink and hexagon backsplash generated more positive comments than the room sizes.

Landlords who invest in presentation attract better tenants. It’s that simple.

Rainier Beach deserves better marketing. This neighborhood has great properties—they just need photography that shows it.

Ready to Market Your Rental Property?

Whether you’re listing a renovated Craftsman in Rainier Beach or a modern townhome in Ballard, the principle remains: renters decide whether to schedule showings based on your photos. Make them count.

Our Core Listing Package delivers everything you need to compete in Seattle’s rental market: professional interior/exterior photography, drone aerials, 3D home tours, and floor plans. We handle the technical details so you can focus on finding the right tenant.

Curious what your property would look like with professional photography? We’ve shot homes in every Seattle neighborhood, from historic Craftsmans to new construction, from budget rentals to luxury properties.

Ready to improve your rental marketing? Contact Photos in the House to discuss your property and timeline. Most shoots can be scheduled within 3-5 business days, with photos delivered within 24 hours.

About This Property Shoot

Location: Rainier Beach, Seattle
Property Type: 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home
Year Built: 1918 (renovated 2024)
Package: Core Listing Package
Shoot Date: October 2024
Total Images Delivered: 80+
Turnaround Time: 24 hours

Services Included:

Professional interior photography (all rooms, multiple angles)
Exterior photography (front, rear, and detail shots)
Drone aerial photography (property and neighborhood context)
Zillow 3D Home Tour integration
Black & white architectural floor plans
Professional photo editing and HDR processing
Web-optimized image delivery
MLS-ready formatting

Photos in the House is a professional real estate and vacation rental photography business serving the Greater Seattle area. We specialize in helping agents, landlords, and homeowners present properties that stand out in competitive markets. From Rainier Beach to Ballard, we know Seattle neighborhoods and how to photograph them.

Behind the Lens: Capturing a Remodeled 1918 Craftsman for the Seattle Rental Market