How to take good photos for your listing using your phone

In the world of RV sharing, hirers judge a van by its photos. When a potential hirer is scrolling through Camplify looking for an RV to hire for their next adventure, your photos are the only thing standing between "scrolling past" and "booking request."

The good news is, you don’t need a fancy DSLR or a professional photographer to stop the scroll with good-quality, captivating images. You just need the smartphone in your pocket and a little bit of know-how. Here’s how to get the most out of your phone camera and make your listing even more attractive to hirers.

1. Set the stage: Location is everything

Before you even open your camera app, you need to create the scene. Put yourself in the hirer's shoes, they’re not just hiring an RV; they’re unlocking a dream adventure. Show them exactly what they can experience.

• Find the right spot: Avoid your driveway if possible. Drive to a local park, a beach lookout, or a secluded spot with some greenery for a nice backdrop.

• Declutter the background: Position the van away from distracting trees, poles, or other cars. This gives the photo depth and ensures your van is the undisputed star of the show.

• Set up the van exactly as a hirer would use it: Pop the roof, roll out the awning, set up the camp chairs. You want them to picture themselves sitting there with a cold drink.

Tip: Take shots with the awning both open and closed, but watch out for harsh shadows cast by the awning on sunny days.

Looking to take your listing to the next level? Learn how to maximise your earnings with a great quality listing.

2. Essential phone settings

Modern phones have impressive cameras, and a few setting tweaks can take your photos from "amateur" to "pro."

• Turn on grids: This is the secret weapon for straight photos.

  • iPhone: Settings > Camera > Grid (Toggle On)

  • Android: Camera App > Settings > Grid Lines (Toggle On)

• Make sure flash is off: Flash makes interiors look harsh and uninviting. Always use natural light. Open all the curtains, blinds, and doors. Turn on the van's interior lights, even in the daytime, to add warmth.

• Check the resolution: Ensure your camera is saving high-res images (at least 1024 x 683 pixels). You want crisp, clear details, not pixelated blur.

• Give the lens a wipe: Your phone spends all day in your pocket or hand, collecting fingerprints and oil. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth (or a soft t-shirt) will instantly make your photos sharper and clearer.

3. Composition: How to frame the perfect shot

Now that you’re set up, how do you actually take the photo?

The "hero" shot (the 3/4 angle): Your cover photo needs to show the size and shape of the vehicle instantly to make it easier for potential hirers to understand what type of van they’re getting. If there’s one standout image you need in your listing, this is it. Stand at a diagonal angle (about 45 degrees) to the front corner of the van. This shows the front cabin, the side entry, and the length of the vehicle all at once.

Image: Off Grid Caravan Hire #0

Keep it Straight Nothing screams "amateur" like a crooked horizon. Use those grid lines you just turned on! Align the grid with the roof of the van (exterior) or the cabinetry (interior) to keep everything level.

Image: California Tree

The rule of thirds: You don’t always have to centre the subject. Use the grid lines and place the focal point (like the steering wheel, the bed, or the view out the window) where those lines intersect. It creates a more balanced image.

4. Tell a story with details

There are thousands of vans on Camplify. Why is yours unique? Show off your van's character and make it stand out to hirers.

Don't just take one wide shot of the interior and call it a day. Use a mix of angles:

• Wide shots: Great for the exterior and showing the full layout.

• Mid-range shots: Perfect for showing the kitchen workspace or the dining setup.

• Close-ups: This is where you sell the "vibe." Photograph the coffee machine, the textured throw blanket on the bed, the board games you provide, or the easy-to-use control panel.

Image: Lola the van

Must-capture features to appeal to hirers:

• Sleeping arrangements (beds made up vs. packed away).

• The kitchen (open the drawers to show the cutlery/pots!).

• Bathroom facilities.

• Tech features (reversing cameras, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth).

• Any fun extras that are included (kayaks, BBQs, bikes).

Image: Samson

5. Format matters: Horizontal vs. vertical

It’s important to know how Camplify displays your photos on your listing. The first image on your listing is your cover photo, the main photo on your listing page and the one that shows up in search results.

• Horizontal (landscape): These are crucial. Your cover photo and search result images are displayed horizontally. You need a compelling landscape-orientation shot for this.

• The gallery: When hirers click into your listing, they can scroll through a gallery. Here, you can mix in some vertical shots (great for showing tall cupboards or a shower setup).

Image: Chloe

6. Authenticity wins

Finally, be snap-happy! Take way more photos than you think you need, you can always delete the bad ones later.

When taking and editing your photos, always be accurate. Don't use filters that change the colour of the van, and don't include accessories in the photos that aren't included in the hire. Managing expectations starts with the photo gallery.

If you can, include people (or pets) in a few shots. It helps hirers visualise the scale of the van and the fun they will have. If you have previous hirers who took great photos, ask if you can feature them!

Image: Hazel

Ready to snap some images and update your listing?

Great photos are the first step to a attracting more hirers and making your way to a fully booked calendar. Once you've captured your shots, head over to our Editing Guide to learn how to polish them up before uploading.

• Have questions about your listing? Contact our community team on 02 4075 2000 during our operating hours for assistance.

• Got an RV gathering dust in the driveway? Learn how to list your van on Camplify and start earning.

• Want more resources? Read our blog for more helpful owner guides.