Becoming an Airbnb Host

How to Take Airbnb Photos

The difference between an amateur hurried image and one that has been staged and shot properly is significant. To market your vacation rental well, it needs to stand out from the others in an online search. There’s a skill to achieving that. Learn how to take professional-looking photos of your Airbnb to showcase your unique home and get more bookings.

by ACT Studios

Determine the Experience You Want to Create

Photographing vacation rental properties is not exactly like real estate photography — it’s less about the property’s features and more about showing the experience guests will have in the home.

“Great images should evoke emotion and the desire to click ‘book now.’” 

ACT Studios

The exercise below will help you pinpoint the experiences your property can potentially hold and what type of guest will be the best for you to cater to. 

We’d like you to walk through the property and try to see it as if it was the first time. 

  • Does the property meet the basic expectations of someone traveling this year? 
  • What unique amenities make the home really special? 
  • Where do your eyes go once you open the door? 
  • Is there anything you would need to see before deciding to book? 
  • What would make YOU want to stay there? 

These answers will help you understand exactly the areas that must be photographed.

Guidelines for Your Shoot

You have a beautiful property that you have invested time, love, and money into — and it’s ready for the world to see. The next step is to photograph it beautifully, to truly capture the experience a guest can have on vacation there.

Below, learn simple tips and guidelines from professional photographers about how to successfully showcase your vacation rental through perfect photos

Lighting

The goal is to illuminate the rooms and help guests imagine themselves in the space. We are strong advocates for the use of natural light, when possible. Shots that pop the most (pre-editing) are the ones bathed in natural light. 

When spaces don’t have enough light flowing in through the windows, we recommend investing in LED light bulbs or another form of non-incandescent lighting that won’t give photos a yellowish tinge. Whatever type of lighting you choose, make sure to use a lens hood in all photos to help avoid glare and lens flares.

Cleanliness

Whether you’re investing in a professional photoshoot or not, you need to put your best foot forward. This starts with proper cleaning and preparing your home for the photoshoot. 

We do encourage attention to detail, and if you or the photographer notice any minor cleanliness or tidiness issues (for example, a crooked towel or a counter that needs to be wiped) please fix them before taking your photos. 

If the home is very unclean or otherwise unfit to be photographed, please do not proceed with the shoot as this will be counterproductive to the process.

Composition

Once the cleaning is done, it’s time to stage your home. Be your own art director. Imagine how you want to frame each room of your property and make as many tweaks and rearrangements as necessary. In short, buy a fresh bouquet.  

When taking photos, the idea is to scope out each room and identify the top shooting locations to show off the property’s best amenities and features. Often, that means backing into all four corners to get great angles. Keep the rule of thirds in mind, and make small adjustments where necessary to compose beautiful frames.

It is important to provide images that help guests understand how the home is laid out. That means including doorways, stairways, and other connections in your shots.

For exteriors, do not photograph garbage or recycling bins. Remove anything distracting, like hoses, empty planters, and ashtrays. If possible, incorporate some shots of the property’s surroundings. 

Airbnb Professional Photography Checklist

  • Shoot a variety of images, both overviews and closeups. 
  • Shoot all images horizontally. If you’re in a tight space and must shoot vertically, please also provide a horizontal alternative for the shot.
  • Be sure to capture a straight-on one-point composition, but be very careful when you level your camera for perfect horizontals. 
  • Shoot into a corner (two-point composition) to show space and flow. Please capture only two walls in these shots. 
  • Refrain from using a fisheye lens or three-point composition.
  • Use your tripod for every shot. Set it at about 4.5 feet. Make sure the camera is level and that you’re shooting straight — don’t tilt the camera up or down as this will create distortion.
  • Avoid using flash.
  • Don’t accidentally photograph yourself on reflective surfaces.

5 Bonus Tips from Professional Photographers

Capturing inspirational images involves work, and preparation is key. Below, learn five things professional Airbnb photographers recommend to keep in mind when snapping great photos of your short-term rental.

1. Show Off Those Views

Ensure any external feature doors can be open fully. Outdoor areas should be prepared and cleared in advance. Potential guests will love seeing those views drawn into the property. Help them to visualize themselves there and add to the value of your imagery.

2. Keep It Cozy

Everyone loves the atmosphere a cozy fire creates, so if you have a fireplace, ensure fires are always shown beautifully alight. Realistic bright fires can be added during the editing process. 

Set the scene with tasteful cushions, throws, and blankets. Guests want to picture themselves curling up and getting all warm and toasty after a day exploring the area.

3. Make It Luxurious

A few choice props can really make your property photos stand out. You want guests to fall in love with your place before they even book. 

The aim is to add atmosphere and warmth. A breakfast tray or a bottle of champagne and some glasses can work wonders to sell the idea of the ultimate escape. Invest in high-quality essentials, like linens, to create a luxurious atmosphere that potential guests won’t be able to resist.

4. Dress Exterior Spaces

Treat your exterior spaces as if they were additional rooms in your property. With little effort and props including candles, lamps, and tableware, you can create absolutely stunning shots. Don’t forget to prepare everything outdoors, including any hot tubs and pools.

5. Keep It Simple

Getting ready for a photoshoot is a little different from preparing for your guests. The less clutter there is, the more impactful your images will be. Adding a few accent props is fine (it avoids everything looking too cold and clinical), but be careful not to add too many or they can distract from the full effect of the images.

Now That You Have High-Quality Images, Use Them Properly

Quality, high-resolution images of your property and experiences should always be displayed as large as possible on your Airbnb listing. You have invested time, money, and energy into these exceptional images, so make sure you showcase them properly.