How to take the best photos for your Airbnb property
27th May 2015
Pictures are possibly the most important element of any Airbnb listing. They bring your property to life and can ultimately be the decisive factor for potential guests. These are our top tips for nailing your photoshoot.
1. Clean & tidy
Your first step should be to make the place look as presentable as possible. Make the bed, wash the dishes, and get the hoover out.
2. Be well equipped
The camera on your smartphone will probably suffice, but if you have access to a decent camera, all the better. Airbnb actually connects hosts with free professional photographers in many cities. Depending on your location and listing, you might be eligible for this service.
3. Lighting
Natural light is the best setting for indoor photography, so try and arrange your photoshoot in the daytime. You want your Airbnb property to look bright and friendly, not dark and dingy.
4. Focus
An obvious point, but you’d be amazed at the number of pixelated pictures on Airbnb. Poor quality photos suggests a poor quality service, from a host that hasn’t invested enough time or effort into the process. Use large, high resolution photos that reflect your professional standards as an Airbnb host.
5. Attention to detail
Wide shots of each room help Airbnb browsers get an overall feel for the place, but often people will be sold on the finer detail. Take close-ups of any interesting or unusual features, and potential selling points.
6. Think outside the box
If you have garden, terrace or balcony, don’t be afraid to show it off in your pictures. Likewise, if you have an eye-catching view, include it in your gallery. Just be sure to wait until the weather’s nice for the best effect.
7. Personality
In your attempts to make your photos sleek and professional, don’t lose the character of your home. Part of the charm of Airbnb are the weird and wonderful properties available – don’t make yours look like a boring hotel.
8. Less is more
There is no limit on the number of images you can upload on Airbnb, but we think 15 is a good amount. At first glance, few will look past your first 5 photos, so be sure to give a good overview of your property with some of your most striking shots.