10 Airbnb Photography Tips That Will Make Your Listing Stand Out (2024)

You’ve ever browsed through Airbnb listings, you know that the first thing that catches your eye is the photos. Great pictures can make a shabby apartment look like a cozy hideaway, while bad ones can make a luxurious villa seem like a dingy dive. As an Airbnb host, your photos are your first impression, your virtual curb appeal. So, it’s high time we chat about the problem many Airbnb hosts face — how to snap fantastic photos that’ll make your listing pop. The good news? We’ve got the solution right here! In this article, we’re going to spill the beans on 10 Airbnb photography tips that will transform your listing and have guests lining up at your door.

Guests are going to judge your place based on those photos, and we all know how harsh a judge the internet can be. You want your place to look amazing, right?

Well, fret not! You’re not alone in this photography struggle. Whether you’re renting out a spare room, a beachfront bungalow, or a cozy cabin in the woods, we’ve got your back. We’ll help you tackle the common problems hosts face, like making small spaces look bigger, capturing the essence of your place, and doing it all on a budget.
So, grab your camera or smartphone, and let’s get started with these 10 game-changing Airbnb photography tips:

Why Photos Matter
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of photography, let’s talk about why photos are so darn important. When folks are browsing Airbnb, what do you think catches their eye first? Yep, you guessed it — photos! Your pictures are like the front door to your listing. If they’re inviting, guests will want to step inside. If they’re not so great, well, they might just keep scrolling.

1. Use natural light

First things first — natural light is your best friend when it comes to showcasing your Airbnb. Why? Because it makes everything look better! So, throw open those curtains and blinds, and let the sunshine flood in. Natural light brings out the colors and textures in your space, making it look warm and inviting.

Pro Tip: Shoot your photos during the day when the sunlight is at its best. Avoid those harsh shadows and weird color casts that come with artificial lighting. Trust us; your guests will appreciate it.

2. Declutter and clean

Nobody wants to book a messy Airbnb. Before you even think about picking up your camera, take some time to declutter and clean your space. Think of it as preparing your canvas before painting a masterpiece. Clear those countertops, fluff those pillows, and make those beds. A spotless and clutter-free space will not only look better but also give the impression of a well-maintained property.

Pro Tip: Pay special attention to the bathroom and kitchen — these areas should be gleaming. And don’t forget to remove any personal items like toothbrushes or family photos. You want your guests to feel like they have the place all to themselves.

3. Compose your shots carefully

Alright, let’s start with the basics of composition. Even if you’re not familiar with fancy photography terms, you can still create stunning photos for your Airbnb listing. Here’s how:

Use Leading Lines:
Leading lines are like visual breadcrumbs that guide the viewer’s eye through the photo. Think about the lines created by roads, fences, or even the edges of furniture. Use these lines to draw attention to the focal points of your space, like a cozy reading nook or a picturesque view from the balcony.

Embrace Negative Space:
Negative space is the empty area around your subject, and it’s your friend when it comes to making your listing photos stand out. It helps highlight what’s important in the frame. So, if you’re taking a photo of a beautifully set dining table, leave some empty space around it to make it pop.

Pay Attention to Lighting:
Lighting can make or break your photos. Natural light is your best friend, so open those curtains and let the sun do its thing. Avoid harsh shadows and make sure your photos are well-lit. If your space doesn’t get much natural light, consider using soft, diffused artificial lighting.

4. Use a wide-angle lens

Now, let’s talk about gear for a moment. You don’t need a fancy camera to take great Airbnb photos. Most smartphones these days have pretty decent cameras. However, if you want to up your game a bit, consider investing in a wide-angle lens attachment for your phone. Here’s why it can be a game-changer:

Capture More of Your Space:
A wide-angle lens lets you capture a larger portion of your room or outdoor area in a single shot. This means guests get a better sense of the space they’ll be staying in. No one likes scrolling through a gazillion photos just to figure out what your bedroom looks like.

Create a Spacious Feel:
Wide-angle shots can make your space look more spacious than it actually is. If your cozy studio apartment suddenly feels like a grand ballroom in photos, you’re more likely to attract potential guests who love a little extra breathing room.

5. Take photos from different angles

Let’s kick things off with a bang! Ever wonder why some listings just grab your attention from the get-go? One reason is they show off the space from various angles. Don’t be shy; get down low or climb up high to capture unique perspectives of your place.

Why it works:
Showcase the whole picture: Taking photos from different angles allows potential guests to see your space in its entirety. It’s like giving them a virtual tour.

Highlight room flow: Different angles help guests visualize how rooms connect, making your place feel more spacious and inviting.

Capture unique details: You’d be surprised at how a shot from the floor can make that intricate rug or cool coffee table the star of the show.

6. Highlight the unique features of your Airbnb

Let’s face it; every Airbnb is unique in its own way. Maybe you’ve got a jaw-dropping view, a fireplace that’s perfect for cozy winter nights, or a kitchen that even Gordon Ramsay would envy.
Show Some Personality:Don’t be afraid to showcase the unique personality of your Airbnb. If you’ve got quirky decorations or charming vintage furniture, highlight them in your photos. Your space should tell a story, and your photos should help narrate it.
Seasonal Updates:Don’t forget to update your photos seasonally. If your cozy cabin looks like a winter wonderland in December, show it off! And when summer comes, snap some pics of that inviting patio.
Whatever makes your Airbnb special, make sure your photos scream, “Check me out!”

Why it matters:
Set yourself apart: Your unique features are your secret weapon to stand out in the crowd. Whether it’s a funky décor, an outdoor hot tub, or a hammock with a view, flaunt it!

Create desire: Showcasing these special elements creates desire in potential guests. They’ll think, “I NEED to stay here to experience that!”

Boost bookings: Unique features can be the deciding factor for a guest choosing your place over another. So, don’t hide them in your photos!

7. Use Props and Styling to Create Inviting Scenes

Set the Stage with Props:
Imagine you’re browsing Airbnb, searching for the perfect place to stay. You come across two listings with similar descriptions, but one has photos that show a cozy living room with a vase of fresh flowers on the coffee table, while the other has plain, uninspiring shots. Which one are you more likely to click on? You got it — the cozy one!

Adding a few carefully placed props can make all the difference. Things like flowers, books, or even a nicely set dining table can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your photos. These props not only make your place look more appealing but also give potential guests a sense of what it would be like to stay there.

Create a Lived-In Feel:
Nobody wants to stay in a sterile, hotel-like environment when they choose Airbnb. They want a home away from home. To convey this feeling through your photos, arrange your space to look lived-in. Fluff the pillows, place a throw blanket on the couch, and set the dining table as if you’re about to sit down for a meal. These little touches can make your guests feel more comfortable and at ease, increasing the likelihood of them booking your place.

8. Edit Your Photos to Enhance Their Quality

Adjust Brightness, Contrast, and Saturation:You don’t need to be a professional photographer to enhance your Airbnb photos. Thanks to easy-to-use photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or even smartphone apps like VSCO, you can quickly make your pictures pop.

Brightness: If your photos look too dark or dull, increase the brightness to make them more inviting. However, be cautious not to overdo it; you don’t want your photos to look artificial.

Contrast: Adjusting the contrast can help define the details in your photos. It can make your space look more dynamic and appealing.

Saturation: If your colors appear a bit washed out, boosting the saturation can make them more vibrant and eye-catching.

Crop and Straighten:
Sometimes, you might capture a fantastic shot, but it’s a bit skewed or has unwanted distractions at the edges. Cropping can help you focus on the essential elements of the photo and remove any distractions. Additionally, straightening the image if it’s tilted can make your listing look more professional.

Remove Unwanted Objects:
Before uploading your photos, take a close look for any unsightly or distracting elements in the frame. Maybe there’s a power cord hanging down or some clutter in the corner. Use the “heal” or “clone” tool in your editing software to remove these distractions and make your photos look pristine.

Maintain a Consistent Style:
Consistency is key to making your Airbnb listing look professional. Choose a photo editing style that suits your space and stick with it throughout your listing. Whether you prefer bright and airy or cozy and warm, maintaining a consistent look will help potential guests get a better sense of your property’s personality.

9. Upload High-Resolution Photos

Airbnb recommends that hosts upload photos with a minimum resolution of 1024px x 683px. Now, you might be thinking, “What on earth does that mean?” Don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Resolution is just a fancy way of saying how clear and detailed your photos are. The higher the resolution, the better your pictures will look. So, when you’re taking photos of your place, make sure your camera or smartphone is set to capture images in high resolution. Trust us; it makes a world of difference.

Why does resolution matter? Well, imagine you’re browsing through Airbnb listings, looking for the perfect place to stay. You stumble upon a listing with blurry, pixelated photos. Chances are, you’ll click away faster than you can say “No thanks.” But if you come across a listing with crisp, clear photos that show off every nook and cranny of the space, you’re much more likely to be intrigued.

High-resolution photos not only make your listing look more professional, but they also give potential guests a better sense of what your place really looks like. And when guests know exactly what to expect, they’re more likely to book your listing with confidence.

10. Use Landscape Orientation

So, when you’re snapping pics of your fantastic space, remember to turn your camera sideways. This will ensure that your photos look their best when potential guests are browsing through the Airbnb app or website.

In conclusion

mastering the art of Airbnb photography is a crucial skill for hosts looking to attract guests and maximize bookings. Your listing’s photos are the virtual curb appeal, the first impression that can make or break a potential guest’s decision. By following these ten game-changing Airbnb photography tips, you can transform your listing and create a visual narrative that entices guests to choose your space for their next stay.

Remember, it all starts with embracing natural light, decluttering, and composing your shots carefully to showcase your property in the best possible way. Invest in a wide-angle lens for your smartphone to capture more of your space and experiment with different angles to highlight every corner of your unique Airbnb.

Don’t forget to showcase the distinctive features that set your property apart and use props and styling to create inviting scenes that make guests feel at home. Editing your photos to enhance their quality, maintaining a consistent style, and uploading high-resolution images are essential steps to ensure your listing stands out in the crowded Airbnb marketplace.

Lastly, always remember to use landscape orientation for your photos to optimize their visibility in Airbnb search results.

Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll delve deeper into the world of Airbnb hosting and share more valuable insights and strategies to elevate your hosting game. Don’t forget to leave a comment and follow us for more expert advice on making your Airbnb venture a resounding success!