The Ultimate Guide to Photographing Your Airbnb Rental

Airbnb is a competitive space. With hundreds - or even thousands - of listings for the one area, it’s hard for a host to make their place stand out. That’s where photography comes in. Humans are very visual creatures, and having sleek, beautiful photos can make someone stop scrolling and click on your listing. 

To help you to score more bookings, the team at Ted's Cameras shares their guide to photographing your Airbnb rental.

Remember, you’re selling a holiday, an escape and a sanctuary. If your home is dirty or cluttered, no one will want to stay there. Before you switch on your camera, spend some time tidying up. Then, turn your attention to the little details that may distract the viewer - like tangled electrical cords, crooked stacks of books, empty towel racks and unmade beds. 

When you’re done, strategically place small props around your home to draw in your potential renter. For example, you could put a vase of fresh flowers on the dining table, or a travel book on the coffee table.

1. Capture the personality of your place 

Guests love to stay in character-filled homes, so be sure to highlight what you love about yours! Think: a beautiful fireplace, a four-poster bed, a hot tub, a playroom, an art collection or views of the ocean or rolling countryside. One of the main reasons people choose Airbnbs over hotels is because they’re unique, and your photos should convey the experience they can expect to have.

2. Shoot from every angle

Give the viewers a true tour of your home by taking photos of the interior, exterior, and outdoor spaces. That way, they’ll know exactly what they’re walking into. To amp up your listing, it’s a good idea to snap a few photos of the neighbourhood and the surrounding area too.

3. Aim for an accurate representation of your place 

You’re renting out your home, not selling it, so there’s no need to hide flaws. In fact, renters may leave poor reviews if they arrive at your place, only to discover that it doesn't look like it did in the pictures. This is the key difference between real estate photography and Airbnb photography specifically. Since we’re aiming for accuracy, make a point of including a photo of every sleeping space - even if it’s a pull-out couch or bunk bed. This will help renters plan where everyone in their party will sleep.

4. Showcase who the place is best for

On a similar note, use your photos to offer an overall picture of the people who gravitate towards the space. So, if your rental is spacious with multiple rooms and beds, capture this in your images - and market your listing to larger parties and families. If it’s a smaller, trendy space, make that clear in the photos too.

5. Point out any accessible amenities

Is your home accessible to those with limited mobility? This is a big selling point, so snap photos of wide doorways, accessible bathroom facilities, rails and ramps.

6. Brush up on your photography skills

Polishing your skills will go a long way in helping you to capture the best possible images of your Airbnb. If you want some help with exposure, composition or other techniques, check out our range of photography classes and photography blog.

7. Shoot the interior images during the day 

The right lighting can make or break a photo, and a dark interior isn’t going to do your listing any favours. Try to time your shoot so you’re working inside during the day. Open the blinds and turn on lights to brighten up the space even more. If your property is at its most picturesque after dark, feel free to take your outdoor shots at dusk or sunset.

8. Stand in the doorway or the corners of the room 

This will help you to capture the entire space and it’s a sneaky way to make rooms appear larger. When it comes to real estate photography, physically moving your body is better than relying on your camera’s panorama mode.

9. Opt for landscape photos 

The Airbnb site is optimised for horizontal images, and all of the images in search results are landscape, so make sure you’re taking your Airbnb photos in the right format.

10. Choose a higher resolution

Airbnb recommends taking photos that are at least 1024 x 683px. If you have the skills, you can also tweak your photos in post-production, and correct any colour inaccuracy, distortion and over or under exposure.

1. DSLR or mirrorless camera

For the highest-quality images, buy or rent a DSLR or mirrorless camera. For greater ease and better results, opt for a mirrorless camera, which is generally smaller and lighter than DSLR cameras, making it easier to maneuver around your rental space. They also boast excellent low-light performance and high-resolution electronic viewfinders that allow you to see your shot's exact lighting and composition before you take the picture. 

Ted’s Top Pick: Canon EOS R8

2. Wide-angle lens 

These lenses are ideal for shooting indoors, while ultra-wide lenses will distort your space to make it look bigger. Regular lenses tend to cut off corners in tight spaces, making rooms feel smaller.  A wide-angle lens allows you to capture the entirety of the room without sacrificing detail.

Ted’s Top Pick: Canon RF 14-35mm f4 L IS USM

3. Tripod 

A tripod will ensure sharp, clear photos and eliminate blur caused by shaky hands, especially during long exposures in low-light conditions or when using slow shutter speeds for creative effects.

Ted’s Top Pick: Manfrotto MK290XT + 3-Way Head

4. Remote

Use a remote shutter release to minimise camera shake during long exposures or when shooting from a distance. You can also use your smartphone with the Canon Connect app to remotely control your camera via Bluetooth for added convenience.

Ted’s Top Pick: Canon BR-E1 Bluetooth Remote

5. Fill flash 

While natural light is ideal, there are situations where using a flash can significantly improve your photos. Invest in a fill flash for better exposure and to prevent harsh shadows from ruining your photos. It helps to balance out harsh shadows and improve exposure, especially in rooms with uneven lighting.

Ted’s Top Pick: Canon Speedlite EL-5 Flash

Ready to snap up a storm? Head to your local Ted’s Cameras store to stock up on the camera gear you need for your rental to shine. While you’re there, ask our team for their top rental photography tips - they’re always happy to help!