How to Take Airbnb Photos That Get More Bookings

If there’s one thing that can instantly make or break your Airbnb listing, it’s your photos. Before guests read a single word of your description, they’re scrolling through images—deciding in seconds whether your space is worth clicking on. Trust me, I’ve experienced this firsthand. When we were first starting out, we hired my husband’s friend and, while he was starting up a photography business, he didn’t have much experience in real estate photography. I was unhappy with the results and knew that one day we would need to update the photos, but I resisted for (I’m almost ashamed to admit) years! The right time for a reshoot just never seemed to appear; I just wanted to get the listing online to start getting bookings, I was constantly updating the furnishings and decor, and I really didn’t want to spend even more money. It took me seeing professional photos shot by our local real estate photographer on our newest short term rental for it to sink in that we HAD to update the listing for our original Airbnb. Of course, the difference was immediate: more clicks, more bookings, and stronger overall engagement. If you’re starting an Airbnb and wondering about listing photos, here’s my advice on exactly how to make sure your Airbnb photos actually convert into bookings.

Why Airbnb Photos Matter More Than You Think

Your photos are your first impression and your strongest marketing tool. Great photos can:

• Increase clicks on your listing
• Improve booking rates
• Help justify higher pricing
• Set accurate guest expectations

On platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Furnished Finder, listings with bright and clear photos consistently outperform darker or cluttered ones. At an Airbnb hosting course that I attended, one of the hosts recommended updating the photos seasonally. She updated her listing photos after swapping out large furniture pieces or decor, and even following the addition of holiday decorations! That way, guests can see EXACTLY what the space looks like.

So, photos are definitely a crucial part of the Airbnb listing process. Read on to see my tips on how to get the best pictures of your short-term rental!

Phone vs. Professional Photos

You can use your phone and get good results. But if your budget allows, professional photos are one of the best investments you can make. I personally think that hiring a professional photographer, and specifically one that specializes in real estate photography, makes a HUGE difference in the final product. And, if you’re in a competitive area, professional photos can give you a real edge. Depending on the package you select, pricing usually starts around $150 and goes up from there. So, it is an investment, but one that ultimately pays off! After upgrading our photos, we noticed higher engagement and more bookings at higher prices. I think the professional photos contributed to a more polished and trustworthy listing.

For more ideas on where to spend your money when setting up an Airbnb, check out my post What to Save On—and What’s Worth the Splurge—in Your Airbnb.

Declutter, Simplify and Style the Space

Just because you’ve hired a professional doesn’t mean there’s no work for you. When preparing for the photoshoot, remember that less is more when it comes to Airbnb photos. Before the shoot:

• Remove personal items
• Clear countertops
• Hide cords and clutter

You want the space to feel clean, open, and easy for a guest to imagine staying in.

When it comes to styling, you don’t need to stage the home like a magazine, but a little styling goes a long way. Try adding a throw blanket to the bed or sofa, and make sure the towels are folded neatly. A decorative tray on the coffee table and coasters on end tables add a decorative and functional touch. Faux plants or greenery can instantly make the space feel more warm and inviting, and a stocked coffee bar in the kitchen feels more welcoming. The goal is to make the space feel lived-in but not lived-in by you.

Shoot in Natural Light

Now, for some tips to improve the photography. If you’ve hired a professional, they should know all of this already (although it doesn’t hurt to double check!) If you’re taking your own photos, make sure to pay attention to these details, as they are small but can have a big impact!

A very important tip: lighting is everything. Bright spaces feel cleaner, bigger, and more inviting. The best time to take photos is when your space gets the most natural light. For most, that would be late morning or early afternoon. Make sure you:

• Open all curtains and blinds
• Turn on all overhead lighting
• Turn on lamps for warmth
• Avoid shooting at night unless you’re intentionally capturing ambiance

The lighting made the the biggest difference in our new photos. Not only did we capture better natural light in the re-takes, but we made sure all of the house lights and lamps were on. It made such a difference!

Bonus tip – make sure your ceiling fans are off for the photos. Leaving them on will result in blurry fan blades.

Highlight What Makes Your Space Unique

Every Airbnb has something that makes it stand out. It’s important that your “something” is captured. This might be a cozy reading nook, a coffee station, an outdoor lounge space, a dedicated workspace, or large windows with natural light. These details help your listing feel memorable. And actually, those details are the main difference between Airbnb photos and photos taken to sell a house. Airbnb photos tend to have some zoomed in decorative shots, while seller photos often aren’t as focused on the furniture and design elements but rather the layout of the house. It’s nice to grab a few photos of the standout areas in your home!

Use Wide Angles to Show the Full Space

Yes, the decorative details are important when it comes to your Airbnb photos. But, guests also want to understand the layout. It’s important to show entire rooms. Make sure the photos are shot from the corners or doorways, and lines are kept straight (avoid tilted angles).

Capture Every Room

Don’t skip anything. Include photos of:

• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Living area
• Entryway
• Laundry
• Exterior

Even small spaces should be shown clearly so guests know what to expect. Trust me, you want to be transparent about what you’re offering right up front.

Edit Lightly (Don’t Overdo It)

If you’ve hired a professional, they’ll likely handle all of the edits. But if you’re taking the photos yourself, remember that editing should enhance, not mislead. It’s okay to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, and White Balance, but try to avoid heavy filters and over-saturation. Remember, you want the space to look just as it does in real life. Often, accuracy leads to better reviews, because guests get exactly what they were expecting. The last thing you want is your guests being disappointed when they walk into your house.

Create a Logical Photo Order

Once you’ve received the final photos, it’s time to add them to your listing! I add as many photos as possible. You want at least one shot of every space, ideally several from multiple angles.

Now, the order of your photos matters more than most people realize. Definitely start with the best overall shot, and something that is a standout, but also an accurate representation of the listing. This may be the outside of the house, but it doesn’t have to be. Does your space offer an impressive primary bedroom or beautifully-furnished living area? If so, you may think about selecting one of those. When choosing the order, think of it like a walkthrough. This is the order I tend to select:

1. Best overall shot (your “hero image”)
2. Living area
3. Kitchen
4. Bedrooms
5. Bathrooms
6. Details + amenities
7. Backyard

This helps guests mentally “walk through” your space.

Update Your Photos Over Time

Your listing shouldn’t stay static. It’s important to update your photos when you:

• Change decor
• Add furniture
• Improve amenities
• Refresh the space

We recently updated ours after making decor upgrades, and it made a huge difference.

Common Airbnb Photo Mistakes to Avoid

• Dark or poorly lit images
• Cluttered spaces
• Too few photos
• Crooked or distorted angles
• Misleading edits

These can turn guests away before they even read your listing.

Final Thoughts: Better Photos = More Bookings

You don’t need a massive budget or professional setup to take great Airbnb photos.

Start with:

• Good lighting
• Clean, styled spaces
• Clear, wide shots

Then improve over time.

From our experience, this is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make—and one of the fastest ways to increase bookings.

Looking for more advice on how to set-up your Airbnb? Check out my post How to Set Up an Airbnb (Step-By-Step for Beginners).