Tips to make your Airbnb listing photos stand out

The need to take great photos has never been more important than in today’s world of “selfies” and Instagram.

 

To showcase your short-term rental in the best possible way, part of your success depends on the quality of your photos. Few people will book an apartment with dark photos or images that don’t show what travelers really care about.

 

Here are some tips for taking the best photos.

 

Hire a Professional

 

Almost every field has its experts. The best thing you can do is hire a professional photographer to get the best results. Even if you think your photos look good, pay for professional work — the return on investment will far exceed the cost. A real estate photographer knows exactly what travelers are looking for and will present your property in its best light.

 

Use the Best Camera You Can Get Your Hands On

 

It’s essential to use the best camera available to you. With a high-quality camera and natural light, you can be sure your photos will be clear and detailed.

If you don’t have professional equipment, some smartphones can still produce decent photos that will help you welcome guests and later invest in professional services.

Additionally, using a tripod is recommended so you can capture consistent angles and heights in every shot. In short, a tripod will give you excellent results.

 

Learn the Basics of Photography

 

Whether you’re taking photos with your phone or a camera, it’s helpful to learn basic photography principles. Get familiar with key terms and use different techniques to achieve the shots you want — wide angles, ISO speed, exposure, aperture, shutter speed, etc. These essential concepts, easily found in free YouTube tutorials, will help you understand how to achieve the right results.

 

Take Photos From the Corners

 

Your photos are successful when they show guests what they want to see before they book. Taking photos from the corners helps capture the entire room and achieve optimal width. The harmony and selection of your photos will help elevate your listing to the next level.

 

Even when you’ve taken the best possible photo, don’t hesitate to adjust the brightness or contrast to improve the final result.

 

Display Your Photos in Order

 

When uploading your photos to a rental platform, it is essential to organize them properly so the guest isn’t confused when viewing your listing. Start with an eye-catching photo, then show the kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedrooms, etc.

 

Mixing photos creates a lack of flow in the browsing experience. For example, if you show a living room photo followed by the bathroom, then a bedroom, then the kitchen, another bedroom, an exterior shot, and then another bathroom, your guest will have trouble picturing themselves in your Airbnb.

 

A floor plan of your apartment can also help some guests visualize the space more easily. With so many choices and so much competition, you cannot afford to appear disorganized.

 

To some extent, the occupancy rate of your short-term rentals depends on your ability to take great photos. It’s an effort that will pay off for a long time!