Airbnb Photography Tips: How to Showcase Your Rental and Attract More Bookings
When showcasing your home on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, the right photography is key to making a lasting impression. I’ve learned a thing or two as an Interior Photographer about the importance of capturing the essence and personality of a space in your Airbnb photos, and I’m excited to share some insights with home rental owners.
Rooms That Sell in your Airbnb Photos
The main living areas, kitchen, and primary bed and bath are the stars of the show. Aim for a minimum of three photos per room in these spaces, but honestly, more is better when it comes to these universal spaces. Showcase the openness of the living area, the functionality of the kitchen, and the serene appeal of the bedroom and bathroom. You want your renters to be able to picture themselves in the space and see all the ways they can use it–board games stacked on the table for a game night, Popcorn being made for a movie night, a drawn bath in the primary bathroom with candles lit and towels laid out like their very own spa. These small details in your photos showcase the luxe experience that awaits them when they arrive “home” for however long their staying.
Secondary Spaces
While extra bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms are important, these rooms need less emphasis. Focus on highlighting unique design features like wallpaper, closet space, or an extra pull-out sofa as well as elements that contribute to the overall charm of the space. In these spaces the most important shot is a wide shot of the entire space so they can see what the room is like and how they will fit into it.
When it comes to secondary spaces you need at least one shot of each space to show the space. Smaller bathrooms can be left to a single shot or maybe an extra shot of the high end soaps and lotions you keep stocked. Secondary bedrooms can have 1-2 shots depending on how many photos you have for the rooms that sell best.
Capturing the Essence in your Airbnb Photos
Selling a short-term rental is all about conveying the feeling of home. Ensure your photos go beyond just showing the rooms like real estate photos; capture the lifestyle and ambiance. Lifestyle shots that showcase the feel of the home, along with detailed images, create a narrative that potential guests can connect with.
Modern Magic’s Lifestyle Interior photography focuses on capturing the feel and story of a space more so than just the dimensions. I want your future renters to picture themselves in the space and all the memories they could be making. This means more detailed shots, curating a few scenes with extra props, and putting extra emphasis on the rooms that sell like the living room, family room, kitchen, and primary bed and bath.
Exterior and Amenities Photos
If your rental has an amazing exterior, incredible yard, or views that are your biggest selling point, you’ll want to include 2-4 photos of the exterior. Any selling point amenities like a game room, hot tub, or garden sitting area should also be highlighted. These additional shots provide a comprehensive view that fully tells the story of the space and sets your property apart.
Modern Magic’s Interior Photography Package
The Modern Magic Interior Lifestyle Photography package includes: Roughly 90-minutes of coverage, resulting in 20 final photos that you can use whenever and wherever. Consider it an investment in presenting your space in the best light possible, and something you really only need to do once unless you make major updates to your property.
Research suggests that a listing should ideally have no less than 20 photos and could benefit from upwards of 30. Still, too few Airbnb pictures can hinder your listing’s success and won’t tell the full story of your space. Quantity, coupled with quality, is key, and the larger the home, the more Airbnb photos (and time to take them) you’ll need! If you know in advanced that you want more than 20 photos we’ll schedule the time to make sure we capture the entire story of your home. (I like to think 10 photos per 1,000 square feet to show off your home!) Know that each additional photo is $15/piece.
Luxury Homes Deserve Extra Attention
If your rental is considered a luxury space, go the extra mile. Potential guests expect to see more Airbnb photos and at the highest quality. Highlight the unique features that make your luxury home stand out, emphasizing the premium experience they can expect, including detail shots of the linens, the soaps and lotions you stock, the kitchen espresso machine and the grandness of the overall home. When possible to try capture large spaces from different angles with dramatic lighting to emphasize all that this luxury space has to offer.
When it comes to a luxury rental or any rental with more than three (3) bedrooms, plan on needing 30 photos. While you can upload up to 100 photos on Airbnb, that can be overkill and take too much time for your renter to look through. Instead, focus on no more than 40 photos in your listing, again having a higher number of Airbnb photos only when you have a larger space and need to showcase more rooms and more details.
Denver Airbnb Photography
Crafting an enticing Airbnb or VRBO listing involves more than just snapping a few photos. It’s about telling a visual story that resonates with potential guests. Paying attention to how the light moves in a space, noticing the details that went into make it a home, and thinking about what needs a renter will have in the space and answering all their questions through photos. With the right photography, your rental can stand out and attract the right audience, turning browsers into bookings.
Looking to capture the magic of home?
Book your Interior Photoshoot today!
