A Guide to Taking Professional Photos for Your Airbnb using Your Phone

First impressions matter on Airbnb. When a potential guest scrolls through pages of listing photos, everything starts to look the same, that is why it is important to make your photo stand out! Airbnb data shows that high quality photos convert 2-3 times more and I am here to teach you how to take professional photos with your phone.

Hiring a professional photographer is ideal, but that is not always an option. Perhaps you are on a tight budget, or maybe you just wanted to update a photo or two. Whatever the reason I have some tips and tricks that will help you with your DIY Airbnb professional photos.

Set up Your Place

Before you even pick up your phone, take a moment to prepare your property. Declutter the space, tidy up any mess, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Don't stop there!

Put some effort into it. Add some flowers, a throw pillow or think of how you can add colors to your space, perhaps a bowl of red apples. Consider the type of ambiance and style you want to portray. Relaxing, vibrant or fun. Make sure your photos reflect this.

Showoff Your Best Features

Your photos should take your potential guests on a virtual tour of your property by showing off each room and their best features. Make sure you highlight what is special about your Airbnb. Is it a balcony with a great view, a dedicated workspace or perhaps a special amenity that no one else offer.

Remember quality over quantity. You want to have at least 2 to 3 photos for each room. And for God's sake use the photobook function in Airbnb.com.

Tips on Taking Photos

I have here 4 photography tips and techniques which will make up to 90% difference to your photos. You don't believe me, take note and try these out yourself.

Lighting	When it comes to photography, lighting is king! Take photos in the daytime, open up all the curtains, natural light is your friend. Switch on all the lights but be aware of the shadows when you take photos, you want to brighten up the place and try to find the right angle away from the unflattering shadows. Use flash only as a last resort. I myself do not recommend it as it can cause harsh lighting and unwanted reflection.
Camera Angle	To showcase a space starts with a shot at eye level with the camera held at 90 degrees from the ground. You may think this is so simple! Well, in doing this you will straighten the camera reducing angles, while providing a clear view of the space. It's good to try different angle and type of shot but always remember this should be your "go-to shot" as it guarantee results.
Composition	In photo composition the keyword is BALANCE. You can achieve this by centering your photos and using a technique called the "Rule of Thirds" which incidentally also make your image more interesting. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add depth and dimension to your photos. Take different type of shots to show off your space and creativity.
Alignment	Be aware of how furniture and decor sit within the frame. Aim for straight lines that align with the frame. Doing this will make your photo look professional. Note: you can always fix this later by cropping your photos. But remember do not skip this step as it makes a world of difference to the outcome.

The Rule of Thirds is dividing the image into a 3x3 grid of nine equal parts. By placing the main subjects along the grid lines or at the intersections, the composition becomes balanced and more visually appealing. This is a technique use by all photographers.

Edit Photos for a Professional Look

No matter what you do sometimes you are not getting the lighting you want, or there is a weird overpowering shadow. That is why you always give your photos a little touch-up. Use photo editing software such as Canva, Photoshop or the millions of phone apps out there to enhance the colors, adjust brightness, fix the highlights, straighten, and sharpen the images. But remember to keep the photo looking natural and don't enthusiastically over-edit. However, when done right you photo will level up! This step is important and will make or break you. I have given some examples of photos I have edited to show you the difference it could make.

Pro Tip: Compare the before and after shot, this will help you better evaluate your edit.

Final Note

As a final thought I know I shouldn't have to say this, but I still see this mistake made.

Always use high quality photos. For 2 reasons; Airbnb will penalize you through your ranking and most importantly guests are not likely to say, "I love that fuzziness it gives that Airbnb character."

Thanks for reading my Guide to Capturing Stunning Photos. I hope this has helped you in your Airbnb Hosting Journey! The best advice I ever received is to have some fun with your Airbnb photography. Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Take "aesthetic photos" that shows the style of your listing and show off your creativity.

Have Fun & Happy Snapping!

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