How you should prepare your airbnb before a shoot
From the “Airbnb Photographer” website, their guidance includes things like:
Making the space clean, decluttered, and staged nicely.
Ensuring all lights work and everything is polished.
Opening curtains/windows/letting in natural light where possible.
Turning on warm lighting to give a cozy, welcoming feel.
Paying attention to small details (linens, furniture alignment, removing personal items).
Possibly rearranging furniture so it looks more spacious / flows well.
The gist is: present the space in its best possible condition so the photographs capture its potential and appeal.
Why these tips matter
These suggestions are aligned with best practices in hospitality / real estate photography. Here’s why they help:
Visual appeal & perception
Photos are often the first thing guests see. If the space looks messy or poorly lit, people may pass over the listing without reading details.Highlighting features effectively
Clean, well-lit, and well-staged photos help draw attention to the best parts of your property — architectural features, decor, views, outdoor space, etc.Consistency & trust
Listings that look polished give a sense that the host cares about guest experience. That helps build trust, which can lead to higher bookings and better reviews.Maximizing returns
Hosts who invest a little effort in preparation often see a better return (more clicks, more bookings, premium rates) because the perceived value goes up.
Possible improvements / additional tips
While the article gives solid directions, here are some extra ideas or refinements to make the shoot even more effective:
Add twilight/dusk photos: As we talked about, those can really enhance cover images.
Use props or small touches: A vase of flowers, nicely folded towels, a nice set of kitchenware out—not overly staged, but enough to give life.
Think about flow of shots: Start with the exterior, then move inside with wide shots, detail shots, etc. Make sure you plan which rooms need what types of photos.
Fix small maintenance issues: Leaky faucets, chipped paint, squeaky doors — even small flaws can be obvious in high-res photography.
Consult photographer ahead of time: They may want rooms rearranged, certain furniture moved, etc. It’s good to coordinate.
My assessment: Do these suggestions help?
Yes — absolutely. If you follow the preparation suggestions, your photos will likely be much more compelling. That, in turn, tends to:
Increase click-throughs when people surf through Airbnb listings
Improve first impressions (which is very important in a competitive market)
Justify premium pricing, especially if your place is stylish or has special features