How to Prep Your Airbnb for a Pro Photoshoot (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
If you want your Airbnb listing to earn more per night, land more bookings, and attract better guests, there’s one major tool you might be overlooking: the photos.
But even the best professional photographer can only work with what’s in front of the lens. That’s why prepping your short-term rental before a photoshoot is critical. It’s not just about tidying up—it’s about telling a story that sells the experience of staying in your space.
In my latest video, I break down how to get your Airbnb photo-ready like a pro. Watch it here:
🎥 Watch on YouTube
Here on the blog, we’ll dive deeper into the strategy behind great prep, highlight the biggest mistakes to avoid, and show how small changes can lead to massive returns.
Why Prep Matters: First Impressions and ROI
Guests make split-second decisions when browsing Airbnb. Most don’t even read the text until after they’ve fallen in love with the photos. That means your images are doing most of the selling—so why wouldn’t you want them to look their absolute best?
A thoughtfully prepared property looks cleaner, more luxurious, and more welcoming. It signals professionalism, care, and value. And when guests perceive value, they’re willing to pay more.
Your Photos Should Reflect the Best Version of Your Space
I hear it all the time: “Your examples look amazing, but those are million-dollar homes. My Airbnb isn’t like that.” Let’s bust that myth right now.
Those luxury listings didn’t start out perfect. They look the way they do because their owners treated them like they were worth it. Prepping your property as if it’s a five-star listing is how you move toward higher nightly rates and better reviews.
Photography is just one part of leveling up—but it’s a powerful one. So let’s make sure you’re doing your part before the camera starts clicking.
Room-by-Room Prep: A Proven Process
The full Airbnb Photo Prep Guide covers every step, but here’s a quick overview of the most important areas to focus on:
The Must-Do Checklist (Every Room)
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Declutter aggressively. Clear surfaces, hide chargers, remove personal items.
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Deep clean. Mirrors, windows, floors, and linens must shine.
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Set the scene. Think soft lighting, flowers, fruit bowls, or plush towels.
Create a “Wow” Moment
One of my favorite tips? Add a lifestyle element that makes the space feel aspirational. A vinyl record spinning on a turntable. Champagne flutes on a balcony. A book open by a cozy chair. These touches make guests say “I want to stay there.”
Room-Specific Tips
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Living Room: Style the coffee table, fluff pillows, hide remotes.
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Kitchen: Clear counters, clean appliances, no paper towels in sight!
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Bedroom: Smooth, wrinkle-free bedding and just one or two accent items.
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Bathroom: Close toilet lids, fold towels neatly, remove toiletries.
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Outdoor: Wipe down furniture, sweep patios, light the firepit if possible.
Wide shot of open concept living and dining area
The Final Hour Before the Shoot
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Walk through your space like a guest seeing it for the first time.
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Turn on all lights and open curtains.
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Hide any last-minute clutter or cleaning tools.
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Then… step back and let your photographer work their magic.
Define the Guest Experience
Photos do more than show what’s in your rental—they communicate how it feels to stay there. That’s why we encourage lifestyle staging and thoughtful design choices. If you’re not sure where to start, our team can help.
Let us know what makes your space special. Whether it’s a hot tub under the stars, a record collection, or that hidden reading nook, we’ll make sure it shines in your images.
Clean. Style. Simplify.
At the end of the day, it’s not about spending a fortune. It’s about mindset. You can punch up into a higher price bracket—if you believe your space deserves it and show guests why it’s worth it.
And if you’re reading this, booking a professional photographer, and following this guide? You’re already doing the right things.
📄 Grab the Free PDF Guide: Download the Airbnb Photo Prep Guide
🎥 Watch the Full Video: How to Prep Your Airbnb for Photos
👁️ See Real Prep Examples: photoslc.com/luxury-airbnb-photography
👥 Join the Host Community: RE Photo Utah on Facebook
