How to Get the Best Airbnb Photos with Kristen Shaw Photography

When it comes to Airbnb photography, the goal is to make potential guests feel like they’re already in the home—relaxed, comfortable, and eager to book their stay. Small details can make a world of difference, subtly enhancing the atmosphere without stealing focus from the space itself. Here are Kris’s tips you may not have considered to ensure your Airbnb photos look inviting, natural, and irresistibly bookable.

Modern bathroom with freestanding tub, wooden vanity, dual vessel sinks and large window overlooking green scenery.

Casually thrown (but well placed) linen can soften photos. Plus note the candle & magazine on the bath inviting the viewer in.

Create a Cozy, Lived-In Feel

The best Airbnb photos pull on people’s imagination and make them feel like they are already on holiday. You don’t want to use stock standard real estate photos of a boring plain room with no life like everyone else. You need to stand out from the crowd! Some ideas on how to create that cozy, lived in feel include:

Kitchen Styling: A fresh whole loaf of sourdough with a few slices out of it on a wooden chopping board with a casually placed linen tea towel instantly adds warmth without feeling staged. A small bunch of fresh herbs wrapped in twine or in a glass jar can enhance the sense of freshness without overwhelming the space. Avoid colourful fruit bowls or elaborate cheese platters—too many colours can distract from the real star: your property. Instead stick to all the same colour fruit in a bowl. My favs are a bowl full of limes or a bowl full of pears. If you do want to include a cheese platter, keep it simple and neutral, with just a couple of understated elements say crackers, one cheese and grapes (either green or red not both – less is more).
Bedroom Accents: A thoughtfully placed book and a little baked treat on the bed can evoke the perfect morning-in-bed experience. Keep bedding fresh and inviting—wrinkle-free linen is key!
Outdoor Ambiance: By the pool, less is more. Instead of draping towels over every sun lounger, leave just one casually placed towel, a straw sunhat and a magazine on a side table or chair. It should feel like the guest has just dived into the pool, not like a resort-style setup.
Florals & Greenery: Some florals can look great, keeping it simple is key. A bunch of leaves or sticks from an outdoor plant in a plain vase can add a natural touch without overpowering the space. For example Silver Dollar eucalyptus leaves look great. Their soft sage-green colour is beautifully neutral yet can really lift a room and add a subtle sense of freshness.
Bathroom Details: A candle and a magazine on a stool beside the bath can add a warm, inviting touch.
Fire Places: Have fire places filled with kindling and wood ready to light the fire. We may even light it up for the photos. Even if we don’t light it the wood in the firepit will cover all the nasty burnt ash etc and give the viewer the visual clues on how the fireplace would feel.

I know I’m sounding a bit woo woo here but these are the little 1 percenters, the small details above and beyond what other Airbnb listings are doing that are going to make your property stand out. If this all sounds overwhelming and you would like help with styling elements for the shoot sing out and Kris can source the items for a small fee to cover costs and her time. Trust me Kris does not hate going to the bakery to source goods…one look at her would tell you that! My favourite local bakery is Casseras, my fav little locally grown roadside flower stand is in Blair Street Lighthouse beach area Beachside bunches. The Tuesday Real Food Farmers markets at Port Central are a great spot to grab things for your shoot too. Support local!

Relaxing outdoor scene with patio umbrella, lounge chair, and drink on side table overlooking a green field landscape.

Little details like the magazine, neutral towel and the sun hat set the scene for relaxation.

Prepping Your Space Before the Shoot

A little pre-shoot preparation goes a long way in making your property look its best. Before Kristen Shaw Photography arrives, make sure to check off the following:

Linen & Bedding: Ensure bed linen and any other fabric elements (curtains, lounge throws, cushions) are wrinkle free. Brand new bedcovers generally need washing and ironing before the shoot so that they do not have nasty packaging lines.
Mirrors & Glass: Kris often captures arty shots using reflections in mirrors for depth and space, but a dirty mirror can ruin the shot. Pay special attention to glass surfaces—including windows with scenic views. Nothing takes away from a stunning ocean or landscape view like smudges and fingerprints!
Lawn & Outdoor Areas: Mow the lawn, and don’t forget to blow away any stray clippings from paths and patios. Cut off any dead branches/flowers from plants and trees.
Dry Surfaces: Wet paths, patios, and outdoor furniture can be distracting and look unappealing in photos. Ensure all exterior surfaces are dry before the shoot begins. I recommend washing down outside areas the day before the shoot. Also make sure shower screens are clean and dry.

By following these simple tips, your Airbnb listing will shine with stunning, professional photos that entice guests to book their stay. Ready to elevate your property’s visuals? Get in touch with Kristen Shaw Photography and let’s create images that sell an experience, not just a space.