Photos are the first, and often only, thing a guest sees of your accommodation before booking. Strong visuals sell the experience before anyone even reads your description. The good news: you don't need expensive gear. These seven tips instantly improve your photos, even on your phone.
1. Always shoot with daylight
Light matters more than your camera. Shoot during the day with the curtains open and artificial lights off, so colours stay natural. The softest light is in the morning and late afternoon. Avoid harsh midday sun that creates strong shadows, and never shoot straight into a window.
2. Tidy up and style the space
The camera sees more clutter than you think. Remove cables, remotes and full bins, and make beds and cushions crisp. Then add a few warm details: fresh flowers, a set table, a throw over the sofa. That instantly makes a space feel inviting.
3. Keep your lines straight
Shoot at roughly hip height and keep your phone level, so walls and door frames stay straight. Tilted lines make a room look messy and amateurish. Turn on your camera's grid, it helps you keep everything level.
4. Show every room, in a logical route
Guests want to know exactly what they're booking. Photograph every room and put them in a logical order, as if you're giving a tour: from entrance to living room, kitchen, bedrooms and outside. Shoot from a corner of the room, it looks more spacious than straight on.
5. Capture the details and the mood
Alongside overview shots, it's the details that sell the feeling: coffee on the terrace, the view, the bathroom with fresh towels, a reading nook by the window. These images show how a stay feels, and that's what makes people book.
6. Edit subtly, but keep it honest
Light editing lifts your photos: a little more brightness, warmth and contrast. But stay truthful. Over-edited photos lead to disappointed guests and weaker reviews. The photo has to match what the guest sees on arrival.
7. Choose your best photo as the cover
Your very first photo decides whether someone clicks your place in the search results. Pick your strongest, most atmospheric image for it, usually a bright living space or a special view. Don't save that hero shot for halfway through your set.
You don't have to be a photographer to take good photos. Light, calm and a little styling do most of the work.
Start with these points and you'll be surprised how much stronger your listing looks, often with the very phone already in your pocket.
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Book a free intro callFrequently asked questions
Do I need an expensive camera for good holiday home photos?
No. A modern smartphone is fine, as long as you use daylight, a tidy space and straight lines. Light and styling make more difference than the camera itself.
How many photos do I need in my listing?
Aim for 20 to 30 strong photos: every room, a few atmospheric details and the outdoor area. A tight, accurate selection beats dozens of mediocre shots.