Bad Photos = Lost Bookings

Your listing’s photos are a potential guests’ first impression of your property. If your photos don’t captivate your guest or accurately show your space, you will lose bookings. In fact, bad photos can have a negative impact on your ranking. If poor photos hurt your clicks, Airbnb will drop your listing in search results.

Why Bad Photos Equal Lost Bookings

Imagine you’re shopping for a car online. You find one that looks like a good deal, but the photos are dark, blurry, and unappealing. Do you feel confident in your decision to buy that car? Probably not. The same logic applies to your Airbnb listing. If your photos aren’t inviting or professional, guests will scroll past your listing. It won’t matter how beautiful your property is in real life.

Great photos are key. They grab attention and convince guests your property is the best choice. Poor photos suggest that your property lacks quality or attention to detail. Even if the property looks better than the photos.

The Power of Lighting

One of the most important elements in photography is lighting. I highly recommend hiring a professional photographer. Even if you’re using your iPhone to take your listing photos, how your property is lit can make or break the image. Bad lighting can turn a stunning room into a dark, unappealing space.

For example, many Airbnb hosts take photos with the lights on in the room, but they often fail to light the room evenly. This results in some areas looking bright and others looking almost black. The corners of rooms can often be underexposed, making the space feel cramped or unwelcoming.

Professional photographers understand how to adjust for lighting discrepancies. They use a technique called HDR (High Dynamic Range) to take multiple photos at different exposures and then blend them together. This allows every part of the room to be evenly lit, even if the natural lighting is uneven. The benefit here is huge: photos that reflect what your guests will actually see when they step into the room.

If you’re taking the photos yourself, or even if you’re hiring someone, I cannot overemphasize the importance of proper lighting. Make sure windows aren’t overexposed (so you can actually see outside) and that every corner of the room is lit well.

Common Photo Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Bookings

Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes hosts make when it comes to their Airbnb photos, and how to avoid them:

• Poor Composition: When composing a photo, you want to guide the viewer’s eye naturally to the main subject. Many listings feature photos where the focal point is lost or poorly framed. One easy way to avoid this is by following the “rule of thirds.” Imagine a grid over your photo, dividing it into thirds horizontally and vertically. Place important elements like your bed, fireplace, or view along these lines to create a more balanced and visually appealing photo. There are many rules for photography. But, the rule of thirds is the easiest for beginners to start with.

• Too much clutter: Cluttered photos can make a space seem cramped and disorganized. Before taking photos, remove any items that don’t enhance the experience. Less is often more when it comes to showing off your space.

• Using Wide-Angle Lenses: Wide-angle lenses can capture more of the room. They can makes the space appear much bigger than it is. This is another reason to hire a professional photographer. A professional photographer can capture and edit photos to avoid distortion. You don’t want unnaturally large-looking spaces.

• Not Highlighting Key Features: Every property has standout features, whether it’s a hot tub, a gourmet kitchen, or stunning views. Don’t let these key selling points get lost in the shuffle. Your photos should highlight what makes your property special. If you’ve got a beautiful view, make sure that it’s included in your photos – and make sure it’s visible. If you’re unsure what to highlight as your property’s key features, you haven’t done enough competitor research!

• Not Editing Photos: Editing doesn’t mean over-processing, but it does mean making sure the image looks as good as possible. Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness as needed and, avoid heavy filters. You want the photos to feel real and reflective of the space.

• Highlight Your Property’s Unique Selling Points: After getting stunning photos, showcase your property’s unique features. These are not just the key features. For example, a hot tub might be a key feature, but a lot of cabins might have a hot tub. Show a unique feature, for example my property in Big Bear is on the border of the National Forest. There are not a lot of properties who offer that. I need to have photos of the forest entrance and trails. I need to highlight the fact, this makes me different. 

The key is to sell the experience. Show your guests that your property is more than just a place to stay – it’s where memories are made. Don’t just show the different features, show how your guests will feel when they’re there.

Conclusion

Great photos can make all the difference when it comes to your Airbnb listing. Every detail, from lighting to composition, matters. It must make your space as inviting as possible. Don’t settle for dim, lackluster images that hide your property’s true value. Your Airbnb photos are often a guest’s first view. You know what they say about first impressions.

High-quality photos will make your listing stand out and get noticed. So, invest time and effort in them. Take a good look at your photos — and if they’re not up to par, it’s time to make a change.