Listing photos that sell —
shot on your phone

Guests decide whether to look at your listing in a split second, based almost entirely on the first photo. Good photos don’t need expensive equipment — modern phones are more than capable — but they do need a bit of preparation.

Before you shoot

Spend an hour preparing the property before you take a single photo. It makes more difference than any camera.

• DaylightShoot on a bright day, with every curtain open and lights on.
• Clear surfacesRemove clutter, cables and bins from every shot.
• Make the beds properlyCrisp linen and a throw make a room.
• Wide, not ultra-wideUse your phone’s wide lens, but avoid stretched, distorted rooms.
• Shoot from the cornerAt chest height, to show the shape of the room.
• The star featureHot tub, view or fire — shoot it in its best light, including dusk.

Order matters

Lead with your best photo — usually the feature that makes your place different. Then follow the way a guest would walk through: living space, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, outside.

Use them everywhere

Once you have a great set of photos, use the same ones on every booking site and on your own website, so guests see a consistent picture of your place wherever they find you.