Professional photography for your holiday let: why it affects your bookings

On Airbnb or Booking, the decision to book is almost always made before reading a single line of the description: it is made by looking at the photos. Airbnb has said that listings with professional photography get up to 40% more bookings and can charge up to 26% more per night than equivalent listings with phone photos.

Why the photo matters more than the description

A potential guest scrolls through dozens of listings in a few minutes. The cover photo decides whether they keep looking or move on to the next result; the interior photos decide whether they are finally convinced or look for another option. A well-written text does not make up for photos that are dark, crooked or fail to show the space properly.

What makes the difference in a professional photo

• Natural light and correct framing: photos taken at the time of day with the best light, not at any old moment.
• A perspective that shows the real space: wide, low angles that give a sense of space, avoiding distortion.
• Minimal staging: small touches before shooting (a clear table, cushions in place, lights on) completely change the result.
• Consistency between photos: the same editing style and colour across the whole gallery, so the listing looks cared for from start to finish.

You don't need to renovate, just prepare the space well

Before the photo shoot it is worth looking over the space with a critical eye: sometimes it is enough to move a piece of furniture, add a mirror that makes a room look bigger, or simply clear surfaces, for the same home to look considerably better on camera, without spending on renovations.

When to renew the photos

• If your current photos are more than 2-3 years old, or were taken with a phone.
• After any renovation or significant change of furniture.
• If your conversion rate (listing views vs. bookings) has been stuck for a while and you have already reviewed price and availability.

Would you rather someone took care of it for you?

At beBalmy we look after the presentation of your property as part of our full management service, so that every listing shows your home at its best. Tell us about your situation and we'll tell you how we can help.