Shoot Preparation
How to Prepare Your Holiday Let for a Professional Photography Shoot
The best property photography starts before the camera comes out. A well-prepared holiday let is easier to photograph, looks more considered and helps the final gallery feel cleaner, brighter and more inviting.
Preparation makes a bigger difference than most hosts expect. A professional photographer can handle angles, light and editing, but the property still needs to be ready before the camera comes out. Small things that feel invisible in person — trailing cables, creased bedding, bins, cluttered counters — become very obvious in photographs.
Why every room needs to be ready
Airbnb says its professional photography service normally captures 2–3 images per room, with professional editing afterwards. That is a useful way to think about preparation: the shoot is not just one hero image. Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living areas and small details all need to be guest-ready before the photographer arrives.
Prepare the property like a guest is arriving
The best rule is simple: prepare the space as if your most important guest is checking in that afternoon. Beds should be dressed properly, towels should be neat, surfaces should be clear and every lightbulb should work. The shoot should capture the standard guests can expect, not a version that only exists for the camera.
Clear, then add back only what helps
Decluttering does not mean stripping out all character. It means removing anything that distracts from the room. Keep the things that tell a useful story: a simple dining setup, a clean coffee station, neatly arranged cushions, a book on a bedside table. Remove paperwork, cleaning products, personal items and anything that looks temporary.
Think about the route through the property
A good photoshoot normally follows a logical order: exterior, entrance, living space, kitchen, dining, bedrooms, bathrooms, details and outdoor areas. Preparing each area in advance helps the shoot move efficiently and keeps the final gallery consistent.
Quick pre-shoot checklist
- Open blinds and curtains before the photographer arrives
- Switch on lamps and check bulbs match where possible
- Steam or smooth bedding and cushions
- Hide bins, cables, remotes and cleaning products
- Remove cars from the driveway unless parking is being shown intentionally
Do not forget outside
Outdoor areas often sell the stay, but they are also easy to overlook. Sweep patios, wipe tables, arrange chairs, tidy toys and move bins. If the garden or terrace is a booking feature, it deserves the same preparation as the living room.
Sources and further reading
These references are included for context only. Results vary by property, location, pricing, reviews, seasonality and how well the listing is managed.
- Airbnb Help Centre: professional photography for listings — Airbnb explains that its professional photography service typically captures 2–3 images per room and that editors enhance the images afterwards.