Airbnb Photographer For 2025: Is It Worth To Have A Professional Photography For Your Listing?

When it comes to Airbnb hosting, a stunning photo can make or break your listing. Professional Airbnb photography helps your property stand out and boost earnings in a crowded market and such pro photography can boost your bookings significantly. But how much should you expect to pay for this vital service?

In 2024, prices for Airbnb listing photography typically range from $100 to $500, depending on the photographer’s experience, your location, and the size of your property. Some photographers charge per hour for your Airbnb business, while others offer package deals which might include editing and multiple angles of each room for your listing page. While it’s tempting to cut costs and DIY to have your photos taken, professional photographers understand lighting, composition, and how to make your space look its best. 

High-quality interior photography can convey a sense of trust and professionalism appealing to guests browsing listings. Additionally, Airbnb offers a photography service in some regions, with fees often added to your first few bookings. 

Before hiring for your listing photo shoot, consider reading reviews, checking portfolios of the photographer's photography program and comparing quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value. Investing in professional photography is more than just a one-time cost and it’s a strategic move that can make your listing success and attract more bookings year-round.

In this article, you can check out our guide and out tips to help on having the best way for your Airbnb listing image can help your rental revenue and highlight the best features on what your property has to offer for future tenants that will surely deliver success for your listing.

What Influences The Cost Of Professional Airbnb Photography?

The cost of hiring a professional photographer for your vacation rental depends on several factors which can oomph your property description. The size and complexity of your property play a significant role and a compact studio may cost less to take photos than a multi-bedroom home.

Geographic location also matter for photographers in major cities often charge higher rates than those in smaller towns for your listings with professional photos. Reaching out with your fellow Airbnb host can connect you with a local trusted photographer.

The level of experience and expertise of the professional photographer to take photos of your Airbnb may vary and will also affect pricing with seasoned professionals commanding premium upfront payments. Additional services like editing, drone photography or staging advice can add to the total cost but may be worth the investment.

Options For Having A Photoshoot For Your Airbnb Listing

Here are the common options for getting professional photos of your Airbnb property for you to market your property in the best way possible for a certain outcome or success:

• Hire a Professional Real Estate Photographer:

  • Pros: Airbnb photos with high-quality images from an expert use of lighting and composition through a professional photoshoot which is good for your Airbnb listing page and can stand out from the crowd.

  • Cons: Hiring to have a professional photography can be expensive costing from $100 to $500 or more depending on location and experience.

• Use Airbnb’s Photography Service (Where Available):

  • Pros: Airbnb offers a service such as an Airbnb pro photographer who offers convenience which is often directly billed through your bookings and uploading professional photos can appear in the listing page within one week.

  • Cons: Hiring a professional Airbnb photographer can have limited availability and may not offer as much customization and price varies based on your property's size and geographic location.

• Hire a Freelance Photographer:

  • Pros: Flexible rates and styles; ideal for personalized results that could make your Airbnb listing photos for your Airbnb also stand out.

  • Cons: Quality can vary widely; research portfolios carefully.

• Opt for a Local Photographer Package Deal:

  • Pros: Often includes additional services like editing, drone shots for aerial photography or staging advice.

  • Cons: Photography may be pricier and require more scheduling coordination.

• Use a New or Aspiring Photographer:

  • Pros: Lower costs and fresh creativity; great for tight budgets and won't need to pay anything upfront usually.

  • Cons: Lack of experience and photography skills could affect quality for your Airbnb site which can also affect time of your listing photos to be uploaded to your listing page.

• DIY Photography with Smartphone or DSLR:

  • Pros: Cost-effective and allows full creative control.

  • Cons: Requires good lighting, editing skills, and staging knowledge for professional-looking results.

• Collaborate with Influencers or Local Creatives:

  • Pros: May involve bartering free stays in exchange for photography and promotion.

  • Cons: Results can vary, and it requires finding the right partner.

• Virtual Staging Services (Digital):

  • Pros: Great for properties under renovation or unfurnished spaces; cost-effective for staging.

  • Cons: Does not replace real photography for guest expectations.

Is Hiring A Professional Airbnb Photographer Worth The Price?

Yes, hiring a professional photographer is worth the price for most hosts to capture the essence of their listing. Listings with high-quality photos not only attract more views but also tend to secure higher nightly rates. Professional photos may earn guests approval and can often perceive professional images as a sign of trustworthiness, increasing their likelihood of booking your property. 

New images with better lighting, staging and composition, a professional can showcase your Airbnb in the best possible light, highlighting features guests care about most. Over time, the cost of photography pays for itself by generating more bookings and future payouts.

Tips To Help Choosing Right Professional Airbnb Photographer

Choosing the right photographer can make all the difference in your listing’s appeal. Start by looking for professionals who specialize in real estate or Airbnb photography, as they’ll understand the unique needs of this niche. Request to see their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision for your property. Check reviews or testimonials to verify their reliability and skill.

Compare multiple quotes to find a balance between cost and quality, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Lastly, communicate your expectations clearly—let them know what areas to focus on and any specific shots you want to include. A great photographer will listen to your needs and deliver photos that captivate your potential guests.

In Retrospect 

Investing in professional photography for your Airbnb is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your success as a host. High-quality photos help your listing stand out in a competitive market, attracting more potential guests and increasing your booking rate. While costs can vary depending on the photographer’s expertise, location, and additional services, the return on investment often outweighs the initial expense.

A polished visual presentation conveys professionalism and trustworthiness, two key factors that influence guest decisions. Additionally, professional photos highlight your property’s best features, creating a lasting first impression that inspires confidence in your listing. Whether you choose a seasoned photographer, a freelance creative, or Airbnb’s own photography service, aligning your choice with your budget and needs is crucial.

Ultimately, the goal is to present your property in the best light, setting the stage for an exceptional guest experience. With great photos, your Airbnb is not just a rental—it’s a destination guests can’t wait to book.

About Us: KeyNest

It is vital for any hosts to sustain an efficient key management access to ensure your listing gets maintained in the Airbnb platform. That is why KeyNest, a leading smart key exchange service, is designed to simplify and secure the management of property access for hosts, property managers, and guests. With a network of thousands of partner locations worldwide, KeyNest ensures that keys are safely stored and easily accessible 24/7, providing a seamless solution for short-term rental hosts, including those on platforms like Airbnb.

Since its inception, KeyNest has revolutionized how property access is handled, eliminating the need for in-person handovers and providing an efficient alternative to traditional lockboxes or smart locks. Trusted by property managers across the globe, KeyNest's robust system ensures keys are always secure while maintaining accessibility.

Want to know more about KeyNest?

KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 7,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property. 

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point or KeyNest Locker  which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times. By leveraging technology and a global network of locations, KeyNest continues to redefine property management, offering solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the rental market..

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more you can contact us. 

Neil Beltran 7 Dec 2024