AirBnB Photography

AirBnB Photography. Holiday Lets Photography. Property Photography. Interior Photography.  Whatever definition you use, photography is the most important aspect of every short let listing.

Making a good first impression with bright and natural photos helps book more guests.  Optimise prices in busy seasons and maintain occupancy levels during quiet seasons. Maximise profit from your apartments.

I provide photos specifically for holiday lets and short term rental in Edinburgh. Combining interior photography and property photography shows your listings in their best light.  Whether you’re listing your own flat or managing many flats I’m happy to help. Text me on 07927936636 or email hello@iain-robinson to find out more.

Holiday Let Photography FAQs

How should I prepare my flat for taking photos?

Your photos are a one-off investment which should last for years, so it’s essential to show the property at its best.

The most important factor is to make sure the flat is clean and ready for guests. It should at least be in the condition that guests expect to experience when they book their stay. Every scuff or speck of dust will show up on camera. Windows and reflective surfaces are especially noticeable. Cleaning your apartment in real life is much faster and cheaper than cleaning it in Photoshop!

I’m happy to provide more detailed advice about property staging and styling, please let me know if you would like assistance.

How long does it take to shoot and edit my photos?

It takes at least an hour to shoot a small flat for short term listings / AirBnB photography.  Where possible I like to spend more time because this always results in better photos.

Editing photos well can be a slow process. It usually takes at least two business days to deliver edited images. If you need them sooner I’ll do my best to accommodate this, but please let me know before the shoot.

If you always need fast turnaround photography I can also provide conventional property photography. This will still look better than most peoples’ listings.  If you’ve bought a nice flat and decorated and furnished it well your listing photos should convey that investment.

I’m often available with a week or so’s notice. If you need photos urgently and I’m busy I can put you in touch with another reliable photographer.

How much do AirBnB photos cost?

My fees are comparable to property photography companies in Edinburgh. This means I can spend longer shooting and editing your apartment than their freelancers would for the same price.

If you have a flat in a good area this will ensure your listing looks better than other listings nearby.

Please text or email me for details.

Why is this so surprisingly affordable?

I enjoy shooting holiday let photos because it’s a straightforward process which delivers clear value to the client. This doesn’t require meetings and bureaucracy. It’s also a good way to keep improving my interior photography in between bigger jobs.

Do I (the owner / manager) need to be there to supervise?

It’s always best to meet new clients in person to discuss how you would like your listings to look. If you have any particular preferences about angles, compositions, lighting etc I’m happy to work to a brief.

Going forward I’m quite happy to do your photos on my own if you send me entrance codes. This is helpful for me because it can allow more flexibility with timing and weather. Shooting smaller properties is always faster if nobody else is there; for larger properties it doesn’t make much difference. And yes, I have insurance.

 

Can I use the photos for other portals such as Booking.com?

Yes, you are welcome to use the photos for any letting portal such as booking.com, sawdays, etc. If you have a website for your properties you can use the photos there too. If you would like to share images on social media please credit me @iainrobinsonphoto in the first line of the description.

Copyright always belongs to the photographer (i.e. me) unless by prior arrangement. With AirBnB photography the photos are usually only useful to the property owner (i.e. you).

However if your architect / builder / interior designer / anyone else would like to use the photos please put them in touch with me directly to arrange licensing.

What areas do you work in?

Anywhere in Edinburgh, primarily the New Town, Old Town and Leith.

I’m happy to provide photography in St Andrews and Central Glasgow and work farther afield if you cover travel expenses.

Does weather matter?

Short answer: no. Time of day is more important.

Generally speaking, cloudy weather is better than strong sunlight for interior photography. However sunlight can be beneficial for AirBnB photography  – it helps your property look welcoming and gives your listing a holiday feel.

If the light is continually changing due to clouds passing then everything will take longer.

If you have a good view from the windows it would be optimal to aim for a day with high visibility. Obviously we can’t control this, and in Scotland we can’t even always predict it. Choosing the correct time of day will be more important than weather – let’s discuss this before you schedule photos.

If it’s important to show the view please make sure the windows are clean. Yes, it’s worth saying this again!

How do you shoot AirBnB Photos?

This depends on your property but I usually add flash to ambient light. Available light is ideal but most apartments look best with some flash. Some darker rooms look best if I use mostly flash. The images on this page vary from all natural to all flash.

Finished photos are made by combining several frames to create a natural look. I remove scuffs, marks, snagging, wires, fire alarms etc if your required turnaround time allows.

AirBnB Plus listings don’t use flash. This keeps their photography looking consistent across the platform. It’s rarely the best option unless your apartment has great available light. Most property photographers just fire one flash at the ceiling for every image. This looks ok for fast turnaround jobs but won’t stand out on booking portals.

If you have invested in buying and decorating your apartment then it’s worth investing in better photos.

 

Do you provide property photography in Edinburgh?

Yes! I supply photos for the some of the best Estate Agents in Edinburgh. If you need a property photographer I’m happy to help.

What’s the difference between AirBnB photography and property photography?

Property photography (a.k.a. real estate photography) is informational and objective. Wide angle shots from corners. Show the whole room in one image. Show the buyer exactly what they are getting. Property photography is intended to be used once (whether it’s ESPC or Savills) to entice potential buyers into visiting a property then making an offer to buy it.

Interior photography is more emotional and subjective. Tighter compositions and better light. One point compositions. Capturing the design is more important than the layout. Sell the atmosphere of the space. Interior photography is used across print adverts, booking portals, press, social media etc for years.

Holiday let photos are a combination of both. Your listing should sell the atmosphere and experience of being there. Part interior photography to showcase decor, furniture and style. Part property photography to show potential guests what they will get when they book your apartment.

How will you deliver the photos?

Files are rendered as jpegs to the optimum standards recommended by AirBnB. This is the same resolution that Booking.com specify.

I like WeTransfer because it’s the simplest option for you – all we need is your email address, no sign-up needed.

If you would prefer Dropbox / Google Drive / iCloud to keep a cloud backup that’s no problem, just let me know.

Do you keep backups of my photos?

I aim to keep backups for at least twelve months but can not guarantee this. Please keep at least one extra copy of the files on a separate device if you might need them again for listing on other platforms.

Anything else I should consider?

If you have any other questions please text or email me.