5 Simple Techniques to Photograph Your Airbnb Like a Pro
When it comes to Airbnb, good photos aren’t just decoration – they’re your silent salesperson. A single image can make a guest click “Book Now” or scroll away.
After years of photographing hundreds of Airbnb and homestay units across Malaysia, I’ve seen one truth repeat itself:
“A well-shot room sells faster.”
If you’ve been wondering how to photograph your Airbnb unit so it looks inviting, trustworthy, and professional – this guide will help you.
Here are 5 simple techniques you can apply right away, even if you’re using a smartphone.
1. Use a Tripod for Steady, Sharp Images
A tripod keeps your photos sharp, especially in rooms with low light. Tripod setup for interior photography in a Malaysian Airbnb homestay unit.
Let’s start with something basic but powerful – stability.
A tripod keeps your photos sharp, especially in rooms with low light.
Without one, your shots might look slightly blurry or tilted, which gives off an unprofessional vibe.
Here’s why you need a tripod:
You can use slower shutter speeds without handshake.
You’ll keep your compositions consistent across rooms.
You can spend more time perfecting the frame instead of worrying about balance.
Even an affordable tripod can make a big difference.
2. Shoot During the Day and Use Natural Light
Airbnb bedroom in Malaysia with curtains open and sunlight filling the space
Nothing beats natural light.
Open all curtains, blinds, and doors to let sunlight fill the room. It gives a clean, warm, and welcoming look that artificial lights rarely achieve.
If sunlight is too harsh, use sheer curtains or wait until mid-morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.
And one more thing – turn off fluorescent lights if they create uneven colors. You want your Airbnb to look natural, not yellow or blue.
If the room still feels dark, don’t push ISO too high. It’s better to use a tripod and longer exposure than to risk grainy photos.
3. Keep Your Lines Straight
Use level indicator on your camera to make sure every lines are straight
This is the difference between an amateur and a professional photo.
When shooting interiors, make sure your vertical and horizontal lines are straight.
Walls, door frames, cabinets, and windows should all look aligned.
You can turn on your camera’s gridline feature or use a built-in level to help.
Straight lines make your image look calm, balanced, and trustworthy
If you’re editing later, correct any distortion in Lightroom or Capture One.
Straight lines make your image look calm, balanced, and trustworthy. Crooked ones make the space feel off – even if people don’t consciously notice it.
4. Shoot at Eye Level
Most Airbnb listings are photographed either too high or too low.
Airbnb living room photographed at eye level for realistic perspective
For a realistic, natural perspective, place your camera roughly at eye level – around 1.3 to 1.5 meters high.
This gives viewers a comfortable angle, as if they’re standing inside the room.
Avoid tilting your camera up or down too much. It can make furniture look distorted and make rooms feel smaller than they are.
If you want to show ceiling height, step back and use a slightly wider lens instead of pointing the camera upward.
5. Style the Bathroom – and Close the Toilet Lid
Clean and styled bathroom with toilet lid closed, towels folded, and small plant decor
It sounds funny, but it’s true. A bathroom photo can make or break your Airbnb listing.
Guests associate clean bathrooms with well-kept homes.
Here’s what to do before you shoot:
Close the toilet lid (seriously).
Hide toothbrushes, shampoo bottles, and personal items.
Wipe mirrors and glass panels.
Add a small touch of style – folded towels, a small plant, or a candle.
Clean, simple, and symmetrical always works best.
Bonus Tips for Better Airbnb Photos
Close-up of small decor details in Malaysian Airbnb homestay
If you want to take your Airbnb photography a step further:
Show key details. Capture textures, amenities, or a cozy corner that adds personality.
Use wide-angle lenses wisely. Don’t overdo it – too wide can make rooms look distorted.
Mind reflections. Be aware of mirrors or shiny surfaces that might catch your reflection.
Keep color consistent. Use the same white balance for all shots to maintain harmony across your listing.
Edit lightly. Enhance, don’t exaggerate. Over-saturated or over-HDR photos often turn people away.
Why Quality Airbnb Photos Matter
Wide-angle photo of Airbnb unit in Malaysia showing spacious layout and natural light
Professional-looking photos don’t just look nice – they build trust.
When potential guests browse Airbnb, they judge your listing within seconds.
If your photos look bright, spacious, and clean, they’ll assume your property is well-maintained.
Many hosts in Malaysia have told me their bookings went up after they updated their photos. Sometimes, even with the same price and description, the new visuals made a huge difference.
Photos are more than decoration – they’re part of your marketing strategy.
Photos are more than decoration – they’re part of your marketing strategy.
Ready to Improve Your Airbnb Listing?
If you’re based in Malaysia and want your Airbnb to look its best, I can help.
A testimony from an Airbnb Management Company client
I’ve photographed corporate spaces, real estate, and homestays for over 18 years. Each session is planned to highlight your property’s comfort, layout, and story – not just its walls.
You can reach me here:
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