Airbnb Photography: DIY vs. Professional, The Ultimate $1600 Experiment!

Does professional photography impact on the performance of your Airbnb listing? Kristen and Michael compare photos taken with an iPhone 13 Pro to those captured by professional photographer Brando Conklin, discussing the $1,600 investment and its effect on bookings and guest impressions. The video offers insights into the importance of high-quality visuals in enhancing an Airbnb's appeal and profitability.

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Airbnb Cover Photo Tester CANVA Template:

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New to our channel? Well, hi there! We're Kristen and Michael, a couple embarking on a wild adventure of transforming our dream desert home into a short-term rental biz!

As crazy as it sounds, we decided to ditch our beloved Los Angeles (which we called home for 7 years) and chase our wildest dreams of owning a piece of land in California. And guess what? We did it! We finally bought our desert house in the summer of 2021, and we've been DIY-ing our hearts out ever since!

We're talking about an (almost) complete renovation, from top to bottom! But that's not all! We're also building our business from scratch, with the goal of sharing our little oasis with our family, friends, and even strangers from all over the world.

So come on and join us on this crazy ride! We promise it'll be full of laughs, tears, and lots of DIY fails (and wins!). Welcome to our channel! Let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions or questions for us.

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00:00 - Introduction: Why Photography Matters for Airbnb Listings
02:07 - iPhone Photo Examples: Common Mistakes in Listing Photos
03:43 - Our $300 Photographer: Real Estate Style
04:44 - Knowing Your Audience: Tailoring Photos for Your Guests
05:42 - Seasonal Considerations: Timing Your Photoshoots
06:12 - Smart Locks for Airbnb: DESLOC B200
07:17 - Michael's DIY Semi-Professional Photos
08:32 - Final Results: iPhone vs Professional Photography for our Airbnb
11:06 - Choosing the Right Cover Photo: Our Canva Template Process
13:15 - The ROI of Professional Photography: Boosting Bookings and Prices
14:21 - How We Found Our Photographer: Tips for Hiring the Right Pro
15:17 - Next Week Preview: An Interview With Our Photographer

#airbnbhost #airbnbphotography

[kristenandmichael]

Which option do you think will perform the best as the cover photo?! 👇

[ivyandlight]

Love how you showed the difference between all 4 types of photography. Your photos already looked beautiful, but the new ones feel even more warm and cozy. And love the detail shots and the place setting you put together for the shoot! Great job and thank you for sharing the process with us :)

[lost-south-lake-crafters]

Thanks for sharing all of your experiences! The new photos look wonderful!

[heidifedor]

So appreciate your videos! We are on year three of our Airbnb on a lake in MN. All of your videos seem to parallel our step in the process and it’s just so helpful. Thank you!!

[dianen]

Professional pictures definitely gives you “wow” vibe ❤

[social_euge]

Great video. In my PoV options 5 or 6 work best. It gives me the vide of privacy, while also allowing the viewer to see how relaxing it can be. The subtle hammock in the view instantly pulls the viewer into the listing

[ndchancesunrise]

1) Michael's pics were really good 2) with that said the new pics are spectacular, the staging is perfection 3) do you worry about providing your link to a lot of people who will click on your AIRBNB site and could drive you down in the algo because they don't book? I'm not sure if it does but just wondering 4) I'm not a wallpaper guy but really miss the wallpaper by the bar. 5) I'm sure you are still working on it but don't forget to optimize your tags/titles of the pics on your website for SEO. Keep on doin what your doing!

[MegInWhispers]

Guys, thanks for that last point acknowledging that taking professional photos before your listing is truly ready wouldn't necessarily be the wisest investment. I've struggled with that issue since day 1 - feeling pressure to pay for a professional while also knowing that our cabin isn't really ready for that yet. I have some photography experience so, like Michael, I've been able to make it work to the best of my ability and we've had all weekends booked throughout our open season in 2024. Before the 2025 season, we're going to do a few more changes: new white cedar shake siding (the house looks completely different now externally!), evening out the driveway with new processed stone, changes to some bedroom furniture. So, the professional photos just have not been the right choice yet, timing-wise. I also share the same motivation of wanting the photos to reflect the feelings of peace, calm, and magic you feel at the cabin. Perhaps by next mid-summer when the trees are vibrant green and there's great lighting throughout the day, it's something we could really consider 🤞 I don't think that rushing in to professional photos is necessarily the best step for all new hosts, despite what experts push.

[georgegeorgiouza]

Incredibly helpful video, practical, realistic and motivational. Such an underrated channel

[GrantsvilleAirbnb]

Great pictures… it’s a totally new feel and vibe guys!!!! 🎉

[jenniferkannapel]

Love your channel!!
As much as I love the closeup & lifestyle photos, for me when I am searching for a rental, I want to see the actual spaces too. If 80% of the photos are zoom & lifestyle but can't see the layout of house and room connections I'm not likely to book.

[GetItWithBecca]

Wow, what an amazing job you have done! Pictures are phenomenal. I think it's picture 6 that shows the daybed, loungers and the Mountain View.

[helenwilliams]

Beautiful photos! I'm glad that you're already seeing the expense pay off!! ❤

[therealashleycrouch]

Wow it's like night and day!! Way to go, congratulations!!

[albertreet]

Amazing video guys! This has been one of toughest thing to accomplish running a STR management company in Colorado. Would love to connect!

[hannahshanks]

Such good photos! I like option 5 for the cover photo

[TaavP]

Great pics! Love them, was a good choice of a photographer

[paulbridgeman]

What are the chronograph numbers, and can it shoot slugs? We need more review videos showcasing accuracy and the chronograph numbers.

[natashaandjoshuashowcasest]

Naw, not 1600 better compared to your pictures . They are better but not 1600 better . We pay 199 for professional photos . 😅