What to look for in an accommodation photographer

What should I look for in an accommodation photographer?

Whether you're launching a new holiday rental or struggling to get bookings, the one thing that can make or break your listing is your photos.

If you’re asking yourself, “What should I look for in an accommodation photographer?” — you’re already on the right track. The right photographer doesn’t just take nice pictures; they capture the story of your space and help it stand out in a crowded market.

As an accommodation photographer, I’ve helped hundreds of Airbnb hosts and short-term rental owners—many just like you—who needed that extra edge to launch strong or breathe new life into a slow-moving listing.

Here’s what to look for in an accommodation photographer—and why it really matters.

1. Specialisation in accommodation and short-term rental photography

Not all photographers are the same. Wedding photographers, portrait shooters, and even real estate photographers don’t always understand the unique demands of Airbnb and short-term holiday rentals.

A specialist in accommodation photography will:

Highlight lifestyle features, not just the layout.
Create warmth and atmosphere that speaks to holidaymakers.
Frame spaces to look inviting, light-filled and liveable (without appearing messy or too staged).

Your potential guests are booking an experience, not just a place to sleep. A specialist knows how to bring that feeling to life.

2. A strong portfolio that suits your style of property

When checking a photographer’s previous work, ask yourself:

Have they photographed holiday homes, Airbnb properties, or similar short-stay spaces?
Do their photos tell a story, or do they just show rooms?
Do their images feel welcoming and emotive—or flat and impersonal?

Whether you're listing a coastal beach shack in Barwon Heads or a stylish unit in Geelong, your photographer should understand how to visually represent the unique style and atmosphere of your space.

3. Local knowledge of the area

Hiring someone who knows the Bellarine Peninsula (and wider Victoria) gives you a big advantage.

They’ll understand:

The best times of day to shoot for natural light on the coast or inland.
What kinds of features and views guests booking a short-term rental in the region are looking for.
How to capture the lifestyle appeal of nearby wineries, beaches, golf courses, or nature spots.

Local knowledge can help bring the bigger picture to life—not just the property, but the experience around it.

4. Understanding what works on Airbnb and booking platforms

Every booking platform has its own quirks. Airbnb, Stayz, Riparide, and Booking.com all display images differently and favour certain kinds of visual storytelling.

An experienced accommodation photographer will:

Shoot with different platforms and screen sizes in mind.
Deliver photos that look great on both mobile and desktop.
Know how to sequence images to guide guests through your property’s highlights.

It’s not just about taking beautiful photos—it’s about taking the right photos to help people book.

5. Attention to styling and detail

A good accommodation photographer will do more than just take photos—they’ll help you prepare your property so it looks its best on the day.

Look for someone who:

Can offer styling advice or recommend a stylist.
Spots the little things—like power cords, fingerprints, wonky cushions, or distracting reflections.
Knows how to show off your space in a way that’s both natural and polished.

You want your photos to feel real—but elevated. That balance is what helps short-term rentals stand out on busy platforms like Airbnb.

6. Clear pricing and deliverables

It’s important to know what’s included in your shoot.

A professional accommodation photographer should:

Offer a clear quote with no hidden surprises.
Provide packages suited to different property sizes or goals.
Deliver fully edited, high-res images ready to upload straight to your Airbnb listing or website.

Bonus if they also include web-optimised versions for social media or video walkthroughs.

7. Client reviews and proven results

Before booking, look for:

Testimonials from other Airbnb hosts or holiday home owners.
Examples of listings before and after professional photography.
Case studies where updated photos led to more bookings, better reviews, or increased nightly rates.

Great photos should be an investment that quickly pays for itself through better booking performance.

Final thoughts: the right photographer can change everything

If your short-term rental is about to launch—or your current Airbnb listing isn’t attracting the bookings it should—it could be time to upgrade your imagery.

Professional accommodation photography isn’t just about showing your property—it’s about helping the right people discover it and feel excited to stay there.

Ready to lift your listing?

I’m a Bellarine Peninsula-based accommodation photographer with over 23 years of experience helping Victorian Airbnb hosts, holiday home owners, and short-stay property managers bring their spaces to life.

If you're looking to launch a new listing or refresh an underperforming one, I’d love to help you create imagery that truly reflects your space—and attracts the bookings you're looking for.

📩 Get in touch to book a shoot or have a chat about what your property needs.

Photography Portfolios

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