How to Be the Top of Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, VRBO, Expedia, HomeAway, Zillow, and Redfin Listings. 10 Free Tips For Better Listing From The Profi.
By Andrey Prokhorov
Alumnus, The New York Institute of Photography
Professional Airbnb Photographer, 7+ years experience
To Blend In or Stand Out?
Every day, thousands of travelers scroll through endless listings on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com. Most are quickly forgotten. Only a few stand out—those with photos that spark curiosity, trust, and desire.
Which do you want to be: just another listing, or the one everyone wants to book?
The Power of Photography
80% of your property’s value, in the eyes of a potential guest or buyer, is determined by the quality and professionalism of your photos.
This isn’t just a photographer’s opinion—it’s a reality proven by years of guest behavior and booking data.
A professional photo doesn’t just show a room; it tells a story, sets a mood, and invites the viewer to imagine themselves there.
If you want to maximize your bookings and nightly rate, investing in great photography is the single most effective step you can take.
Agent snapshot vs. professional photo: Which would you choose?
Notice how the professional photo feels brighter, more spacious, and more inviting. The difference isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. Guests are drawn to listings that look clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully presented.
The Guest’s Search: First Impressions Matter
When you search for a vacation stay, what’s the first thing you notice?
The photo.
Within seconds, guests decide whether to click or keep scrolling.
A blurry, dark, or confusing image can instantly kill interest—even if your property is wonderful in person.
Example 1: The “Private” Room
Would you feel comfortable booking this room? The grey linens and makeshift wall raise more questions than they answer.
This photo leaves too much to the imagination—and not in a good way.
As a guest, I wonder: Is this room really private? What’s behind that thin wall? Is it quiet? Is it clean?
When photos create doubt, guests move on.
Tip: Always show clear boundaries and privacy in your photos. If a space is shared, be upfront and show it honestly.
Example 2: The Stairwell “Suite”
Would you pay $37 a night to sleep on a stairwell? This photo does nothing to inspire confidence or comfort.
Photos like this make guests feel unwelcome or even unsafe.
A bed in a stairwell suggests a lack of care and attention to guest experience.
Tip: Highlight your property’s best features, not its flaws. If a space is unconventional, show how it can be cozy or unique.
Example 3: The “TV Box” House
The reality behind the “central vacation house” listing: a cramped, windowless box on a rooftop.
I once booked a place like this, lured by photos of beautiful city architecture.
The reality? A tiny, windowless box stacked on a rooftop, with no view and no comfort.
This experience taught me: Misleading photos don’t just lose you one guest—they lose you trust, reviews, and future bookings.
Tip: Always show the real space. If it’s small, make it look tidy and inviting, but never hide the truth.
Example 4: The Bathroom as the Main Attraction
When the bathroom is the star of your listing, you’re sending the wrong message—especially at $51 a night.
Bathrooms are important, but they shouldn’t be the first thing guests see.
Lead with your most attractive space: the living room, bedroom, or a view.
Tip: Use bathroom photos to reassure guests of cleanliness, but never as your main selling point.
Example 5: The “Cozy” Prison Cell
This “cozy” one-bedroom near the beach looks more like a cell than a retreat.
Words like “cozy” or “charming” can’t make up for a lack of warmth in your photos.
Lighting, color, and decor matter.
Tip: Add a splash of color, a plant, or a piece of art. Open the curtains. Make the space feel lived-in and loved.
Example 6: The Empty Wall
An empty wall and a couple of bar chairs do not create a sense of “coziness.”
Minimalism is fine, but emptiness feels cold.
Tip: Arrange furniture to create conversation areas. Add small touches—a coffee mug, a book, a throw blanket—to suggest comfort and hospitality.
Example 7: The Water Closet Welcome
When your listing leads with a water closet, it’s not exactly a warm welcome.
First impressions are everything.
Tip: Always start your photo gallery with your best, most inviting shot. Bathrooms and utility spaces should come last.
Example 8: The “Deluxe” That Isn’t
Does this look like a deluxe experience to you?
Guests are quick to spot exaggeration.
If you call your place “deluxe,” your photos must deliver.
Tip: Use honest, descriptive language and let your photos prove your claims.
Example 9: The “Convenience” Gap
What the owner thinks is convenient may not match the guest’s expectations.
Owners often overlook what guests value most: comfort, cleanliness, and atmosphere.
Tip: Ask a friend to walk through your space and point out what feels inviting—and what doesn’t. Use their feedback to guide your photos.
The Harsh Truth: Perception Is Everything
As owners, we see our property through the lens of our investment and memories.
But guests only see what’s in the frame. Their imagination fills in the blanks—often with the worst possibilities.
If you don’t show it, they won’t know it.
A beautiful garden, a cozy nook, or a stunning view—if it’s not in your photos, it might as well not exist.
The Ocean of Listings: Stand Out or Drown
Here’s a hard truth: On massive platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO, Expedia, and HomeAway, you’re one of millions. The sheer volume of listings means that even great photos might not be enough to guarantee success.
The platforms are overcrowded. Your listing is a drop in the ocean.
This means your success depends less on individual photo choices and more on your overall strategy:
- Pricing: Are you competitive?
- Reviews: Are you consistently earning 5-star ratings?
- Location: Is your property in a desirable area?
- Amenities: Do you offer what guests want (Wi-Fi, parking, etc.)?
- Listing Quality: Is your description clear, accurate, and compelling?
In this crowded market, your decisions matter more than ever.
Why Professional Photography Matters
A trained architectural photographer knows how to tell the story of your space.
With the right techniques—lighting, composition, and perspective—they can make guests feel as if they’re already there, relaxing and enjoying your property.
You may have invested time and money into your property, but if your photos don’t capture that value, guests will never know.
The Secret Ingredient: Interior Photography with a Model
On massive rental platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, HomeAway, Zillow, and Redfin, your listing is just one among thousands—often nearly identical in price, amenities, and even decor. So how do you make your property stand out from the crowd?
The answer: Tell a story. And nothing tells a story better than a real person in the space.
Compare for Yourself:
1. The Bathroom: Empty vs. With a Model
An empty bathroom: clean, but impersonal.
The same bathroom, now with a model: suddenly, it feels like a relaxing, spa-like retreat.
2. The Bar Interior: Empty vs. With a Model
An empty bar: stylish, but static.
The same bar, now with a model: lively, social, and inviting. You can picture yourself enjoying a drink here.
3. The Bedroom: Empty vs. With a Model
An empty bedroom: neat, but generic.
The same bedroom, now with a model: suddenly, it’s a cozy, restful haven. You can imagine yourself unwinding after a long day.
Why Does This Work?
- People connect with people. When a model is present, potential guests or buyers can instantly imagine themselves in the space. It’s no longer just a room—it’s an experience.
– - It creates an emotional response. A model reading a book, enjoying a bath, or sipping a drink at the bar makes the space feel alive and desirable.
– - It gives context and scale. A person in the photo helps viewers understand the size and function of the space.
– - It makes your listing memorable. On crowded platforms, most listings blur together. But a photo with a model stands out, grabs attention, and lingers in the viewer’s mind.
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In a sea of empty rooms and generic furniture, a single photo with a model can make your listing the one that gets clicked, remembered, and booked.
If you want your property to rise above the competition—whether you’re renting on Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, or selling on Zillow or Redfin—consider investing in professional photography with a model. It’s a proven way to tell a story, spark desire, and turn browsers into guests or buyers.
My Experience: Lessons Learned
Over the past seven years as a professional photographer for Airbnb, I’ve seen it all—from luxury villas to humble studios.
I’ve also been a guest, sometimes disappointed by listings that looked nothing like their photos.
I’ve learned that trust is fragile, and a single misleading image can ruin a vacation—and a reputation.
The best hosts are those who see their property through the eyes of a guest, and use photography to build trust from the very first click.
How to Get Great Photos: A Quick Checklist
- Declutter every room—less is more.
- Use natural light—shoot during the day, open curtains.
- Show the whole space—shoot from corners to capture depth.
- Highlight unique features—a cozy reading nook, a balcony, a view.
- Edit for brightness and color accuracy—but don’t mislead.
- Update photos regularly—reflect any changes or improvements.
Bonus tip: Before you upload, ask yourself: “Would I be excited to stay here, based on these photos alone?”
Final Advice: Invest in Your Success
You don’t need a mansion or designer furniture to stand out. You just need to show your property at its best.
If you’re not confident with a camera, hire a professional. The investment will pay for itself many times over in bookings and positive reviews.
Ready to transform your listing and attract more guests or buyers? Contact us today for a free consultation!
Remember: The perceived value of your property is equal to the perceived value of your photography.
Have your own before-and-after photo story? Share it with us and help others learn the value of great presentation!
Photo credits: All images from the original article at apartments.com.do and model/interior comparison images from apartments.com.do/interior-photography-with-model/.
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I had the similar experiences with AirBnB. The Bangalore accent upon the calling to support is the feature, not a bug)
AirBnB are now just expelling its’ Russian members independently of their adopted nationality.