How to Take Airbnb Photos With an iPhone: A Complete Guide

Airbnb is more popular than ever, and if you want to make your listing stand out so you can earn a bit of supplemental income or run a business, then you need to have content that grabs attention.

Luckily these days you don’t need a high-end DSLR camera to take top-tier photos, as your smartphone likely has everything that you’ll want for crystal-clear pictures.

To take Airbnb photos with an iPhone, start by turning the camera horizontally, changing the aspect ratio to 3:2, and adding a photo grid for composing your image into thirds. Add as much natural light as possible, and use visual storytelling to draw viewers into a scene. Use editing apps to optimize the photos.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following info about taking Airbnb photos with an iPhone:

• How you can get the most out of your smartphone’s camera settings
• Airbnb’s recommendations to take perfect photos
• Stabilization and leveling tips for pro-level pictures

But before we get to that, we need to start off on a solid foundation. So we’ve made a video on some of the most common mistakes Airbnb hosts are making with their photos:

If you haven’t already done so, we highly recommend you sign up for the Better Airbnb Photos series, which will help significantly enhance the rest of the tips in this article.

Focus on the Details

Attractive Airbnb photos succeed for one reason: They’re visually appealing.

It doesn’t matter if you’re using an old school flip phone for the newest iPhone on the market. You have to check the details. If you’re proud of the queen-sized bed, then make it the center of the photo. If you want them to see the extra-large shower, then get the best angles that accentuate its size.

However, the details of each photo go even deeper. You should add vibrant colors, editing skills, and other useful components to create the ultimate photo that grabs attention and is remembered.

Every picture should look professional, from cleanliness to sharpness.

Note: Remember that the details include notable features, but small additions make it even better. New soap bars, clean towels, and a wide driveway are three features that could make a huge impact on a lot of potential customers.

Take Advantage of Pro Photo Features

iOS and Android smartphones have come leaps and bounds since their old low-quality photo days.

You can take a picture on an iPhone 11 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy S20+ that would rival the best cameras on the market. Let’s examine three key pro features that will make a world of difference on your Airbnb profile:

• HDR settings can enhance the images beyond belief. High Dynamic Range photos enhance dark areas and reduce extremely vibrant colors to create an even shot. In other words, it takes care of most of the post-photo editing with one click and is often used by a lot of real estate photographers.

• Consider using panoramic shots for a full room in each photo. Don’t have a wide angle lens? No problem! Almost all smartphones have a panoramic option that lets you take a picture at a 180 to 360-degree angle. Cover everything in the room so your viewers know what they’re getting themselves into.

• CNET explains that simple filters can change everything. You don’t need to be a professional editor to click through a couple of filters. They can be applied with Apple’s basic camera app, or you could add them with numerous apps that you find later in the article.

Use Gridlines for Leveling and Composition

Leveling and composition is one of the most crucial components of photography.

The iPhone comes with a grid feature that lets you keep everything highlighted, focused, and leveled. Much like the HDR setting, grids take all of the hard work out of your hands.

To find the grid option, go to your camera, click ‘Settings’ and check the ‘Grid’ option. You’ll notice the difference immediately. You can turn it on and off for multiple photos to figure out which is better. In most cases, grid photos excel.

Grids also allow you to section the photo into multiple pieces. Have you ever heard of the “rule of thirds”? Essentially you will want to compose your photo so that points of interest, lines, etc. are balanced by having them fall into the 1/3rd sections of your photo.

It’s also important not to “cut anything off,” like picture frames and doorways, unless you do it in a way that is balanced.

Try to set each box’s edges along the edge of a wall, bed frame, or another straight, flat surface. It’ll create a professional-quality photo without taking too much time. Check out our other tips here.

Enhance Photos With Light

Anyone who knows the slightest bit about photography knows how influential light is in the process, and it’s no different here.

Unfortunately smartphones aren’t able to control or sync with off camera flash/strobes, so you will need to rely on natural light.

Natural light brings beautiful, soft colors to the picture. Open the blinds and let the sunshine through the window. It’ll bounce on the furniture, creating an immersive effect that pulls viewers into the room.

However, don’t shy away from artificial light sources. You could turn on the lamps or purchase soft white lights to add color around the room. Another option is to use flash on your phone, but you’ll learn more about the setting later on the page.

Note: If you want to use artificial light, make sure that it’s not dark and dreary. Something that might seem relaxing could appear as creepy or uncomfortable through photos. Also, place most artificial light sources behind your camera to keep it from consuming the photos. You don’t want the light to be the focus of the picture.

Compare Horizontal and Vertical Pictures

Bnb Duck points out that most vertical shots look tacky and old.

While they’re definitely onto something, you shouldn’t avoid all vertical shots. Some of them are even necessary, such as those that highlight tall ceilings or trees.

In most cases, it’s good to go with at least a few vertical photos to optimize your photos for the screens that travelers will be using to book your place: their smartphones.

Another option is boxed (square) photos. Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and many other social media platforms promote this format, which could make your photos much more shareable.

If you’re using a boxed photo format, make sure that you’re able to get everything in the room rather than cutting the couch or bed in half.

If you’re unsure which method will work, take a photo of the same space with all three formats. Compare them with friends or family to find out which one looks the best.

Flash or No Flash?

Is flash okay to use? Sometimes. It’s one of the most straightforward settings, but it can ruin a good picture right away.

• Use the flash setting if it’s dark and you want to highlight small spaces. Sheds, garages, and small carports could take advantage of flashes. It adds just enough to the photo to let the dimensions come to life. It would be better to light the room with lamps, but the flash will do if you need to take them quickly.

• Never use flash settings instead of natural light. If natural light is an option and you have access to windows, then let the light in and turn off the flash on your iPhone’s camera. There’s no need to alter the photo if you already have enough light.

Consider the Aspect Ratio and Resolution

The aspect ratio will determine what it looks like when you post the photo to the website. According to Airbnb, a 3:2 aspect ratio is the best size since it shows everything in the room and matches the company’s format. You’ll be able to maximize everything that your potential house visitors see in one frame.

Don’t forget to optimize the resolution.

Never settle for anything less than 1024 x 683 pixels. You’ll notice that it keeps your photos looking crisp and visible rather than enlarged, grainy, or out of focus.

Following these two simple suggestions can make a massive difference in the number of customers requesting a visit.

Use a Tripod for Each Photo

Tripods are used in all sorts of productions ranging from movie sets to simple photography sessions. In many ways, they are the secret to great photographs that are super sharp.

And you should use them for your Airbnb photos to prevent wobbling and motion blur on your iPhone too.

Tripods are relatively affordable these days. The UBeesize Selfie Stick Tripod (Amazon) is an excellent example of top-notch smartphone camera equipment that doesn’t break the bank.

It extends up to 51 inches, making it perfect for taking photos of nearly any room in your home. You can turn it into a selfie stick or adjust it in numerous ways for a better angle.

If you don’t have access to a tripod, you can prop a few books or stabilize your iPhone through the camera settings. Many modern smartphones have the ability to stabilize photos to prevent motion blur and shakiness, so it’s worth trying.

Stay Out of the Shots

We’ve all seen Airbnb photos that show a mirror with the photographer in the frame.

Do your best to get better angles, so you’re not in the photo. Not only does it make the picture look more professional, but it also keeps the focus on how clean the mirror is rather than looking at a person. We’re naturally drawn to look at other people; Stay out of those mirror shots!

On that note, make sure that you’re not found in the reflection of water photos. It would help if you also keep your fingers and feet out of the frame too.

Professional, high-quality Airbnb pictures shouldn’t have anything other than the room’s details. It’s easy to slide your iPhone around when you’re taking photos, so use that tripod that we just mentioned earlier.

Clean Your iPhone’s Lens

Makeup, fingerprints, and debris slowly build upon an iPhone’s lens over time.

You might not notice them, but small blurs can drastically alter a photo. Even the slightest fog can amplify and warp lights to make them overwhelming. Wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and debris before you start snapping pictures.

Note: Don’t use your shirt to remove smudges. It moves them around, and won’t get rid of the problem. Soft cloths, such as those that come with glasses, can be used for the best results. It takes a few seconds, but it’s a crucial step in the process if you want the best iPhone Airbnb photos.

Fix Every Room Beforehand

Tidying up will make your guests feel invited and comfortable in a new setting, and you’ll want to convey that in your photos. Fixing a room should be done in the following five steps:

1. Start by cleaning the floors. Everyone notices dirt and stains right away. Pick up blankets, clothes, and anything else in the area. Straighten the rug, too!

2. Remove dust and dirt from the whole frame. Get the window cleaner and remove smudges to keep the room looking fresh and clean.

3. Make the bed, straighten the shelves, and tidy the furniture. These small steps will make a massive difference, regardless of which camera you’re using to take the pictures.

4. Add a few candles, wax melts, or plug-in fresheners. Although they can’t smell the photo, people love knowing that the room smells fresh, pleasant, and clean. Candles add a nice, warm light.

5. Open the blinds or curtains. Letting light has the benefits you already read above, but any trees or plant life outdoors will make the room look better.

For a full list on how to make your property “photo-ready”, check out our preparation Checklist.

Pick an iOS Photo App

iOS is loaded with countless photo editing apps. You could try all of them, but why waste your time? Here are three high-end iOS photo apps for your iPhone:

• Snapseed is a top choice for many users. It allows you to add filters, change the saturation, and many other options for the market’s best photos. The greatest part is that it’s free!

• VSCO is another popular option. It’s designed for a minimalist professional-feeling, so it’s excellent for Airbnb photos that don’t want too many vibrant colors. You’ll be able to adjust almost any setting right at the tips of your fingers.

• Adobe Lightroom Pro Editor might be the best choice for those willing to put in the time and effort. It takes a little bit longer to edit because all of the settings go into incredible detail.

Edit Your Photos Before You Upload

One of the worst beginner mistakes that many people make is uploading an unedited photos. This action might’ve been acceptable a few years ago, but times have changed.

Fortunately, photo editing is easier now than it’s ever been. A filter and some vibrance changes could be all you need to do to make a notable difference.

Remember not to overdo it. You don’t want a hideously oversaturated picture that drowns out the natural beauty of your home. You also shouldn’t remove or add too many colors that aren’t actually there in real life.

The goal of editing a photo shouldn’t be to make your home look better than it is. Try to make the picture look as true to life as possible.

We’ve all heard the term, “Pictures don’t do it justice.” Your editing should try to make the picture look just as it does in real life. Often, a few minor changes could make the most significant improvement.

Don’t Zoom Unless You Have To

Zooming blurs photos right away. Many new smartphones have fancy 60X zooming capabilities, but that doesn’t mean you should use them.

The best resolution is found on the base 1X camera (without any zooming). You’ll reduce grainy blurriness, prevent motion blur, and get the sharpest image.

Optimize the Focus Settings

Many phones have the ability to set focal points and control the aperture.

Whether you’re using a manual focus setting or tapping the area you want to be highlighted, you’re in control of the whole process. Focusing your photos on specific objects can make them look professional and beautiful, and give you the “blurry background” that mimics the focus of our eyes.

For example, if your photo highlights the curtains and the sunset coming through the window, you could focus on the sun. It’d blur out the window frame and everything in the room to make it look like an expert took the shot.

However, in most cases it’s best to showcase your property with everything in focus, and to do that you’ll want to close the aperture.

Note: Focusing on all of your photos is a bad idea. You shouldn’t do it for more than two or three pictures since it can be distracting. Visitors want to have an immersive online viewing before they arrive at your home.

Conclusion

Taking high-quality photos can be done with almost any modern smartphone, particularly if you use a tripod.

As long as you slow it down and incorporate natural light, set up your compositions to follow the “rule of thirds,” and edit the photos to make them more vibrant, you’ll be good to go.

If you want to know our personal process for getting amazing images with your smartphone that goes beyond the basics here, you might be interested in our Hero Image Framework For Short Term Rentals video training.