When it comes to photography, understanding the difference between real estate photography and Airbnb photography is key. This recent shoot was done for a talented interior designer from Greenville, who was on a tight deadline and needed the right visuals to reflect the beauty of her design. While real estate photography focuses on selling space, Airbnb photography captures the emotion, comfort, and experience a guest will have—something this home offered in abundance.
The home had a unique two-story layout, featuring four cozy bedrooms, a welcoming living room, and a basement decked out for games and fun. The dining area was thoughtfully arranged with warm, earthy tones that made the space feel both stylish and comfortable. From the inviting front elevation with its ramp and driveway to the way the natural light danced through each room, everything about this property felt curated with care.
What stood out most was the living room—beautiful furniture pieces, rich textures, and softened light that made the space glow. As a airbnb photographer, I noticed how the room’s shapes and structure bounced the light in all the right ways, and I did my best to capture that magic. Lauren Carrington, the interior designer, brought her vision to life, and I’m proud to have helped highlight her incredible work.
Real estate photography vs. Airbnb photography
Both use the same camera, but they answer different questions. Real estate photos help a buyer judge a house: room sizes, condition, layout, the yard. Once the home sells, those photos are done. Airbnb photos have to sell a stay, again and again, to guests comparing dozens of listings on a phone. They need to show what it feels like to be there.
In practice, that changes a few things:
- Shot order. A real estate gallery follows the floor plan. An Airbnb gallery leads with the rooms guests book for, like the living area, the best bedroom or the game room.
- Details. Real estate rarely needs close-ups of towels or a coffee station. For a rental, those small frames show guests the stay is cared for.
- Styling. Beds made tight, pillows set, counters cleared down to a few deliberate pieces. Guests notice when a room is styled.
- Lifespan. Rental photos stay on a listing for years, so they are worth getting right once.
How that played out in this home
The designer’s choices made this an easy home to photograph with an Airbnb mindset. Navy and deep green accent walls sit behind the beds, mustard curtains and a yellow sofa warm up the living room, and the lower level is set up for fun with a foosball table, bar stools and a big screen. I photographed the bunk room and the game area as their own stories, because those are the spaces families and groups look for.
Details worth a close-up
- Channel-tufted and upholstered headboards paired with sculptural lamps.
- Metal wall art and framed botanical prints above the beds.
- A sculptural round mirror and a soft green sectional in the living room.
If you are deciding who to hire for your listing, see how I approach Airbnb photography in Charlotte or compare the packages and pricing.
