How to Stage an Airbnb for a Photoshoot

August 6, 2024

Arrival Time & Shoot Prep – What to Expect

Please have everything below done before I arrive — doing it while I’m shooting throws off the flow and makes it harder to capture everything cleanly. Sample photos are at the bottom of this guide for reference.

Scheduling & Payment

What time will you arrive? Within a 1-hour window of the scheduled time (e.g., a 10:30 booking means I’ll be there between 10:30–11:30). I’ll text a live ETA on my way.

Is there an extra travel fee for my location? Within 30 minutes of Concord, NC — no fee. 30–60 minutes — a flat $40 fee. Over 1 hour — $100. More than 2 hours — reach out and we’ll sort it out.

How and when do I pay? Full payment is due the same day via Zelle. I’ll send the details at the end of the shoot, and editing begins once payment is received.

update: July 1st, 2026
Is there a preview or watermarked gallery before payment?

Not typically, no. My editing process is hands-on and every photo gets individual attention — creating a separate watermarked preview adds time without really adding value. The better way to evaluate my work is before booking: browse my portfolio, read through my client reviews, or just have a quick chat with me. By the time we schedule a shoot, we should already be on the same page about what to expect.

update: July 1st, 2026
Can I split the payment or pay half after delivery?

Full payment is due the same day as the shoot, typically right after the shoot is done, before I begin editing. I keep things simple on purpose — no invoices chasing, no payment plans, no back and forth.

Weather

Is a cloudy day bad for photos? Nope — overcast days actually work great. The soft light cuts harsh shadows and brings out color and detail.

What if it rains? We shoot as planned. Rain outdoors often adds mood and texture rather than hurting the shot.

Lighting

What should I do with the lights before you arrive? Turn off all lights and fans except statement fixtures (like a kitchen island light), and bathroom lights.

Should all the bulbs match? Yes — same Kelvin temperature (warm or daylight) and similar brightness throughout.

Should I turn on the bedside lamps? Yes, turn those on for warm ambiance. Keep nightstands and lamps symmetrical with the bed — centered or evenly offset on both sides.

Styling & Cleanliness

Should I hide trash cans? Yes, indoors and outdoors.

How should I arrange the pillows? Symmetrically, covers facing inward, no random frills.

What about bed throws or blankets? Position them about 40% toward the pillows — it photographs better for close-ups.

How should I set up the kitchen? Group essentials like the coffee maker and toaster together, and angle them roughly 35–45° toward the stove.

What about outdoor spaces? Style items like umbrellas, string lights, and cushions — remove any covers and tuck away anything unused.

Anything else I should clean up? Remove dishwasher soap and wipe down fixtures so everything’s spotless.

Electronics & Wires

Should I turn off the TV? Yes.

What about visible cords or wires (TV, lighting, kitchen appliances)? Tuck away anything you can — whatever’s visible shows up in the photo. I can also Photoshop out stray cords for $5 each.

A Little More Context

A few answers above are short on purpose — here’s the nuance behind them so nothing gets misread.

On the cloudy day answer: This doesn’t mean cloudy is the best weather — sunny days work beautifully too. It just means cloudy is never a reason to worry or reschedule.

On the rain answer: Same idea — rain isn’t preferred, it’s just not a dealbreaker. We’ll always make it work.

On matching bulb temperature: Mixed lighting (some bulbs warm, some daylight) creates a color cast the camera picks up and that’s hard to fully correct in editing — so this one genuinely affects image quality.

On “statement fixtures”: Think lights that add character to a shot — like a kitchen island pendant — versus everyday overhead or recessed lighting, which should stay off.

On the travel fee: Concord is just my home base for measuring distance — if you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, feel free to ask before the shoot.

If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, I’m just a text away. Let’s make your Airbnb shoot a breeze for both of us, and get you the best photos your listing deserves. I know you’ve worked so hard for it, and my intention is to deliver the very best. I’m excited to meet you and make your listing photos stand out. Thank you!

  • A mustard yellow corduroy sofa with patterned and solid pillows sits against a blue wall, decorated with three framed abstract art pieces. A modern floor lamp stands to the left of the sofa.
  • A neatly made bed with white bedding, checkered black-and-white pillows, and a teal cushion sits against a blue accent wall. Three abstract art pieces hang above the bed. Two bedside tables with lamps are on either side.
  • A small wooden desk with a mustard chair, orange lamp, plant, and clock sits against a white wall beneath a framed Yves Klein art print featuring a large blue rectangle. Part of a bed and a bathroom are visible nearby.
  • A modern kitchen with a white island, four wooden bar stools, unique black pendant lights, geometric backsplash, coffee machines, and abstract artwork on dark green walls. A bicycle is visible in the background.
  • A modern living room with a mustard yellow couch, colorful pillows, a geometric rug, and three abstract art pieces on a blue wall. A dining table with yellow chairs and table settings is to the left.
  • A long dining table set for twelve is centered in a stylish room with green walls, pink curtains, patterned wallpaper, and a neon sign that reads "The Charlie Spot." Modern decor and warm lighting create a cozy atmosphere.
  • A modern dining room with an orange table runner, decorative dried plants, wine glasses, plates, and a patterned wallpaper. A neon sign on the wall reads "The Charlotte Social." Round lights hang above the table.
  • A kitchen counter displays a bar tool set with a cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, and other utensils on a wooden stand, next to a knife block and a black-and-white checkered container, against a red tiled backsplash.
  • A dining room with a light wood table, orange placemats, white chairs, a round tray with greenery, a wicker pendant light, a large round mirror, an orange lamp, and a leafy plant near a window with blue curtains.
  • A black kettle on a stovetop sits next to a wooden knife block, a Ninja blender, and a stainless steel toaster on a white marble countertop with white subway tile backsplash.
  • A glass coffee table with a magazine featuring a woman holding a perfume, a TV remote, a decorative clock, and a potted plant on a wooden tray, all set atop a patterned rug.
  • Six blue Adirondack chairs with purple towels are arranged around two round fire pits on green grass, surrounded by a wooden fence and string lights, with trees in the background.