Could better photos help your listing get more bookings?
Professional short-term rental photography and listing-ready editing for Airbnb, Booking.com and holiday rental hosts.
Honest, no-obligation feedback within 48 hours.
Send your listing link for honest feedback, or request a photo session if you're ready to refresh your listing.
Currently available for selected Marlborough hosts.
Specialised exclusively in short-term rental photography, not general real estate or portraits.
Before and after
You probably already have a great place to stay. Stronger photos make your listing easier to trust, compare and book.
Better photos can make your property feel more desirable and higher value, helping support more bookings and stronger nightly rates.
Your photos are the first viewing
Before guests read every detail, they compare photos. If your photos look dark, rushed, cluttered or outdated, your property can appear less comfortable and less valuable than it really is.
The property is usually not the problem. The presentation is.
Even if your listing already gets bookings, better photos help it stand out when guests are comparing similar properties side by side.
This service is for you if:
- Similar properties look more appealing online.
- Your current photos were taken quickly, in poor light or on a phone.
- Your photos are over a year old, or the property has changed since they were taken.
- Your gallery feels outdated, inconsistent or incomplete.
- Your property looks better in person than in the listing.
- You want better photos without managing the shooting, editing and image selection yourself.
More than photos of rooms
A strong listing gallery should show light, cleanliness, comfort, space, views and the small details guests care about.
The goal is not to make the property look different. It is to show its real value more clearly, so guests can picture themselves staying there, and want to book it.
Real estate photography sells the property. Short-term rental photography sells the experience of staying there.
- Where guests will sleep.
- How clean and comfortable the space feels.
- What details, views and amenities make the stay easier to choose.
Airbnb's own data suggests better photos can make a measurable difference
Airbnb reports that listings using its Professional Photography service saw, on average, 21% higher host earnings and 19% more bookings over the following 365 days. It also reports that 85% of hosts covered the cost of the service with one booked night.
These are Airbnb-reported averages, not guaranteed results for individual properties. Outcomes depend on price, location, reviews and market demand.
What hosts say
Feedback from hosts who wanted their listings to look clearer, more trustworthy and easier to book.
“We were already getting bookings, so I wasn't sure if new photos were really necessary. The review helped us see that our cover photo wasn't showing the property clearly enough. The new photos made the place look much closer to how it feels in person. The first few images finally showed the living area and view properly.”
“I was worried the photos might look too edited, but they still felt true to the apartment, and showed the potential guests actually see when they walk in. The advice on the cover photo and gallery order was just as useful as the photos.”
“The process was easy from start to finish. We received simple preparation tips before the shoot, the session was straightforward, and the final images were ready to use on our listing. The advice on which photos to show first made it much easier for guests to understand the layout.”
What's included, packages and pricing
A one-time investment in your listing. Airbnb's own data above suggests one extra booked night can cover it.
Essential
8 photos + free guide
$129
Best for a studio, private room, guest suite or very small stay.
Book this packageStandard
12 photos + free guide
$169
Best for a one-bedroom property, compact holiday home or simple short-term rental.
Book this packageComplete
16 photos + free guide
$199
Best for larger homes, multiple bedrooms, outdoor areas, views or properties with more to show.
Book this packageMost small listings fit the Standard package. Complete is best when the property has multiple rooms, outdoor areas, views or amenities worth showing.
The goal is not to deliver the highest number of images, but the strongest set for your listing. If your property does not need the larger package, I'll recommend a smaller one.
Ready to refresh your listing? Request a session. Not sure which package fits? Send your listing first and I'll guide you.
Included with every package
Included: a short free guide with preparation tips, cover photo advice and opening gallery guidance.
Photography
- Photo session at the property
- Interior and exterior images
- Detail and amenity shots
Listing-ready editing
- Brightness, colour and clarity correction
- Natural-looking visual enhancements
- Photos prepared for your listing
Listing guidance
- Recommendation for the main cover image
- Suggested order for the opening gallery
- Preparation checklist before the shoot
- One editing revision for brightness, colour and image selection
Editing may include light, colour, composition, cleanup and minor styling enhancements. It does not change the property's core features, room size, available amenities or layout.
Your listing should feel easy to understand
Guests should quickly see the main spaces, where they will sleep, what makes the property comfortable, and why it is worth choosing over similar listings.
That is why each session includes not only photos, but also guidance on cover image and opening gallery order.
How it works
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1
Send your listing
I review your current photos and point out the clearest opportunities.
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2
Prepare the property
You receive a simple checklist to have the accommodation photo-ready.
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3
Photo session
I photograph the main spaces, details, amenities, exterior and views.
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4
Editing and selection
I improve light, colour, composition and visual presentation, then prepare the strongest images for your listing.
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5
Delivery and recommendations
You receive the selected images plus guidance on the cover photo and opening gallery order.
Portfolio
About me
I'm Brian, the photographer behind First Look Photo. I've been an Airbnb Superhost for more than 10 years, so I understand what guests look for before they book, not just how to photograph a room.
First Look Photo focuses on short-term rental and holiday home photography: stronger cover images, clearer galleries, better light, cleaner presentation and listing-ready delivery.
I work with short-term rental hosts in different locations, with current availability in Marlborough during August and September.
Current availability
First Look Photo is currently accepting a limited number of short-term rental photography projects in Marlborough during August and September.
If your listing photos feel outdated, inconsistent or weaker than similar properties, this is a good time to refresh them before the next high season.
Not sure what needs improving?
Send me your Airbnb, Booking.com or holiday rental listing. I'll review the current photos and explain the clearest opportunities before you decide whether to book a session.
If, after reviewing your listing, I don't think new photos would make a real difference, I'll tell you honestly. No pressure to book.
Check availabilityThe free review covers general observations about your cover photo, lighting, gallery order and consistency. It is not a full audit.
Your free review may include notes like:
- Your cover photo could be brighter.
- The first few images don't show the property's strongest features.
- The gallery order could make the space easier to understand.
Frequently asked questions
Do you only photograph Airbnb properties?
No. Suitable for Booking.com, holiday homes, guest houses, B&Bs, direct booking websites.
Can I use the photos on different platforms?
Yes. You can use the delivered photos for your short-term rental listing on Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, direct booking websites and related social media, without restriction.
Will the photos misrepresent the property?
No. Editing is used to improve the presentation of the listing while keeping the property's essential features accurate. I do not change the size of rooms, add amenities that are not available, or make the property look like a different place.
Some visual styling or minor scene enhancements may be used to make the photos feel more inviting, but the final images should still give guests a fair expectation of the stay.
Can I use my phone instead of hiring a photographer?
Yes, some phone photos can work well. The question is whether they look as clear, bright and trustworthy as similar listings guests are comparing against. The free review can help you decide if professional photos are worth it for your property.
Are more bookings guaranteed?
No. Photography is one factor among several. Price, location, reviews, availability and demand also matter. What you will receive is professionally edited, listing-ready photos and clear guidance on which images to use first.
How should I prepare the property?
Short checklist provided before the session.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If outdoor photos are important and the weather is unsuitable, we can reschedule where possible. Interior photos can usually still be completed as planned.
Can you help choose the main photo?
Yes, includes a recommendation for the cover photo and gallery order.
What happens if I want an edit changed?
One editing revision is included.
How are the images delivered?
Images are delivered digitally in listing-ready JPEG format, usually within 3 to 5 business days after the photo session.
How is the session booked and paid for?
A 50% deposit confirms your booking, with the remaining 50% due on delivery of your photos.
Is this service right for every property?
Not always. If your current photos are already strong, recent and well arranged, new photos may not be necessary. I will tell you this honestly during the free review.
Request a photo review or photo session
Send your listing link and choose whether you want a free review first or are ready to book.
Prefer to message directly?
Message me on WhatsAppOr call +64 27 313 5116 · Email hello@firstlook-photo.com