I used to think the hero image was just the "best" photo of the bunch. Throw your prettiest room up there and call it a day. But after tracking performance across hundreds of Melbourne Airbnb listings, I've learned that "pretty" isn't the metric. The metric is scroll-stopping power.

As I've learned through over 2000 short-term rental properties and countless conversations with Airbnb hosts about their booking rates, professional Airbnb photography is its own unique challenge.

Here are the most important lessons I've learned that have shaped how I approach every holiday rental photo shoot today.

The most successful Airbnb photo shoots are those where vacation rental hosts have prepared their space thoughtfully, understanding that we're not just documenting rooms; we're creating the first impression for thousands of potential guests.

Here's the comprehensive checklist I share with all my Airbnb clients to ensure we capture their short-term rental property at its absolute best.

After years of shooting properties and recognising similarities and differences in how they are presented, I've become fascinated by the psychology behind what makes guests choose one property over another. While factors like price and location definitely matter, the professional Airbnb photos are where the emotional decision happens.

Understanding the psychological triggers that drive booking decisions has transformed how I approach every vacation rental photo shoot. Here's what I've learned about the mental journey Airbnb guests take from browsing to booking.

One of the most common questions I get from new clients is: "What exactly happens during the professional Airbnb photo shoot?" After 13 years as a vacation rental photographer and over 2000 properties, I've refined my process to be efficient, thorough, and collaborative. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect when we work together to transform your short-term rental listing.

I work with Airbnb hosts, property managers, developers and boutique accommodation providers to create standout listing photos that drive bookings and boost visibility. Every space has potential. My goal is to help you present yours in the most compelling and professional way possible.