The Power of High-Quality Photography for Boosting Bookings
Shopping online for an Airbnb stay is like shopping online for any other product, and one of the key factors that influence purchasing decisions is product photography. High-quality visuals can make a product look appealing, trustworthy, and professional, while poor-quality photography can turn potential customers away. Product photography best practices apply directly to Airbnb. Let's explore the significant differences between poor and high-quality product photography and their impact on customer perception.
On product photography
First and foremost, image resolution plays a crucial role in determining the quality of product photography. Poor-quality images are often pixelated, blurry, or heavily compressed, making it difficult for customers to see important details. On the other hand, high-quality images are crisp, and clear, and showcase product features in intricate detail. They help customers visualize the product accurately and imply a sense of professionalism and care from the retailer's side.
POOR QUALITY
BLURRY & HEAVILY COMPRESSED
HIGH QUALITY
CLEAR PHOTO, HIGH RESOLUTION
Another important aspect to consider is lighting. Poorly lit photographs can give an unflattering impression. Shadows, uneven lighting, and harsh glare can obscure an Airbnb’s true appearance. Proper lighting enhances the overall aesthetic appeal and reveals essential details, textures, design, art, and colors, providing customers with a more realistic and inviting representation.
POOR QUALITY
POORLY LIT, VERTICAL PHOTO, OFF ANGLE
HIGH QUALITY
WELL LIT, HORIZONTAL PHOTO, GOOD ANGLE
Composition and framing are essential elements in product photography. Poorly composed images can make the product appear haphazardly placed or unappealing. Products cut off at the edges, awkward angles, or cluttered backgrounds can distract the viewer's attention and diminish the perceived value of an Airbnb. If a room is centered, and well-framed, and the shot is balanced and level, this allows the customer to imagine themselves inside the home better and makes it more enticing to purchase.
POOR QUALITY
POORLY LIT, VERTICAL PHOTO, AWKWARD ANGLE
HIGH QUALITY
EASY TO LOOK AT AND BALANCED
Detail shots are essential for Airbnbs, showcasing coffee stations, close-ups of thoughtful touches, and ready-to-use amenities. Poor-quality product photography often fails to capture these important details, making it challenging for customers to assess the home’s quality, craftsmanship, and functionality accurately. High-quality product photography, on the other hand, prioritizes capturing close-ups of these details, providing customers with a comprehensive understanding of the product and boosting their confidence in purchasing. In Airbnb photography, if you do not show it, the customer won’t know it.
POOR QUALITY
DARK, BLURRY, VERTICAL PICTURE OF NOTHING SIGNIFICANT
HIGH QUALITY
CLEAR BRIGHT DETAIL PICTURE
The overall aesthetic appeal of product photography also significantly influences customer perception. Poor-quality product images can make a product appear unprofessional, amateurish, and less desirable. High-quality product photography, on the other hand, conveys a sense of professionalism, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. It not only makes the product more visually appealing but also instills confidence in customers that they are buying from a reputable and trustworthy brand.
Not only will quality photos sell the home better, but they will also imply professionalism and lead to trust in choosing your home.
AVOID:
- Repetitive photos of the same room
- Taking photos off level (tilted)
- Taking photos with poor lighting sources or harsh and uneven lighting
- Taking photos of nothing
- Taking photos of a room from too high up
- Taking photos pointing down
- Taking photos “of furniture” instead of the room
- Taking photos of messy rooms
- Taking photos that are blurry, dark, or overly processed
- Taking photos with too much going on to communicate what that photo is intended to communicate
DO:
- Tell a story with your photos
- Only include photos that increase a person's excitement to book
- Take photos from the same height and angle every time
- Put your photos into a photo editor to improve color, balance, and quality
- Build the vision of your home through powerful photography.
- Take horizontal pictures