Airbnb · Photography · Costa Rica
How to Take Better Airbnb Photos:
A Complete Guide for Hosts in Costa Rica
Photos are one of the first things a guest sizes up when they come across a property. This guide brings together practical tips to show off your spaces, convey the experience and present your Airbnb in a way that’s clear, appealing and true to life.
Photography · Airbnb · Hospitality
Costa Rica
In short
A good Airbnb photo should show the space clearly, help guests understand how the property is laid out, highlight its best features, keep colors natural and give a realistic sense of the place.
The goal isn’t to make a property look like something it’s not.
The goal is to show it at its best without setting false expectations.
Photos are one of the first things people size up when they come across a property on Airbnb. Before they read the full description, check every amenity or get to know the host, guests have already started forming an opinion based on the images.
That’s why a good Airbnb photo shouldn’t just show what a room looks like. It should also help guests understand the space, convey what it’s like to stay there and make it clear what makes the property special.
This guide pulls together the main principles I use to take better Airbnb photos when I shoot apartments, houses and vacation rentals in Costa Rica.
1. Why Do Photos Matter So Much on Airbnb?
When people look for a place to stay, they usually compare several properties in a short amount of time. That means your images have to work fast.
A good photo can help guests understand:
- roughly how big the spaces are
- how the different areas connect
- what kind of views the property has
- what the main amenities are
- how the place feels
- what sets it apart from other rentals in the area
Photos also help set expectations. If they clearly show the bedrooms, bathrooms, outdoor areas, pool, access and shared spaces, guests can make a more informed decision.
2. What Should Your Airbnb Cover Photo Be?
Your cover photo is one of the most important decisions in your listing. There’s no rule that says it has to be the front of the house, the living room or the pool. The best Airbnb cover photo is usually the one that answers a simple question:
What makes this property especially appealing compared to similar options?
– For a beachfront house, it might be the view.
– For a villa, it could be a pool that blends into the architecture.
– For a city apartment, it could be a living room with a stunning skyline view.
– For a property surrounded by nature, it could be a terrace that opens up to the landscape.
Your cover photo has to work even when it shows up small in search results. That’s why it usually pays to avoid shots that are too busy or full of small details. The image should be easy to read at a glance.
A strong cover photo should have
- a clear focal point
- good lighting
- a clean composition
- a sense of depth
- natural colors
- something memorable about the property
“If someone could only see one photo of this property, which one would you want it to be?”
3. How Many Photos Should an Airbnb Listing Have?
There’s no magic number that works for every property. A small apartment doesn’t need as many images as a five-bedroom villa with a pool, terraces, gardens and several social areas.
More important than hitting a specific number is making sure guests can understand the whole property.
My rule of thumb is simple:
“Every photo should tell guests something new.”
If five photos show basically the same angle of the same living room, you can probably cut a few.
On the other hand, a large property may need several images of the same space when each one explains something different.
For example:
- a wide shot of the bedroom
- a second one showing how it connects to the bathroom
- another showing the view
- maybe a shot of an important detail
What you should show, at a minimum
- exterior
- entrance
- living room
- dining area
- kitchen
- every bedroom
- every main bathroom
- terraces
- pool
- gardens
- amenities
- views
- parking, when relevant
- workspaces
- accessibility features, when applicable
- any special feature mentioned in the listing
4. The Order of Your Photos Matters Too
A gallery shouldn’t feel like a folder of random images. Ideally, it should help guests take a mental walk through the property.
A simple sequence could be:
- 01Cover photo
- 02Social area
- 03Living room
- 04Dining area
- 05Kitchen
- 06Bedrooms
- 07Bathrooms
- 08Terrace
- 09Pool
- 10Gardens
- 11Amenities
- 12Views
- 13Details
- 14Surroundings, when relevant
That doesn’t mean every property has to follow this exact order. The logic changes depending on what the rental is really selling. For a beach villa, for example, I’d probably show how the pool, terrace and ocean connect much earlier.
For a city apartment, I might lead with the living room, the view, the kitchen and the bedrooms. The idea is that guests shouldn’t have to work to understand the property.
5. How to Prep Your Airbnb Before the Photo Shoot
Even a great photo can’t fully make up for a property that wasn’t prepped properly.
Before the shoot starts, it’s worth removing anything that distracts the eye.
Living and dining areas
Check for:
- remote controls
- cables
- bags
- boxes
- personal items
- too much decor
- paperwork
- trash cans
- portable fans
- chargers
- cleaning products
Spaces should feel lived-in, but not cluttered.
Bedrooms
Before shooting:
- smooth out the bedding completely
- line up the pillows
- hide cables
- clear the nightstands
- remove personal items
- make sure the curtains are hanging properly
Bathrooms
Remove:
- toothbrushes
- personal shampoo bottles
- cleaning products
- extra toilet paper in plain sight
- trash cans
- clothes
- messy towels
Kitchen
Remove or cut back on:
- sponges
- dish soap
- dish towels
- bags
- open food
- small appliances you don’t need
- too much decor
A nice coffee maker, a small tray or some fruit can work well when they’re a natural part of the experience.
Outdoor areas
Check for:
- hoses
- pool equipment
- tools
- trash
- cars that don’t need to be there
- messy furniture
- piled-up leaves
- outdoor cushions
6. How to Shoot Interiors the Right Way
Interior photography comes with a particular challenge:
the human eye can take in an entire room with ease, but a camera has to squeeze all of that space into a rectangle.
That’s why simply using the widest lens possible doesn’t always make for a better photo.
Keep your lines straight
– Vertical lines should look vertical.
– This helps the photo feel natural and professional.
Don't exaggerate the size of the space
– A very wide lens can make a room look much bigger than it really is.
– Your photo should show the space in an appealing way without distorting it too much.
– A simple rule: always try to show three walls. In other words, three reference points that help guests understand how big the space is.
Look for depth
– A good composition usually has several layers.
– For example: a table in the foreground, the living room in the middle and a terrace in the background.
– This helps explain how the spaces connect.
Watch the edges
– Before you take the shot, look at the whole frame.
– Small distractions often show up right in the corners.
7. Natural Light or Professional Lighting?
Natural light can produce excellent photos. The problem comes when there’s too big a difference between the light inside and the light outside.
A classic example is a fairly dark living room with a window facing the ocean. If you expose for the interior, you’ll probably lose the view completely. If you expose for the window, the room can end up too dark.
In those cases, it can help to combine different lighting and editing techniques.
Supplemental lighting can help you keep:
- natural colors
- detail inside the space
- the view visible
- materials looking true to life
- a feel that’s closer to how the human eye sees the room
Lighting should help the photo. It shouldn’t make the property look artificial.
8. Should You Turn On Every Light?
Not necessarily. Artificial light can help create atmosphere, especially with:
- decorative lamps
- bathrooms
- kitchens
- bedrooms
- twilight photos
But it can also create unflattering color mixes. The goal shouldn’t just be more light. It should be better light.
“It’s not about more light. It’s about better light.”
9. Are Twilight Photos Worth It?
For some properties, yes.
Evening and night shots can be especially appealing when there’s architectural lighting or features that come alive after sunset.
For example:
- pools
- terraces
- fire pits
- lit gardens
- facades
- restaurants
- hot tubs
- city views
- outdoor lighting
A twilight photo shouldn’t be taken just because it “looks nice.” There should be a reason to show the property at that time of day.
10. Is Drone Photography Worth It for an Airbnb?
A drone is useful when it helps explain something you can’t really understand from the ground.
It can be especially valuable for showing:
- how close you are to the beach
- how the property fits into its surroundings
- where it sits within a community
- the size of the lot
- views
- architecture
- the pool and gardens
- access
- the nature around the property
But not every property needs aerial photos. The question should be:
“Does an aerial photo help guests better understand what makes this property valuable?”
11. Horizontal and Vertical Photos
For a rental listing, horizontal photos are still essential. Airbnb’s own photo guide for hosts recommends uploading landscape images. But these days, a property doesn’t live only on Airbnb.
It also needs content for:
- Stories
- Reels
- ad campaigns
- your website
- email marketing
That’s why a modern shoot should also plan for vertical formats. A single shoot can deliver:
Main horizontal library
Vertical selection for marketing and social media
12. Lifestyle: Showing How the Space Is Lived In
There’s a big difference between showing a property and showing what it’s like to be there. A photo of an empty terrace explains the space.
A carefully styled photo with breakfast, coffee and a view helps guests picture the moment.
Some examples of lifestyle content:
- breakfast on the terrace
- coffee with a view
- a drink by the pool
- cooking a meal
- reading
- family time
- wellness
- yoga
- a private chef
- a fire pit
- sunset
Lifestyle works best when it complements architectural photography. It shouldn’t replace it.
“First, guests need to understand the property. Then they can start imagining the experience.”
13. Details and Amenities
Not every photo has to be a big wide shot. Details help communicate value too.
For example:
- textiles
- materials
- showers
- faucets and fixtures
- lighting
- coffee maker
- amenity kit
- artwork
- plants and greenery
- furniture
- welcome basket
- BBQ
- bikes
- surfboards
- local products
These images can be especially useful for social media, your website and marketing content.
14. Your Photos Should Show the Real Experience
One of the biggest mistakes is creating stunning images that don’t match reality once guests arrive. A good photo should improve the presentation. It shouldn’t change the property.
Avoid:
- distorting spaces too much
- removing important structural elements
- completely changing colors
- adding views that don’t exist
- creating impossible skies
- hiding relevant aspects of the rental
“Trust is part of marketing, too.”
15. Common Airbnb Photo Mistakes
- 01
Photos that are too dark
Guests can’t read the space or the materials, and the property feels less inviting than it really is.
- 02
Blown-out white windows
You lose the views and the connection between indoors and outdoors, which is often part of what makes the property special.
- 03
Overdone HDR
Halos, flat shadows and unrealistic tones make the image feel fake and hurt its credibility.
- 04
Extreme wide angle
It stretches furniture, warps the edges and makes spaces look bigger than they are.
- 05
Oversaturated colors
Walls, wood and plants stop looking natural, and guests don’t know what they’ll actually find when they arrive.
- 06
Repeated photos
Several shots from the same angle take up space in the gallery without adding anything new.
- 07
Missing key photos
If a bedroom, bathroom or amenity doesn’t appear, guests may assume it doesn’t exist or isn’t worth showing.
- 08
Clutter
Cables, personal items and cleaning products pull the eye away and make the place look neglected.
- 09
A weak cover photo
It’s the image that decides whether someone opens your listing. If it doesn’t show the property’s biggest draw, the rest of your gallery may never get seen.
16. Can You Take Good Airbnb Photos With a Phone?
Yes.
Today’s phones can take very good photos when you have:
- good light
- good composition
- well-prepped spaces
- a fairly recent camera
- a good eye
For a simple property, that may be enough. However, there are situations where professional photography starts to make a much bigger difference.
For example:
- spaces with tricky windows
- complex architecture
- large properties
- villas
- important views
- small rooms
- difficult lighting
- drone shots
- twilight photography
- marketing content
- high nightly rates
- hotels and hospitality
“It’s not just a difference in cameras. It’s a difference in control.”
17. When Is It Worth Hiring a Professional Airbnb Photographer?
You're launching a new property
Your first photos will stay with your listing for quite a while.
You've redecorated
If you’ve done a major renovation, your photos should reflect it.
Your current photos don't do the property justice
“The place looks so much better in person than in the photos.”
When a guest says this, there’s a disconnect between the product and how it’s presented. The property delivers more than its photos promise, and that gap isn’t helping you when other people are deciding where to book.
Your property competes at the high end
The more you’ve invested in architecture, design, furniture and experience, the more important it is for your visual presentation to match.
You need content for more platforms
One shoot can produce material for:
- Airbnb
- VRBO
- Booking.com
- your website
- social media
- presentations
- PR
- advertising
- direct bookings
18. How Much Does an Airbnb Photographer Cost in Costa Rica?
The price mainly depends on:
- property size
- number of spaces
- location
- time needed
- complexity
- drone
- evening and night photos
- lifestyle
- number and type of deliverables
For example, a small apartment in San José calls for a very different process than a large villa in Guanacaste.
That’s why not every property should be quoted the same way.
In my case, Airbnb apartment photography starts at around:
US$299
and the final price depends on the size and specific needs of the property.
For villas, large properties or more complex productions, it’s best to get a custom quote.
19. Your Photos Shouldn't Just Be for Airbnb
This is one of the points I think matters most. A good shoot can become a visual library for your property.
Instead of thinking:
“I need photos for my Airbnb listing.”
it can be more useful to think:
“I need visual content to present and market my property.”
That library can be used for:
- Airbnb
- VRBO
- Booking.com
- your website
- Stories
- Reels
- ad campaigns
- brochures
- press
- partnerships
- concierge services
- direct sales
20. How Often Should You Update Your Airbnb Photos?
There’s no required schedule. But it’s a good idea to review your photos whenever something important changes.
For example:
- a remodel
- new furniture
- a fresh coat of paint
- a new pool
- new landscaping
- major decor changes
- new amenities
- photos that are simply outdated
It can also make sense to create new content for different seasons, even if your main Airbnb gallery doesn’t change completely.
21. Your Photo Captions Matter Too
Photo captions add context and help describe what guests are looking at.
For example:
“The amazing primary bedroom.”
“Primary bedroom with a king bed, glass doors and direct access to the terrace overlooking the garden.”
22. Airbnb Photo Checklist
Overall presentation
- Is there a truly strong cover photo?
- Do the colors look natural?
- Is the editing consistent across photos?
- Do the architectural lines look right?
- Are there any repeated photos?
Spaces
- Is the living room shown?
- Is the kitchen shown?
- Is the dining area shown?
- Is every bedroom photographed?
- Are the bathrooms photographed?
- Are the outdoor areas shown?
- Are terraces and balconies shown?
Amenities
- Is the pool photographed?
- Hot tub?
- BBQ?
- Gym?
- Workspace?
- Parking?
- Beach access?
- Views?
Experience
- Is there a photo that helps guests imagine what it’s like to stay there?
- Are there detail shots?
- Is there lifestyle content where it makes sense?
Marketing
- Do you have horizontal images?
- Do you have vertical images?
- Do you have enough photos for social media?
- Do you have content for future campaigns?
Airbnb Photography FAQ
How many photos should my Airbnb have?
There’s no universal number. What matters is that every photo tells guests something new and that they can understand the whole property: outdoor areas, social spaces, the kitchen, every bedroom, bathrooms, amenities and views. A small apartment needs fewer images than a large villa.
What should my Airbnb cover photo be?
The one that best shows what makes the property special compared to similar options: the view, the pool, the living room or the terrace. It should read quickly, even at a small size in search results.
Should Airbnb photos be horizontal?
For the listing itself, horizontal photos are still essential. Vertical photos are useful for Instagram, Stories, Reels, WhatsApp and other marketing channels, so it’s worth getting both formats in the same shoot.
Can I take my Airbnb photos with a phone?
Yes, if you have good light, good composition, well-prepped spaces, a fairly recent camera and a good eye. For villas, complex architecture, tricky windows or properties with high nightly rates, professional photography gives you much more control. If you’re ready to take your photos to the next level, that’s the moment to bring in a professional photographer.
Do I need to photograph every space?
Not necessarily, just the ones guests will use or that are mentioned in the listing: entrance, living room, dining area, kitchen, every bedroom, main bathrooms, terraces, pool, gardens, amenities and views.
Is it worth paying for drone photos?
When they help explain something you can’t see from the ground: how close you are to the beach, how the property fits into its surroundings, the size of the lot, the views or the access. Not every property needs aerial photos.
Are twilight photos worth it?
For properties with architectural lighting or features that come alive at night, like pools, terraces, fire pits, lit gardens or city views. There should be a reason to show the property at that time of day.
How much does a professional Airbnb photo shoot cost in Costa Rica?
It depends on the size, location, complexity and deliverables. In my case, Airbnb apartment photography starts at around US$299. For villas, large properties or more complex productions, a custom quote is the way to go.
A great property deserves a presentation to match.
Your photos shouldn’t just prove that there’s a bed, a kitchen and a pool.
They should help someone who’s never been there understand the property.
Picture it.
See what makes it different.
Good real estate photography shows spaces. Good hospitality photography should also start to convey an experience.
Rather have us take care of everything?
Professional photography for Airbnb, vacation rentals, villas and hospitality properties in Costa Rica.
