Great photography stops the scroll. But before we capture the perfect shot, the stage must be set. We’ve compiled this essential toolkit to help you prepare your Airbnb or Serviced Accommodation for its close-up. Follow this guide to ensure your property looks spacious, luxurious, and inviting.
 

Phase 1: The "Deep Clean" & Declutter (Do this 24 hours before)

The camera sees everything. A spotless property suggests a well-managed property.

• Depersonalise: Guests want to envision themselves here. Pack away family photos, personal toiletries, and laundry.
• The "Surface Swipe": Clear 80% of items off countertops. If it’s not decorative (like a vase) or high-value (like a coffee machine), hide it.
• Hide the Wires: This is the number 1 photo ruiner. Tuck TV cables, lamp cords, and router wires out of sight. Use tape or zip ties behind furniture if necessary.
• Check the Bulbs: Ensure every single light bulb is working. Crucially, check they match in colour temperature (e.g., don't mix "cool white" and "warm yellow" bulbs in the same room).
• Tidy the Exterior: Hide wheelie bins and hose pipes. Mowing the lawn and sweeping the patio makes the property look maintained. Ensure the driveway is free of vehicles.

Phase 2: Room-by-Room Staging Guide

Create the "Lifestyle" look guests are willing to pay extra for.

The Kitchen (The Heart of the Home)

• The Coffee Moment: If you provide a coffee machine (Nespresso, Cafetière, etc.), make it a feature. Place two nice mugs next to it and display the pods or beans. It sells the "morning coffee" dream.
• Clear the Clutter: Remove fridge magnets, tea towels, dish soap, sponges, and drying racks. The sink should be completely empty and dry.
• Lifestyle Touches: Add a bowl of fresh citrus fruit or a vase of flowers to the island.
• The Dining Table: Don't leave it bare. Set the table with simple place settings (placemats, plates, wine glasses) to suggest a meal is ready to be served.

The Living Room (The Relaxation Zone)

• Pillows & Throws: Fluff all sofa cushions and "chop" the pillows for volume. Place a cozy throw blanket neatly over the arm of the sofa to add texture.
• Coffee Table Styling: Clear away remotes. Instead, stack 2-3 high-quality hardback books or a small tray with a candle.
• The "Black Hole": Ensure the TV is off (black screens look best). If it's a smart TV with "Ambient Mode," select a neutral art background.

The Bedrooms (The Sanctuary)

• Iron the Sheets: Wrinkles show up instantly in photos. Steam or iron bedding for a crisp, high-end hotel look.
• The "Guest Ready" Towel: Place a set of folded, pristine white towels at the foot of the bed. You can place a small chocolate or a sprig of lavender on top for a luxury touch.
• Layering: Use multiple pillows (stand them up, don't lay them flat) and a textured runner at the foot of the bed.
• Nightstands: Clear them of everything except lamps. Perhaps add one book or a glass of water. Hiding charging cables here is essential.

The Bathroom (The Spa)

• Toilet Lids DOWN: Always. No exceptions.
• Remove Plastics: Remove all plastic shampoo bottles, razors, and toothbrushes from the shower and sink.
• Fresh Textiles: Hang fresh, fluffy white towels on the rail (never use damp or colored towels).
• Luxury Touch: Add a small plant or a luxury soap dispenser. If you have a bathtub, a bath board with a book and candle looks fantastic.

Phase 3: The "15 Minutes Before We Arrive" Checklist

Please ensure these steps are completed before the photographer walks through the door.

• Let There Be Light: Open all curtains, blinds, and shutters completely. If you have net curtains, pull them back to reveal the view.
• Clear the Floor: Remove small floor mats (especially in the kitchen and bathroom) and rugs (unless they are large area rugs). This shows off the flooring and makes the room look significantly bigger.
• Pet Patrol: Hide pet bowls, beds, and toys.
• Temperature Control: Turn off ceiling fans (moving fans look blurred in photos).
• Alignment Check: Straighten the chairs around the table and ensure lampshades are level.

Why Professional Photography? 

You’ve set the stage—now let us capture the magic.

You might be tempted to use a smartphone, but professional property photography is about more than just megapixels.

We shoot wide, not warped: We use specialized lenses to make rooms feel spacious without the "fisheye" distortion of phone cameras.

We master the light: We blend natural light with exposure techniques to ensure windows aren't "blown out" white boxes.

We sell a story: We know the angles that convert "lookers" into "bookers."