How to Prepare for an Accommodation Photography Shoot (and What to Expect)

Whether you're photographing a luxury holiday home, boutique accommodation, Airbnb or architectural property, a little preparation can make a huge difference to the final gallery.

The goal isn't to make the property look perfect. It's to create images that feel warm, inviting and authentic—images that allow potential guests to imagine themselves staying there.

Here's a guide to help you prepare before the shoot, along with a little insight into what I'll be doing throughout the session to create the strongest possible collection of images.

1. Give the property a thorough clean


Photos capture everything! Please give everything a good clean. These little details make a surprisingly big difference.


Pay particular attention to:

  • windows
  • mirrors
  • shower screens
  • taps
  • stainless steel appliances
  • glass tables
  • fingerprints on cabinetry
  • streaks on floors


2. Declutter (but don't remove the personality)


Less is almost always more.

Before I arrive, walk through each room and remove anything that feels distracting.

Think:

  • phone chargers
  • remotes
  • bins
  • tissues
  • paperwork
  • excess toiletries
  • pet bowls
  • cleaning products

The aim isn't to make the space feel empty, it should still feel lived in and welcoming, but reducing visual clutter allows the eye to focus on the design of the space

3. Fresh styling


A few fresh touches can instantly elevate a room.

Ideas include:

  • fresh flowers
  • loaf of sourdough
  • bowl of seasonal fruit
  • folded throws
  • plumped cushions
  • fresh towels
  • firewood stacked beside the fireplace
  • herbs in the kitchen
  • Warm lamp light


These small details help create warmth without looking staged and is great for lifestyle imagery.

4. Natural Light is Everything


Natural light determines almost everything, I cant stress that enough.


Its important to choose the correct time of day when the property is looking its best.

Depending on the property, I may photograph different rooms throughout the day as the light moves through the house.

For larger properties, this often means allowing extra time so every room is photographed at its best.

Sometimes waiting just twenty minutes completely transforms a space.


Stay over sessions allow me to chase the light and be there at the right time of day to do so. Such as sunrise and sunet.


5.Weather and Flexibility


The weather plays a huge role in accommodation photography. While overcast conditions can be perfect for interiors, exteriors, drone photography, astro photography and sunsets all rely on the right conditions.


Occasionally we'll adjust the schedule or revisit certain areas of the property to make the most of the light.


This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of booking a half-day, full-day or stay-over session.


6. Expect a little furniture moving


During the session I'll often make small adjustments such as:

  • straightening artwork
  • moving chairs
  • repositioning cushions
  • adjusting curtains
  • hiding cords
  • rotating lamps

Everything is returned exactly where it belongs afterwards.

These subtle changes help create cleaner compositions without changing the character of your property.


7. Highlight the Unique Features


Every property has something that makes it memorable. Before the shoot, think about the features you'd most like to showcase and make sure they're ready to be photographed.


This might include:

  • Lighting the fireplace
  • Filling and styling an outdoor bath
  • Heating the spa or jacuzzi
  • Setting up the fire pit
  • Opening umbrellas or outdoor lounges
  • Preparing the pizza oven
  • Lighting candles or lanterns
  • Tidying gardens and pathways
  • Opening gates or barn doors
  • Preparing the barbecue or outdoor kitchen
  • Picking fresh produce from the garden
  • Styling a welcome hamper or local produce
  • Turning on feature lighting
  • Starting a wood heater or indoor fire



These moments often become the strongest photographs because they tell a story rather than just showing a room.


8. Lifestyle images


Similar to my previous dot point. Some of the strongest photographs aren't of rooms at all.

They're the moments that help guests imagine staying there.

We may capture:

  • pouring a glass of wine
  • reading by the fire
  • breakfast outdoors
  • walking through the garden
  • making coffee
  • relaxing in the bath

These images create emotion and often perform exceptionally well across websites and social media.


The amount of lifestyle imagery we can capture alongside the full room photography will depend on how much time we have at the property. If lifestyle images are important to you, I'd recommend allowing a little extra time so we can create a more varied gallery without feeling rushed.


9. Once I arrive


When I arrive, we'll spend a little time walking through the property together. This gives me a chance to hear about your favourite features, understand what's most important to you, and discuss any images you'd particularly like captured.


Once we've done that, you're more than welcome to leave me to it.


I work best when I can move through the property at my own pace, following the light as it changes and making small styling adjustments along the way. I'll often revisit rooms several times throughout the day as the conditions become ideal.


Of course, if I need anything or have any questions, I'll come and find you. Otherwise, you can relax knowing your property is in good hands.


10. Astro Photography


Once of my favourites things to capture is the night sky. However, astro photography relies almost entirely on nature. While we can plan the composition and location, the final image is determined by a number of conditions that are completely out of our control.


• Zero light pollution

• No full moon

• Minimal wind

• Clear skies and no clouds or fog

11. Aerial Photography


Another favourite of mine is capturing a property from above. Capturing aerial images at sunrise or sunset offers a completely different perspective, revealing the landscape, scale and setting in a way that's impossible from the ground.


Whether it's showcasing seclusion, rolling hills, vineyards, mountain ranges or a stunning coastline, drone photography helps tell the bigger story and gives potential guests or visitors a true sense of place.


This type of photography is also completely dependant on nature, if the wind is to high or it is raining, the drone wont be sent up.


12.What Happens After the Shoot?


Once the session is complete, the work doesn't stop there, if anything there is more to do!

Every image is reviewed and professionally edited to ensure the final gallery is polished, consistent and true to your property. This includes colour correction, exposure adjustments and removing small distractions where appropriate.


Your final gallery will be delivered via a private online gallery, ready to download and use across your website, booking platforms and social media.


Your gallery will include a combination of wide hero images, details and lifestyle moments, giving you plenty of content for your website, booking platforms, social media and future marketing.


My typical turnaround time is around two weeks, although this can vary slightly depending on the size of the project. If you have a specific deadline, just let me know beforehand and I'll always do my best to accommodate it

Trust the process


One of the biggest advantages of hiring a professional is that you don't need to worry about the details.

Throughout the shoot I'm constantly watching the light, refining compositions and noticing the little things that most people overlook.

My job is to create a collection of images that not only showcase your property, but encourage people to imagine themselves staying there.

Every property has its own story, and my goal is to capture it in a way that feels natural, inviting and true to the experience you offer. With a little preparation beforehand, we can spend less time fixing the small things and more time creating beautiful imagery that will continue working for you long after the shoot is over.

I hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what goes into an accommodation photography session. If you have any questions before your shoot, I'm always happy to help.