Airbnb Photography: DIY vs. Professional, The Ultimate $1600 Experiment!

[@kristenandmichael]

Which option do you think will perform the best as the cover photo?! 👇

[@Luxe_express]

Personally id go for the outdoor shot of the fire pit since i can imagine having a Jhonny Depp inspired bonfire under the stars.

[@DaintyDIY]

Awesome video! My faves: 1) hammock 2) firepit 3) aerial shot

[@ivyandlight]

Love how you showed the difference between all 4 types of photography. Your photos already looked beautiful, but the new ones feel even more warm and cozy. And love the detail shots and the place setting you put together for the shoot! Great job and thank you for sharing the process with us :)

[@kristenandmichael]

We totally agree, the new ones are so warm and cozy! Thank you so much for watching

[@lost-south-lake-crafters]

Thanks for sharing all of your experiences! The new photos look wonderful!

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! & We’re so glad you think so -- we’re pretty dang happy with them. :)

[@heidifedor1978]

So appreciate your videos! We are on year three of our Airbnb on a lake in MN. All of your videos seem to parallel our step in the process and it’s just so helpful. Thank you!!

[@kristenandmichael]

Ah, we love that! Celebrating the wins together! You're welcome. Thank YOU guys for being here with us on this journey :)

[@dianen6638]

Professional pictures definitely gives you “wow” vibe ❤

[@kristenandmichael]

Wow is what we are going for, so thats good! :)

[@social_euge5896]

Great video. In my PoV options 5 or 6 work best. It gives me the vide of privacy, while also allowing the viewer to see how relaxing it can be. The subtle hammock in the view instantly pulls the viewer into the listing

[@kristenandmichael]

Ohh we agree! Great choices

[@2ndchancesunrise]

1) Michael's pics were really good 2) with that said the new pics are spectacular, the staging is perfection 3) do you worry about providing your link to a lot of people who will click on your AIRBNB site and could drive you down in the algo because they don't book? I'm not sure if it does but just wondering 4) I'm not a wallpaper guy but really miss the wallpaper by the bar. 5) I'm sure you are still working on it but don't forget to optimize your tags/titles of the pics on your website for SEO. Keep on doin what your doing!

[@MegInWhispers]

Guys, thanks for that last point acknowledging that taking professional photos before your listing is truly ready wouldn't necessarily be the wisest investment. I've struggled with that issue since day 1 - feeling pressure to pay for a professional while also knowing that our cabin isn't really ready for that yet. I have some photography experience so, like Michael, I've been able to make it work to the best of my ability and we've had all weekends booked throughout our open season in 2024. Before the 2025 season, we're going to do a few more changes: new white cedar shake siding (the house looks completely different now externally!), evening out the driveway with new processed stone, changes to some bedroom furniture. So, the professional photos just have not been the right choice yet, timing-wise. I also share the same motivation of wanting the photos to reflect the feelings of peace, calm, and magic you feel at the cabin. Perhaps by next mid-summer when the trees are vibrant green and there's great lighting throughout the day, it's something we could really consider 🤞 I don't think that rushing in to professional photos is necessarily the best step for all new hosts, despite what experts push.

[@kristenandmichael]

Totally agree! Timing is everything and it's great you're taking your time to get the space just right! Crossing our fingers for you guys for mid-summer next year! We hope you share them with us when you do get to that point :)

[@georgegeorgiouza4728]

Incredibly helpful video, practical, realistic and motivational. Such an underrated channel

[@kristenandmichael]

We really appreciate that! 🙏

[@GrantsvilleAirbnb]

Great pictures… it’s a totally new feel and vibe guys!!!! 🎉

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much!

[@therachelgoshow]

Looks great! Option 4 or 6!

[@jenniferkannapel9450]

Love your channel!! As much as I love the closeup & lifestyle photos, for me when I am searching for a rental, I want to see the actual spaces too. If 80% of the photos are zoom & lifestyle but can't see the layout of house and room connections I'm not likely to book.

[@kristenandmichael]

Wow! Great perspective, thank you so much! We will keep that in mind

[@GetItWithBecca]

Wow, what an amazing job you have done! Pictures are phenomenal. I think it's picture 6 that shows the daybed, loungers and the Mountain View.

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! That is a great picture!

[@GetItWithBecca]

@ yeah! It's a beautiful view and I think the white furniture looks sleek and will pop off the page and it would make me click since I would want to see what the inside looks like

[@helenwilliams8471]

Beautiful photos! I'm glad that you're already seeing the expense pay off!! ❤

[@kristenandmichael]

It was definitely worth it! Thank you

[@therealashleycrouch]

Wow it's like night and day!! Way to go, congratulations!!

[@kristenandmichael]

right?! Thank you so much

[@Kelley63]

The new photos are amazing ❤

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much!

[@albertreet]

Amazing video guys! This has been one of toughest thing to accomplish running a STR management company in Colorado. Would love to connect!

[@hannahshanks6010]

Such good photos! I like option 5 for the cover photo

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you! It’s hard to pick just one.

[@TaavP]

Great pics! Love them, was a good choice of a photographer

[@kristenandmichael]

Thank you so much!

[@paulbridgeman8154]

What are the chronograph numbers, and can it shoot slugs? We need more review videos showcasing accuracy and the chronograph numbers.

[@kristenandmichael]

Not sure what a chronograph number is on a camera. And I dont think cameras can shoot slugs like a shotgun

[@Junior8p1]

Those came out beautiful

[@kristenandmichael]

Thanks so much! We are happy with how they turned out :)

[@megand576]

3, 4 or 7!!!

[@kristenandmichael]

Ohhh good choices! Thank you

[@MurguiaSonia]

❤

[@natashaandjoshuashowcasest3606]

Naw, not 1600 better compared to your pictures . They are better but not 1600 better . We pay 199 for professional photos . 😅

[@sheriwebber1950]

New picture + New botox+ new booking.

[@kristenandmichael]

Omg. Thank you - I've never had botox or lip filler in my life but I was a makeup artist and know how to over draw my tiny lips after 35 years. haha this amazing though - whenever I wear a full face of makeup people comment things like this. 🤣 - Kristen

[@sherirodriguez209]

@sheriwebber1950 And...a new catty viewer. Why?

[@sheriwebber1950]

@@kristenandmichael As a plastic surgeon with 27 years of practice helping my clients feel wonderful with fillers and Botox, this is the first time I've seen how makeup can create such a flawless appearance with no visible lines or facial expressions. The skin looks more firm and the forehead is clear - truly the work of a very talented artist. My sister is a makeup artist too, and she could learn from you. Either way, the results look much better and healthier."

[@sheriwebber1950]

@@sherirodriguez209 Not going to even explain. You differently miss understood. But if you need touch up let me know.

[@sherirodriguez209]

@@sheriwebber1950 👍🏻😂