A Day in the Life: AirBnB Photographer

Being an Airbnb photographer isn’t all about wandering through perfectly styled properties with a camera in hand (though I do get to visit some stunning places). It’s a mix of creativity, practicality, and a fair bit of time spent on the road. Based in the Cotswolds, primarily around Oxfordshire, I get to photograph everything from cosy studio flats to grand manor houses, each with its unique quirks.

I work directly with Airbnb, as well as with private clients who rent out short-let properties. Most days start with me packing up my gear and heading out early, often to some tucked-away village or rural spot. The Cotswolds are a photographer's dream – the rolling hills and honey-coloured stone buildings never get old, even on the busiest days.

Once I arrive at a property, the first step is usually a quick walkthrough. Whether it’s a modern apartment or a centuries-old country house, I’m looking at the light, the space, and the little details that give the place its character. It’s amazing how much a small adjustment can change the feel of a room – moving a chair, repositioning a rug, or just straightening the cushions can make a world of difference.

The goal, always, is to make the property look its best without overdoing it. I want the photos to be inviting, but also realistic. No one wants to book a place that looks great online but falls short in person. So, I focus on finding the right balance – capturing the charm and unique features while keeping things honest. Photographing interiors comes with its own set of challenges. Small dark spaces, like basement flats, require some creativity to make them look bright and spacious, while large properties – the manor houses especially – are all about showing off their scale and elegance without making them feel cold or uninviting. Every property is different, and that keeps the job interesting.

On top of shooting, there’s a fair bit of editing involved. The quicker I can get the images back to the client, the quicker they can update their listing – and in this competitive market, great photos can make all the difference.

What I enjoy most about the job is the variety. One day I could be in a chic urban flat, and the next I’m wandering through the gardens of a historic estate, trying to capture its full beauty in a few frames. The Cotswolds offer an incredible range of properties, so there’s always something new to shoot and a different challenge to tackle.

At the end of the day, it’s about helping hosts show off their spaces in the best possible way. And while it’s not always as glamorous as it might sound, it’s a job that combines creativity, travel, and a bit of problem-solving – which is just how I like it.