Why winter is worth a photo refresh
Many listings show a property in summer: open windows, green gardens, a sunny terrace. In winter, guests are looking for warmth and comfort, and a summer-only gallery may not answer their questions.
You do not need a new shoot. A handful of updated photos near the front of the gallery is usually enough.
Which photos to retake
- The living space with lamps on and blankets out
- The main bedroom, made up with winter bedding
- A fireplace, wood burner or heating, if the home has one
- A hot tub, sauna or covered outdoor area that guests can use in winter
- The exterior in daylight, showing the season honestly, including snow if that is what guests will find
Seasonal decor, kept honest
A few seasonal touches can make a room feel welcoming: a throw on the sofa, a plant, warm lighting. Keep it modest so the room itself stays the subject.
Only photograph decorations guests will actually see during their stay, and switch those photos back once the decorations come down. A tree in the photos in February tells guests the gallery is out of date.
Beat short days and grey light
Winter phone photos often come out grey, or tinted blue or yellow by mixed bulbs. ProLister corrects exposure and colour in seconds without adding or removing anything in the room.
- Shoot in the middle of the day when daylight is strongest
- Open every curtain and switch on every light, including lamps
- Turn off the flash, which flattens rooms and causes glare
- Avoid shooting straight into a bright window
Put the winter photos where guests see them
Airbnb groups photos into a photo tour by room, and you choose the cover photo and the order. Move your strongest winter photo to the cover, place the other updated photos among the first few, then switch back in spring.
Frequently asked questions
When should I update my Airbnb photos for winter?
Before guests start searching for winter dates, which for many places is in the autumn. Update again when the season ends so the photos match what guests will find.
Should I show snow in my listing photos?
Only if guests are likely to see it. If snow is a reason people visit, a daylight exterior in snow helps. If it is rare, keep the main exterior as it usually looks.
Do I need to retake all my photos?
No. Updating the cover photo and a few key rooms is usually enough, as long as the rest of the gallery is still accurate.
Is it misleading to add holiday decorations?
Not if guests will see them during their stay. Remove or switch those photos once the decorations are gone.
