Airbnb vs. DIY Photos: The ROI of Hiring a Professional Photographer
When it comes to running a successful short-term rental, your photos are your first impression—and often the deciding factor between a guest clicking “book” or scrolling past your listing. Many Airbnb and VRBO hosts start out snapping their own pictures with a smartphone, thinking it will do the job. But the truth is, those images could be costing you bookings and lowering your nightly rate.
At Crown Photo, we specialize in helping hosts in the Dayton area (and beyond) transform their listings with professional real estate photography designed to increase clicks, bookings, and revenue.
DIY Photos: What Hosts Usually End Up With
Most hosts who try DIY photos face these common issues:
Poor lighting → Dark or overexposed rooms that don’t show true colors.
Unflattering angles → Rooms can look smaller than they really are.
Clutter and distractions → Little details get overlooked and show up in every shot.
Flat, lifeless images → No depth, no “wow” factor to grab attention.
Even if you have the latest smartphone, the difference between DIY snapshots and professional HDR images is night and day. And when guests are comparing 20+ listings in your area, the photos are what make you stand out—or blend in.
Professional Photography: An Investment with Returns
Hiring a professional photographer like Crown Photo is more than just “better pictures.” It’s an investment with measurable ROI:
Higher Booking Rates: Listings with professional photos receive up to 2x more bookings compared to those with DIY photos.
Increased Nightly Rate: Guests are willing to pay more when a space looks upscale and well-presented online.
Faster Bookings: Professional photos help listings rank better in Airbnb search results, which means your rental gets seen first.
Better Reviews: Guests arrive with realistic expectations, which leads to positive reviews (and repeat bookings).
The Crown Photo Advantage
At Crown Photo, we know how to stage, light, and capture your property in a way that tells a story and makes guests imagine themselves there. We focus on:
Highlighting your rental’s unique features (cozy nooks, outdoor spaces, stylish upgrades).
Creating bright, inviting images that make your property stand out in search results.
Quick turnaround so your listing can go live fast.
A money-back guarantee because we believe in our work—and your results.
The Bottom Line
DIY photos might save you money up front, but they cost you in the long run with fewer bookings and lower income. Professional photography pays for itself quickly—and keeps paying off with every guest who chooses your listing over the competition.
If you’re ready to maximize your rental income and get your property noticed, Crown Photo is here to help.
Contact Crown Photo today and let’s turn your Airbnb listing into a booking magnet.