Photographer Resource Center
Welcome to the Airbnb Photographer resource center, where you can find our program’s educational resources, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
2024 updates
- We are no longer able to accept submissions where bracketed images have not been merged prior to upload. We are also not able to accept a combination of merged and unmerged brackets.
- There is a new ‘shotlist’ on each assignment page in Navigate (Mediabox). We hope this helps you avoid uploading too many images and also ensure you get full coverage of the listing.
- If you are having trouble coordinating the photoshoot, please click the ‘Cannot Schedule’ button on the assignment page. This informs our team to follow up with the Host and encourage them to schedule.
2024 updates
- We are no longer able to accept submissions where bracketed images have not been merged prior to upload. We are also not able to accept a combination of merged and unmerged brackets.
- There is a new ‘shotlist’ on each assignment page in Navigate (Mediabox). We hope this helps you avoid uploading too many images and also ensure you get full coverage of the listing.
- If you are having trouble coordinating the photoshoot, please click the ‘Cannot Schedule’ button on the assignment page. This informs our team to follow up with the Host and encourage them to schedule.
Getting started
These resources are meant to help you with everything you need to know about the program, from navigating tools, learning how the program works, to answering Host's questions.
Everything you need to know about how the program works, and the tools you’ll use.
Account setup and navigating our suite of tools to receive assignments.
A list of frequently asked questions from Hosts to photographers.
Tech tips
Use these articles in combination with our guidelines to get the best quality out of your assignments.
Get the most out of your exposures through bracketing and lighting.
Learn how to achieve great compositions through a few simple techniques.
These simple styling tricks will help you to ensure clean and inviting imagery.
Explore examples
These curated collections illustrate strong examples of a diverse selection of homes, each with a different technical focus.
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Have questions?
Using Chatbot is the most efficient way to get fast answers. For this reason, we suggest always starting here.Where to find it
- A black circle in the bottom right corner of Navigate.
- It will appear the first time you log into Navigate.
- When it does, give it a try!
- Type into the grey box to ask questions and it will provide you with resources, answers, or suggestions moving forward.
- When referring to a listing, be sure to include the Airbnb ID found in the assignment details in Navigate.
- If you’re experiencing trouble accessing your account, you can reach out to: photography@airbnb.com
Quick navigation
If you know what you’re looking for, click the button below to quickly navigate to that section, or you can continue to browse at your own pace. Otherwise, we suggest starting at the Navigate set-up section.
FAQs
Account
How do I update my location?
On the settings page in Navigate, you can update your market coverage at any time. Please only select the markets you’ll complete assignments in.
How are my markets determined?
Airbnb determines the areas and regions included in specific markets. During the onboarding process, you can select the markets you would like to receive photography assignments in. For example, by selecting ‘Paris,’ you will receive requests from the whole Paris market. Note ‘markets’ are typically larger than cities. If you receive an assignment within your market that is too far away, you can always decline the assignment in Navigate. You can always update your list of selected markets on the Mediabox settings page.
What if I no longer want to photograph for Airbnb?
We're sorry to see you go! Please change your status to ‘Inactive’ on Mediabox. You can switch the status anytime and become an active photographer again. If you would like your account to be deleted please email our team at photography@airbnb.com
Can I use the images in my portfolio?
Yes. Airbnb secures full ownership and copyrights to the photos but we provide you a right to display any photos you take in your portfolio, subject to the term of your agreement with Airbnb. Please do not provide any raw or untouched images to Hosts.
Are there other kinds of assignments besides home photoshoots?
Although less frequent than Airbnb home photoshoots, we sometimes have Experiences and Portrait assignments available. Please be sure to select these assignments during your onboarding.
Can I photograph while traveling?
Yes! Please update your list of available markets and your local address on your profile within the settings page on Navigate. Please don’t forget to remove this market once you’re back to avoid receiving future requests. If traveling abroad, please ensure you have all of the proper VISA requirements that allows you to continue to receive these freelance assignments.
When do I get paid?
Payments are typically made every two weeks. All payments can be tracked on both Navigate and your Airbnb ‘Transaction History.’ These payments are processed to a payout method on your Airbnb account; here’s an FAQ with instructions on how to add one.
Why haven't I received any assignments?
During non promotional periods, you will only receive assignments when hosts near you request them. If you are not receiving assignments, it’s because there are no photoshoot requests near you.
Assignments
How are rates determined?
The rate is defined by multiple criteria such as the location of the listing, the number of bedrooms and the distance of the listing from your registered address.
Do you compensate for travel?
We sometimes offer travel compensation based on the driving distance between the listing and your registered address. Travel compensation varies from market to market. If travel compensation is offered, it will be visible on the assignment request in Navigate.
Do you compensate for last minute cancellations?
We will compensate up to 50% of the rate for cancellations made by the host within 24 hrs of the photoshoot. To notify us and request compensation, please contact our team via the Chatbot in Navigate. To qualify for this payment, please be sure to enter the shoot date in the system as soon as you know it, which will allow our team to validate the cancellation. Additionally, we will require a screenshot of your text conversation with the Host confirming the last minute cancellation.
Do I have to photograph in good weather only?
We encourage you to photograph when you and the Host can find a mutually beneficial time in your schedules. However, try to optimize based on the type of property being photographed. For example, schedule ASAP if it's an apartment without a view in London, but try to schedule on a sunny day for a villa in the south of Spain.
How long do I have after the photoshoot until I have to upload images?
Please prioritize uploading the images as soon as possible. Preferably the same day or within 24 hours of the photoshoot.
What if a Host hasn't cleaned their space when I arrive?
If you feel comfortable proceeding with the assignment, you may ask the Host to clean the space prior to entering. At your discretion, you may photograph the home as-is, reschedule or cancel the photoshoot.
When will the images be live for the host?
Our goal is to have the images live for the host in less than 7 days after we receive the assets. Please prioritize uploading the RAW images as soon as possible!
Host Communication
Can I send the Host photos from the photoshoot directly?
You should never send photos directly to the Host. If Hosts have additional questions on how this service works, please direct them to contact our team with the Chatbot which can be located on their Host Portal link.
How do I communicate with the Host?
After you have accepted the assignment, you will be connected with the Host via email, and we encourage you to communicate on this thread. If you can't find the introduction email with the subject line, "Meet your photographer", look for it in your spam folder. The Host’s phone number will also be visible on the assignment page within Navigate.
What should I do if a Host asks to see my portfolio?
This is not required and it is up to you if you would like to share your portfolio with the Host. We recommend directing the Host to this page which has more information on our photography style and creative direction.
What should I do if a Host is rude or makes me feel uncomfortable?
If you ever feel as though your personal safety is threatened in any way, find the quickest and most non-confrontational way to excuse yourself from the situation. Once you have left any unsafe situation, please alert us of the situation at photography@airbnb.com. In the event of an emergency, contact your local authorities. You are never obligated to complete an assignment, and will not be penalized for canceling a request. If a Host is rude or hostile, you should cancel the request.
Can a Host hire me for additional photography work?
You may not solicit Hosts for any additional photography work. However, if a Host contacts you to discuss and request a quote on another photography project, you are welcome to collaborate with the Host on the photography project.
What if the Host asks me to photograph multiple listings at one location?
Each photography assignment is generated only after the Host has approved the price quote. Occasionally, when a photographer arrives at a property, the Host requests that they take photographs of multiple listings. You may take photographs of all listings requested, but please let the Host know that their photographs will be updated only after they have approved the additional price quotes. Please contact our team via the Chatbot on Navigate should this happen so that we can generate new quotes and create additional upload folders. Please only upload photos that belong to a given assignment.
Can the Host choose which photos are posted to their listing?
Please upload all images of the property so that the Airbnb editor can make selections and handle all retouching. Once the photos are published to the listing, the Host may rearrange or delete any photos.
How can the Host get in touch with Airbnb?
Hosts can contact our team via the Chatbot on the Host Portal if they have any questions. A link to their Host Portal page is available in every email they receive from our team.
Equipment & tools
What equipment is needed for the assignments?
You are required to use a full frame camera with zoom lenses that can go between 16-24mm and 35-50mm. We do not accept crop sensor cameras, lenses wider than 16mm, or only prime lenses. Also, having a tripod is a must.
Where can I find the instructions on the photography process?
For each new request you will receive on Navigate, you will find a link to the specific assignment style guide. You can also click this link for the latest style guides. where you can find all the answers related to our photography process.
What is the file format for uploading the photos?
You are required to submit merged RAW brackets. The preferable file format for submission is DNG, as it uploads faster. If you are not able to use Lightroom to merge and create DNGs, you can always upload the RAW files.
Where can I find the upload folder on DARYL?
Once you are ready to upload your images, you can go to the assignment page on Navigate, and you will be redirected to the correct DARYL folder. Make sure you are logged in to DARYL. If you still cannot find the folder, contact our team via the Chatbot on Navigate to inform us of the upload problems.
I cannot access DARYL. What should I do?
For your first time uploading photos to DARYL, please click the ‘Forgot password’ link. Once you enter your email address, you will then receive an email to create a password. You should then have the ability to access DARYL. Please do not create a new account on DARYL as it’s done automatically when you accept your first assignment. The second time you want to connect to DARYL, use your email address and the password you created. If you still have issues, try to access DARYL using this link.
I prematurely clicked the ‘Submit Review’ button on Navigate, but I was not done with the upload. How can I upload more assets?
Contact our team via the Chatbot on Navigate and we can reactivate the upload folder to receive additional images.
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