Short answer: clear every surface, make the beds tight and white, hide personal items and cables, switch every light on, and stage two or three small "guest moments". An hour of prep the day before makes a bigger difference than any editing.
I've photographed close to 60 short-stay properties on the Gold Coast, and the shoots that turn out best are always the ones where the host prepared. Here's exactly what I ask hosts to do — room by room.
The day before
- Clean properly — floors, mirrors, glass doors, stainless steel. The camera sees fingerprints and streaks.
- Fix the small things — blown globes, a loose curtain, a wobbly lamp shade.
- Mow and sweep outside — lawn, pool area, balcony, driveway.
- Get the linen ready — fresh, ironed, ideally white or light.
Living room
Keep only what helps guests imagine their stay: cushions plumped and lined up, a throw folded over the sofa arm, one or two books or a plant on the coffee table. Remove remotes, chargers, magazines and anything on the floor. Open the blinds and curtains fully.
Kitchen
This is where clutter shows most. Clear the benches completely, then add back two or three items at most — a bowl of lemons, a coffee machine, a board with a bottle of wine. Put away dish racks, sponges, tea towels, bins and fridge magnets.
Bedrooms
The bed is the hero shot of most listings. Use crisp white linen pulled tight, two pillows per side, and a folded throw at the foot. Clear the bedside tables except for a lamp. Close wardrobe doors and hide luggage.
Bathrooms
Toilet lid down. Remove toiletries, razors, bath mats and the bin. Hang fresh, matching towels — rolled or folded neatly. Wipe the mirror and glass shower screen last, just before I arrive.
Outside and the pool
On the Gold Coast, the outdoor area often books the stay. Clean the pool and run the filter early so the water is still at shoot time. Set the outdoor table, put cushions on the sun loungers, and move cars, bins and hoses out of view.
On the day
- Switch every light on — including lamps and range hoods — and turn ceiling fans and TVs off.
- Open all blinds.
- Keep pets and people out of the shot; I'll work room by room so you can stay nearby.
- Tell me about features guests love that aren't obvious — a rooftop, a beach path, a view from one bedroom.
What I'll handle
You don't need to make it perfect. I straighten cushions and small details as I go, and editing takes care of sky replacement, colour and minor marks. Advanced decluttering and wrinkle removal are available as $10 extras if something can't be fixed on the day.
Download the checklist
Want this on one page to print or send to your cleaner? Grab my free Airbnb photo prep checklist.
Wondering about the budget? Read how much Airbnb photography costs on the Gold Coast.
Ready when you are. Book your shoot → or text me on 0426 904 040 with a quick photo of the room you're unsure about.
