AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Creative brief
Experiences pages feature high-quality photography to spark curiosity and encourage guests to discover unique activities and connect with hosts in meaningful ways. This brief will guide you on capturing clear, engaging images that bring each experience to life and highlight what makes it special.
PART 1
Overview
The photos in display
The images will appear in four key sections of the experiences listing page, each with different crop ratios and specific purposes:
The grid
The most critical information in four images: activity, host, detail, location.
The itinerary
Clear, simple images that map to each step of the experience.
The profile avatar
A clear, friendly portrait of the host, cropped as a tight circle.
The gallery
Additional images that tell the full story of the experience.
PART 2
What to submit
Deliverables
Wide | Mid | Tight | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Activity | 9 | 5 | 3 | 17 |
Host portrait | –– | 8 | 4 | 12 |
Location | 6 | 4 | –– | 10 |
Details | –– | 5 | 6 | 11 |
Total | 15 | 22 | 13 | 50 Min.* |
* Model release photos are not included in total count
Variety
Provide a range of vantage points and perspectives by moving around during the activity. Capture from different angles and corners of the room to gather different perspectives, while also zooming in and out. For each perspective, do your best to avoid cutting off important information around the edges, and always leave negative space around the subject (regardless if it’s a group or a single subject). The images should be authentic and candid, magical and immersive, clear, direct, and centered.
Center composition
Since the product displays images as a square crop by default, always center your subject with plenty of space around them to avoid losing important details. Be mindful not to crop out key elements. If you’re working in a small space, get creative with your composition and positioning to ensure the whole group and activity are captured thoughtfully within the frame.
PART 3
Themes to capture
Host
35-70mm lens | 2+ backgrounds | Simple uncluttered backgrounds | Straight-on body postureFind a simple background to keep the focus on the host, and create some space between them and the background to add depth of field. Direct hosts to square their shoulders to the camera, take a deep breath, look directly into the lens, and offer a warm, natural smile.
Activity
16-70mm lens | 3+ different spots in the room/space | Wide, mid, & tight | Focus on activity engagementThe activity is the core of the experience. Focus on natural moments as the host guides guests through doing, making, or tasting during the activity. Capture a mix of wide shots for context, and mid-range shots to highlight interaction from the POV of the guest. Move around the room/space, and capture the activity from all angles.
Details
35-70mm lens | Close up of the action | Tools, processes, & moments | Shallow depth of fieldCompose a close up of the action at the center of the composition, with negative space surrounding it. Isolate hands, tools, processes, and moments on clean and uncluttered backgrounds. Capture the finished product if the activity results in one. Include the most notable details from the experience, using a shallow depth of field. Below are a few examples:
Location
16-24mm lens | Front-facing exterior & interiors | Empty spaces without people | Establish the “where”Photograph the location, before the experience activity begins. Prioritize straight-on compositions with straight vertical lines. Confirm that the host has permission to take photos at all locations. Identify the lighting available ahead of the photoshoot. The location may be indoors, outdoors, or both. Only photograph recognizable business signs and logos if you have obtained a release from the business owner or some other authorized person:
PART 4
Photoshoot details
Lighting
Work with the host to optimize for the best time of day. Avoid scheduling when it’s overcast, too dark, or in the midday sun. Even or flat light can make the imagery feel too commercial and mundane. Weather can significantly impact the light, so plan accordingly.
Providing clear directions
For many hosts, this may be their very first professional photoshoot. Because of this, photographers are encouraged to guide hosts throughout the session and may occasionally pause the activity to capture images from different perspectives. By working together in this way, you can create a relaxed environment that allows authentic moments and meaningful interactions to shine through in the final photos.
Release forms
When to include them
All participants (host and guests) will need to sign our standard release. Ahead of the assignment, the photographer is expected to print out the release forms and bring pens for all participants to sign. We recommend bringing extras just in case.
Appearance release
Hosts and guest (always)All participants, including both hosts and guests, should fill in the release form, and check the “appearance” box. Avoid photographing anyone who does not sign a model release. Please add descriptive upload notes for the editor so they can avoid including them in the final images.
Location release
Hosts (always)A location release should be signed by someone with authority to grant the rights, like the owner or property or manager of the business. The host (or owner) will need to select the “location” box, and list the location title/address below.
Materials release (Logos, etc.)
Hosts (sometimes)The host only needs to check this box if they are featuring business or company branding such as signs, logos, art, etc., that they can grant the right to be featured on our platform. The host will select the “Materials” box.
How to capture them
Submit an image of each participant holding the filled-in release, as well as a close-up of the front and deliver with your final upload in Mediabox. They must be legible.
Group photo
To streamline the process, take a group photo with everyone holding their release form. Use a wide aperture so the text on the form is legible.
Single photo
Or capture an individual photo of each participant.
Form only
Capture the front of the document so that the information is legible. One per participant.
Photoshoot prep
Before the photoshoot
Contact host to identify:
- Date/time of experience
- Location type - indoor, outdoor, mix
- Light available at location(s)
- Expected number of participants - friends, real guests, no guests
- What the activity is
Contact host to identify:
- Share host prep guide
- Confirm host has approval to photograph at location
Ahead of the photoshoot:
- Check assignment to gather listing details
- Check the weather
- Review the brief linked in assignment
- Print Deliverables checklist
- Release forms (one per participant, location, and branding)
- Bring pens for participants to use
During the photoshoot
Before photoshoot
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Scope out the space
- Lighting
- Backgrounds
- Location shots without people:
- Exteriors
- Interiors
- Photograph the host
- 3+ different backgrounds
Participants arrive
- Pass out release forms (one per participant, location, and branding)
- All participants complete forms
- Photograph model releases
- Participant holding release
- Front of release flat on table
After experience
- Review deliverables
- Capture any missed shots
- Confirm you have all releases (model & location)
- Upload all assets to assignment in Navigate
- Add notes, if applicable
PART 5
Examples
Successful grid examples
Capturing the host portrait, activity, details, and location should clearly convey who the host is, what the activity entails, and where it occurs. Aim for consistency in light and color across all images. Consider the environment’s color palette and maintain that consistency, ensuring that pops of color stand out in monochromatic settings.
What to avoid
Program resources
Explore our briefs for our other programs.
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photography@airbnb.com