Experiences & Services Onboarding Guide
The experiences program allows guests to book activities and tours, hosted by local experts. The experiences Pro Photography Program captures the activity with immersion and joy.
Onboarding checklist
Complete these four critical items to set yourself up for success.
Review this page
This page will inform you on an overview of how the program works, how to coordinate the photoshoots, roles and responsibilities, and more.
Onboarding guides
Review the three articles linked in the “Next steps” section towards the bottom of this page to set up your account, learn to navigate the tools, and more.
Additional resources
Explore our resources so your can be confidently aligned with our style and expectations.
First assignment
Once you accept your first assignment and review the attached creative brief, it’ll be your time to shine!
Airbnb explained
Airbnb is a global platform offering three main programs: homes, which let guests book unique homes and spaces; experiences, which are activities and tours hosted by locals; and services, such as personal training, chefs, or beauty styling. Airbnb connects people directly with hosts for one-of-a-kind, personalized travel and experiences.Since 2011, our goal has been to offer an easy and effortless professional photography program that will help hosts improve the quality of their content.We expect all photographers in our program to be professional and respectful of our hosts. Additionally, we expect that hosts are respectful of your time and expertise.
Welcome to the program
Your submission has been accepted, and you can begin photographing for the experiences and services Pro Photo Programs.
Experiences Pro Photo Program
An Airbnb Experience is a unique, host-led activity—like a pasta-making class in Rome, a guided street art tour in Berlin, or surfing lessons in Bali—that connects guests to local culture and expertise.
Experiences resources
Services Pro Photo Program
Airbnb Services are curated offerings—such as spa treatments, personal trainers, and food catering—designed to elevate and personalize each guest’s stay, making travel more memorable and enjoyable.
Service resourcesHow the program works
1
Receive the assignment
Review the assignment details and accept or decline the job. Review the creative brief attached to the assignment.
2
Coordinate with host
Reach out to the host using the contact information in the assignment. Work together to schedule a time that works for both parties.
3
Photograph the listing
Arrive on time to the photoshoot with your equipment, ready to capture the required deliverables outlined in the brief linked in the assignment.
4
Upload DNGs
No retouching needed! Just export your files as RAW DNGs, and upload them to the assignment.
5
We do the retouching
We handle the post production and upload the selected photos to the host’s listing.
6
Receive payments
Payments are made within 30 days of completion of the photoshoot.
Gather information
The photographer is expected to contact the host to coordinate the photoshoot. You’ll want to find out the following four pieces of information while reaching out to the host.
Availability
- Email your availability to host
- Work with host to pick a date
- Identify whether the time of day is important to the activity (sunset, sunrise, etc.)
Activity
- Understand the activity
- Align on how much time is needed to capture it
- If longer than 90 min, work with the host to condense it to key moments
Location
- Host will select a location for the photoshoot to take place
- Inquire about the light present at the location (i.e dark, bright, etc.)
Guests
- It is the host’s responsibility to gather guests for the photoshoot
- Remind hosts that all guests will need to sign model release forms
Contact the host
You can use these suggested email templates to correspond with hosts. Locate the host’s email address and phone number in the assignment details in Navigate. Copy and paste them into your email, and make modifications where prompted.
Experiences host email templates
Email 1: Host outreach template
Hello ______,I am _________ a freelance photographer in Airbnb’s Pro Photography Program assigned to photograph your Experience. I'd love to confirm a date that works for you before we dive into preparation details.Scheduling
- Our photoshoot session will last 60-90 min.
- If the time of day is important for your Experience (e.g., sunset), please let me know.
Email 2a: Host response template
Hello ______,Thanks for sharing those dates! Option X [insert date/time] works best for me. Ahead of the session, i’ll need a few details:The activity
- The photoshoot will last about 60–90 minutes and focus on key highlights.
- Please share a brief overview of your experience itinerary.
- Where does the experience take place (one or multiple locations)?
- Indoors, outdoors, or both?
- How’s the lighting: bright, dim, or mixed?
- All participants must sign a model release form before the shoot.
- Inviting friends or family as guests helps ensure a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
- Please review the Photoshoot Prep Guide before our session. Good preparation helps us create the best results together.
Email 2b: Host unresponsive template
Hello _______Following up on this. It would be great to identify a few dates that work with your availability. I currently have the following dates available:Option 1:Option 2:Option 3: For more information about the photoshoot, read the photoshoot prep guide. If for some reason you would prefer to cancel your shoot, please be sure to contact photography@airbnb.com at least 72 hours before your scheduled date, to let them know.Thanks,_______________[phone number]
Email 3: 48 hours before photoshoot template
Hello ______,Reminder that in two days I will be arriving at [Location] at [X-time] for our photoshoot.Please read the photoshoot prep guide ahead of our session. A few reminders:
- Guests: please bring 2-5 guests. Let all guests know that they will need to sign standard release forms.
- Duration: the session will last 60-90 minutes.
- What happens after: On average, the new, retouched images will be live on your Airbnb listing page within 7 to 10 business days after the photoshoot.
Services host email templates
Email 1: Host outreach template
Hello ______,I am _________ a freelance photographer in Airbnb’s Pro Photography Program assigned to photograph your service. I'd love to confirm a date that works for you before we dive into preparation details.SchedulingPhotoshoot duration: 60-90 min. If time of day is important for your service (e.g., sunset), please let me know. Below are some dates and times. If none of these work, suggest a few alternative options:Option 1: Option 2: Option 3: How to preparePlease read the photoshoot prep guide ahead of our session to make the most of our session. If you have any questions feel free to reply to this email or call me at ____________. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!Thanks, _____________[phone number]*If you have any questions, please reach out to the Airbnb photo team at photography@airbnb.com.
Email 2a: Host response template
Hello ______,Thanks for sharing those dates! Option X [insert date/time] works best for me. Ahead of the session, i’ll need a few details:Service activity
- The shoot will last about 60–90 minutes and focus on key highlights.
- Please share a brief overview of your service itinerary.
- Where does the service take place (one or multiple locations)?
- Indoors, outdoors, or both?
- How’s the lighting: bright, dim, or mixed?
- All participants must sign a model release form before the shoot, please inform them in advance.
- Wellness, exercise, and beauty services benefit from featuring people. Since paying guests may opt out, we suggest inviting friends or family instead.
- If your service produces a final result (e.g., a plated meal or finished haircut), have it about 75% complete when we begin to ensure we capture it within the session window.
Email 2b: Host unresponsive template
Hello _______Following up on this. It would be great to identify a few dates that work with your availability. I currently have the following dates available:Option 1:Option 2:Option 3: For more information about the photoshoot, read the photoshoot prep guide. Thanks,_______________[phone number]
Email 3: 48 hours before photoshoot template
Hello ______,Reminder that in two days I will be arriving at [Location] at [X-time] for our photoshoot.Please read the photoshoot prep guide ahead of our session. A few reminders:
- Guests: please bring 2-5 guests. Let all guests know that they will need to sign standard release forms.
- Duration: the session will last 60-90 minutes.
- What happens after: On average, the new, retouched images will be live on your Airbnb listing page within 7 to 10 business days after the photoshoot.
Equipment
Required equipment
- Clean camera with full frame sensor*
- Zoom lens between 16-20mm
- Zoom lens between 24-70mm
- Flash
- Drone
- GoPro
- DNG exporting software (we recommend Adobe Lightroom)
- Cropped sensor
- Fisheye or prime lens
Roles & responsibilities
Photographer’s role
Before photoshoot
- If no dates are set, photographer is expected to contact the host (use email templates in “Contacting the Host” section)
- Print model release forms for all participants
Photoshoot & Upload
- Arrive on time
- Have participants sign and be photographed holding release forms
- Capture all deliverables per the Creative Brief
- Upload DNGs within 24 hours
Provide host support
- Assist with cancellations on host’s behalf
- Answer host questions about the shoot
Host's role
Before photoshoot
- Work with photographer to schedule date
- Gather guests and inform them about release forms
- Secure location for the session
- Review photoshoot prep guide
During photoshoot
- Arrive on time
- Host the experience
- Follow photographer’s guidance
After photoshoot
- Review live images
- Reorder images as desired
Airbnb's role
Tools
- Define creative brief
- Connect photographers and hosts
- Manage assignment requests
- Troubleshoot tooling issues
Retouching & upload to listing
- Receive DNG images
- Select and retouch photos
- Upload to host’s profile
- Notify host when images are live
- Issue photographer payment
Support
- Answer hosts questions
- Answer photographers questions
Important next steps
In order to begin receiving assignments, you’ll need to get your account setup. Here are 3 tasks to complete:
Answering hosts questions
Host
The host has another experience/service they want photographed instead of (or in addition to) the scheduled one. What do I do?
Airbnb offers free professional photography only for select experiences and services. Once their new listing is published, the host can email photography@airbnb.com to see if it qualifies.
The host would like a copy of the photos. What do I do?
They can follow this FAQ: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2568 Unfortunately, we cannot share the images directly with hosts. If hosts have questions about this, they can contact the Airbnb team at photography@airbnb.com.
The host is unhappy with the images selected and displayed on their listing. Can they select different photos?
Have them contact photography@airbnb.com and we will review their request.
The host is asking me to pay fees related to the experience/service (e.g., entry, shuttle fees, food, equipment, etc.). What do I do?
Photographers are not expected to cover these costs. If this occurs, please encourage the host to email photography@airbnb.com.
The host is wondering who they can contact to request that their service be migrated back to an experience. What do I do?
The host can reach out to customer service to request any modifications to their listing.
Coordination
The experience/service is longer than 60–90 minutes, what should I do?
Confirm the session length with the host in advance. Aim to capture key highlights within the 60–90 minute photoshoot window. Remind the host that the session should ideally be a curated demo with invited guests (not paying guests) to allow for flexibility and direction.
The host wants to photograph at multiple locations. What do I do?
Most will take place at one location. However, some may require multiple locations (such as tours). We recommend a maximum of 2–3 locations due to time constraints. Plan the route with the host in advance: discuss travel time, logistics, and how long you’ll spend at each stop.
What should we do if the shoot is scheduled inside a museum or an art gallery?
Our best advice is to follow the guidelines set by each museum or art gallery. If photography is prohibited inside, we recommend taking photos near the entrance and in the surrounding areas.
Rain is in the forecast, what are our options?
If both you and the host are able to reschedule, we recommend doing so. If not:
- Indoor shoot: Work with the available light but bring a flash in case you need an additional light source.
- Outdoor shoot: Protect your gear and be creative with covered areas.
Guests
The host is unable to arrange the guests for the photoshoot session, what should they do?
ExperiencesEncourage the host to bring at least 1 family member or friend; however, If the host confirms they are unable to secure guests, you can offer to bring an interested friend or family member yourself. Otherwise, do your best to highlight intimacy and avoid empty shots as best as possible.ServicesOnly certain categories of services require guests. Our programs change quickly, so we cannot list them all here. We recommend checking the brief attached to the assignment to identify whether or not the session should have guests present. In general, fitness and beauty services benefit from having 2-3 guests to emulate what the actual service would be like. Food preparation or catering Services typically do not require guests.
The host doesn't want guests present at the photoshoot. What do I do?
ExperiencesLet the host know that it's strongly encouraged to include at least one person to act as a guest for the shoot in order to best represent their experience. If they are still insistent, please have them reach out to photography@airbnb.com so we can advise as to whether the shoot should proceed.ServicesOnly certain services categories require guests. Our programs change quickly, so we cannot list them all here. We recommend checking the brief attached to the assignment to identify whether or not the session should have guests present. In general, fitness and beauty services benefit from having 2-3 guests to emulate what the actual service would be like. Food preparation or catering services typically do not require guests.
The host plans to conduct the photoshoot with a large group of paying guests. What’s the best way to manage release form collection for a group of this size?
It's preferred that the host invite 1-2 friends or family members to act as guests for this photoshoot. Alternatively, the host can ask paying guests in advance if they’re comfortable signing a release form and only include those who agree in your final upload.
What if some guests refuse to be photographed or sign the release form? What do I do?
This is tricky! Do your best to keep a note for yourself describing the clothes/appearance of the people who do not want to be photographed.Avoid capturing them during the photoshoot by avoiding their face, and looking for angles that don't include them in the foreground. When possible, focus on the people who did sign the model release forms. When you submit the assignment, be sure to add the note to the photo editors indicating who should be avoided in the final selection, including any detail you can about their clothing/appearance.
In the case of minors participating as guests, do they need to sign the release form themselves, or is a signature from their legal guardian sufficient?
If there are minors present at the photoshoot, their guardian will need to be present and sign their appearance release on their behalf. It’s also very important to take a photo of the minor and their guardian both holding their completed model releases.
Photoshoot
Who is responsible for bringing model release forms and ensuring they’re signed?
The photographer is responsible for managing model releases. Before the shoot, reach out to the host to confirm how many guests will be present. Print enough release forms (bring extras just in case), distribute them to all participating guests before the shoot, and photograph each person holding their signed form.
What should I do if the location is too dark to photograph with natural light?
We understand that lighting conditions can vary. Use your best judgment to assess the space and subject. You may use a flash if necessary. Evaluate the layout, distance, and materials in the room to find the most effective lighting approach. Prioritize clear, well-lit images that best showcase the experience.
The photoshoot takes place in a busy or public space (e.g., bar, street). Do I need signed releases from everyone in the background?
No, you don’t need releases from people who appear incidentally in the background. Only those who are recognizable in the images will need to sign a release form. When possible, ask the host to schedule during quieter times, or move to a less crowded area to minimize background distractions and maintain focus on the experience.
The content of this page is proprietary and confidential information of Airbnb and shall not be used, disclosed or reproduced, in whole or in part, for any purpose without the prior written consent of Airbnb.Questions?
photography@airbnb.com