Assignments

This page will explain how assignments are created, how to navigate the tools to accept or decline assignments, and more.
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How assignments are created

There are two possible ways an assignment can be created. In either scenario, the payout to the photographer is the same:
A.

Host Requests Service 

In some instances Hosts request a professional photoshoot. When this happens, the assignment is created, and a local photographer is added to the assignment. In this case, Hosts are paying the cost of your photoshoot. 
B.

Promotional Offering

When the Host’s listing is part of a new campaign, we sometimes offer the photo service as a promotional offering, either at a discount, or in some cases for free. In this case, Airbnb is subsidizing the cost of the payments to the photographers.

Assignment journey

Receive assignment email

  • Open assignment email from ‘photography@airbnb.com’
  • Click on button linked to Navigate.
Important: add ‘notifications@photography.airbnb.com’ to your email contacts so messages don’t go to spam.
Screenshot of an email from Airbnb about a new opportunity on Navigate, with a pink 'Open Navigate' button to accept or decline the assignment.

Assignments in Navigate

The main dashboard in Navigate gives you access to all incoming and current assignment requests.
    1. The upper section of the Navigate dashboard hosts all new photoshoot opportunities.
    2. By clicking on the plus icon at the end of each new opportunity, the specific assignment page will open.
    3. You can toggle through different status’ to filter for the assignments at each stage of the production process.
    4. Get a sense of how your quality scores are measuring up to other photographers using the Insights tab (this is a new feature coming soon).
Keep in mind! You have 48 hours to accept or decline a shoot before it’s automatically declined. Once you accept, the assignment will then be visible under ‘Require my attention’.
Screenshot of the Navigate dashboard showing a new assignment in Rome, assignment filters like 'Coordination' and 'Upcoming,' and a 100% image quality score in the Insights section.

Accepting an assignment

Before making a decision on an assignment you can review the following assignment details:
  1. Status of the assignment
  2. Listing details
  3. Accept or Decline button
  4. Compensation for assignment
  5. Deliverables (this section may look different depending on which program you’re photographing for.) However it will always include the Creative Brief for the assignment.
Dashboard interface showing assignment details for 'Jody's art workshop,' including tabs for assignment steps, a 'Make a decision' section with Accept and Decline buttons, and details on compensation and deliverables.

Assignment details

    1. As mentioned, the deliverables may look different depending on the program. The homes program will include a shotlist (as seen here). However, all programs will link to the Creative Brief in this section. Be sure to review it before each assignment.
    2. If the Host has not provided dates, you’ll need to reach out to them, and then click this button to advance the options. Learn more about this process in the scheduling section below.
    3. You can find the hosts contact information, which you’ll need for contacting the host.
    4. Review the expected compensation for the assignment.
    5. Add personal notes (for yourself) on the assignment, communication, or photoshoot. You must click “Save” in order to save the note. Our team does not review these notes.
Screenshot of an Airbnb assignment interface showing deliverables, host contact information, compensation details, and a section for personal notes. The deliverables section lists rooms and spaces with required photo counts, and the host section includes email, phone number, and preferred language.

Scheduling Scenarios

The following scenarios will help you to schedule the photoshoot with the Host

If the Host wants to cancel the photoshoot

To cancel your photoshoot, login to Navigate:
  1. In the bottom right corner of Navigate, locate and click on the black circle with the question mark. This will open up a new chatbot interface.
  2. Click ‘I want to cancel the photoshoot.’
  3. Select the Cancellation reason.
  4. Virtual Assistant will guide you through the process.
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Uploading & Payments

This page will explain our expectations of deliverables, such as merging your bracketed DNGs, how to prep your files for upload, and how to use the uploading tool.
Explore the next section
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