Host Outreach Preparation Materials
This page provides you with information on how to reach out to the Host, what to include in the outreach email, as well as answers frequently asked questions related to this stage of the process.
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Before contacting Hosts
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Suggested Email Templates
To locate the Host’s email, look in the assignment details in Navigate.You can leverage these templates by copy and pasting them into your email to Hosts.
Host outreach email template Initial message
Hello ______,My name is _________ and I’m a freelance photographer engaged in Airbnb’s Pro Photography Program. I have been assigned to photograph your listing _________, and I’m hoping we can start scheduling the photoshoot together. Here are some dates I currently have available:Option 1: Option 2: Option 3: If these dates don’t work, could you please provide a few options? Please note that I will need approximately ___ hours to complete the photoshoot. (If sunset photos are included in the assignment brief deliverables, then I’ll need to be on-site through sunset).I also encourage you to review Airbnb’s Host guide which will help you prepare for the photoshoot. If there are any shared amenities such as a swimming pool or gym that will require photography, please ensure we have any necessary approvals and can get access on the date of our shoot. Lastly, please let me know if there are any gate codes or other information I will need to enter the property. If you have any questions feel free to reply to this email or call me at ____________. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!Thanks, _____________*If you have any questions regarding this email, please reach out to the Airbnb photo team at photography@airbnb.com and they can answer any questions and confirm the contents of this email and the Airbnb Pro Photography Program.
Host unresponsive email template If you still haven’t heard from the Host after a week
Hello _______I’m just following up on the email I sent you last week. I still have not heard back from you regarding your availability. Please kindly respond with a few potential photoshoot dates.I currently have the following dates available:Option 1: Option 2: Option 3: 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, _______________
48 hours before photoshoot email template Sent through email, or text
Hello ______, I’m reaching out to remind you of our photoshoot for listing ___________ in 2 days. I will be arriving at _____. Please be sure your listing is prepared according to Airbnb’s Host guide. As a reminder, the Airbnb guidelines require all lights to be turned off. I may, however, need to turn on lights in rooms where natural lighting is inadequate. On average, the new, retouched images will be live on your Airbnb listing page within 7 to 10 business days. Thanks, ___________ *If you have any questions regarding the validity of this email, please reach out to the Airbnb photo team at photography@airbnb.com and they will confirm that I am a part of the Airbnb Pro Photography Program.
During the photoshoot
As a reminder, Airbnb’s expectations for our freelance photographer community is that you treat our Hosts, and all others with whom you engage, with respect as you would your normal clients. If Hosts have special requests, please try to complete them on site if you have the time. If you don’t have time, please let the Host know and send a note regarding the request with the asset delivery. This way we can set Host expectations.
During the photoshoot
As a reminder, Airbnb’s expectations for our freelance photographer community is that you treat our Hosts, and all others with whom you engage, with respect as you would your normal clients. If Hosts have special requests, please try to complete them on site if you have the time. If you don’t have time, please let the Host know and send a note regarding the request with the asset delivery. This way we can set Host expectations.
FAQs
How do I get access to the property?
You’ll need to communicate with your host beforehand to ensure you have access. There may be instances where the Host will provide you access to the listing without them being present. Please make sure to follow the guidelines from the Host and to handle their listing with utmost care.
Do I need to photograph shared amenities?
If your Host requests photos of shared amenities, please be sure to get clearance and access from the Host or property manager.
Do I need to photograph at sunset?
Most assignments will not require sunset photos. So it’s always important to review the assignment brief in Navigate to confirm whether or not sunset photos are required. When they are required, be sure to include that you’ll need to be onsite through sunset when you reach out to the Host. We ask that our photographers optimize for the best time of day possible (avoid harsh midday light).
Do I need to capture drone exteriors for this assignment?
If drone is required of the photoshoot you will see it in the ‘Style Guide’ in Navigate. This is why it’s important to always review the ‘Style Guide’ ahead of the photoshoot.
What if I don’t think I can complete this large listing photoshoot in one day?
If you feel a listing is too large for you to complete in one day, please contact photography@airbnb.com to let us know. In that communication, please send us the estimated time you think it would take to complete the shoot as required in our photo brief.
Will you compensate for travel?
The rate you see in your Navigate assignment will be inclusive of travel. On some rare occasions, we will reach out to you and offer an additional travel fee for photoshoots that require extra travel.