AIRBNB SERVICES

Creative brief

Services listings rely on high-quality photos to inspire guests. This guide covers how to prepare for your photoshoot.
PART 1

Overview

The photos in display

The images will appear in four key sections of the services listing page, each with different crop ratios and specific purposes:
Four smartphone screens displaying an Airbnb service listing for a hairstylist, featuring options like professional hair styling, haircut with styling, and a gallery showcasing the stylist's work.

Cover photo

A clean, clear image that showcases the most iconic image illustrating the host’s expertise.

Offerings

Typically 3-6 images that clearly illustrate each of the host’s individual offerings.

Profile photo

A clear, friendly portrait of the host, cropped as a tight circle.

The gallery

A collection of additional images that tell the full story of the service and offerings.
PART 2

What to submit

Deliverables

Wide
Mid
Tight
Total
Cover photo
5-8
5-8
––
10-16
Profile photo
––
4-6
2-4
6-10
Offering photos
5-7
5-8
5-7
15-22
Gallery photos
6-7
5-7
4-6
15-20
Location photos
6-8
––
––
6-8
Total
20-27
19-29
11-17
50 Min*
* Model release photos are not included in total count
PART 3

Themes to capture

Cover photo

Capture the service in a simple, iconic way with full-bleed wallpaper, featuring the action at the center of the composition. The image should be simple, uncluttered, evenly lit, and focused on a candid moment that represents the service. The image should work at both horizontal (16:9) and square aspect ratios for multiple viewing formats. The final asset will have product buttons overlayed around the edges of the image, so a central focus on the subject matter is important.
An Airbnb app interface showcasing a service listing for hairstyling on a phone screen, alongside an image of a woman helping another person with a yoga pose on a purple mat in a spacious, wooden-floored room with greenery in the background.
An overhead view of a wooden table with various colorful plated dishes, including a central plate featuring roasted meat garnished with edible flowers and a balsamic glaze.
Food
A group of people practicing yoga outdoors in a sunny park, standing on yoga mats and doing side stretches under the shade of green trees.
Fitness
A close-up of a makeup artist's hand applying powder to the side of a woman's face using a brush, with the woman's blonde hair held back by a clip.
Beauty

Profile photo

Convey warmth, professionalism, and reliability through a portrait featuring the host’s face, neck, and shoulders (no full-body shots), with direct eye contact (no sunglasses) and a simple background using shallow depth of field. The final image will be cropped into a circle. Use a 50–80mm lens and direct the host to face the camera, take a deep breath, and offer a warm, natural smile. Capture a variety of portraits in different lighting/locations with varied but uncluttered backgrounds. Prioritize natural window light; turn off artificial lighting when possible.

Offering photos

Use shallow depth of field to frame the key action in the center, surrounded by negative space and a clean, uncluttered background. Focus on capturing the most distinctive moment or final product that represents each offering. If the activity results in a finished product, be sure to photograph it. Connect with the host beforehand to ensure they have outlined for you each offering you need to capture. Each offering image should feel distinct from one another.

Food

35-50mm | 3/4 angle and overhead compositions | Cohesive images | No guests neededChoose a single surface that contrasts with your plate color and set up your tripod — you’ll photograph every dish from the same position without moving it. Shoot near a window for the best natural light. No guests needed for food shots. Single dish: Photograph each plate one at a time, swapping dishes in and out of the same setup. Use a ¾ angle and leave equal negative space on all sides of the plate. Multiple dishes: If the chef offers multi-dish options, photograph them together to convey the full scope of the offering. Switch to an overhead angle so all dishes fit in the frame with equal spacing between them — close together, but not touching.

Chef prepared meal

Chef-prepared grilled artichokes with charred lemon, sauce, and fresh basil plated on a wooden board
Single dish (from above)
Plated chef-prepared dish with layered vegetables and sauce in a minimalist white bowl
Single dish (from 3/4 angle)
Chef-prepared plates of roasted fish and vegetables arranged on a table, showcasing an elegant meal service.
A few dishes (from above)
Colorful chef-prepared dinner spread with salmon, grilled vegetables, pasta, salads, and dessert on a wooden table.
Many dishes (from above)

Catering

Colorful chickpea and vegetable soup served in a bowl on a rustic wooden table for a catering service.
Single item (from above)
Colorful catered meal with a veggie burger, stuffed sweet potato, and hearty soup on a wooden table.
Several items (from 3/4)
Colorful chocolate-dipped strawberries neatly arranged on a display stand for a catered event.
Multiple items (from 3/4 angle)
Assorted catered meal boxes filled with rice, noodles, vegetables, shrimp, and chicken arranged in rows.
Bulk items (from 3/4 angle)

Beauty

24-50mm | Guest required for each offering | Shallow depth of fieldPhotograph at 24–50mm with a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject while leaving negative space around them. Avoid cropping at joints — don’t cut off hands, elbows, etc. Before the photoshoot, confirm with the host that guests will be present and that each service (soft glam, blowout, haircut, etc.) will be 95% complete by the time you arrive. This ensures the work is visible and you have enough time to capture each offering properly.
Person with long, wavy blonde hair in a robe, showcasing a fresh professional hairstyle service.
Young woman with long dark hair sits indoors with her eyes closed and a relaxed, content expression
Stylist showcases a guest’s long, wavy ponytail hairstyle inside a bright home near a window.
Close-up of a woman with long, wavy blonde hair, representing an Airbnb Service provider.
A close-up of a person's hair being styled with a curling iron, with sections pinned up using metal hair clips. The background features a light teal chair.
A hand with a tattoo of an eye and a diamond ring applies mascara to someone's hair near their face, with a green chair in the background.
A person with long, dark, wavy hair being styled with hairspray, wearing a blue and orange embroidered top, against a plain background.
A person in a black blazer with long hair applies makeup to another woman seated in a green chair, wearing a turquoise embroidered top and large, colorful earrings, in a well-lit interior space.

Fitness

16-24mm | 2-4 Guests required | Wider compositionPhotograph wider at 16-24mm, including mid to full body subjects with negative space surrounding the action (which can change based on how many people there are). If photographing indoors, consider using a tripod and/or indirect flash to ensure the subjects are lit, and in focus. Guests are needed for fitness services.
Two women exercising outdoors in a park, one stepping onto an orange and black platform while holding dumbbells, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
A group of people participating in an outdoor yoga session in a sunny park, with trees and grass in the background. A yoga instructor stands at the front, guiding participants as they stretch with their arms raised above their heads.
Two people practicing yoga in an outdoor park setting, performing the upward-facing dog pose on pink yoga mats, surrounded by green trees and grass on a sunny day.
Two people practicing a yoga stretch on purple and pink mats outdoors on a sunny day, with a pair of purple dumbbells on the asphalt nearby.
A fitness instructor assists a woman in a white tank top and blue leggings as she stretches her arm behind her back using a resistance band in a workout studio with exercise equipment on the wall.
Two people engaged in a workout session with battle ropes in a gym, one person in athletic shorts and a tank top and the other wearing a polo shirt and athletic pants, against a plain wall with a black stripe.
Two people in a brightly lit gym practicing boxing; one holds up punching mitts while the other takes a boxing stance with gloves on.
A fitness trainer holding a clipboard discusses a workout plan with a person in a gym, surrounded by exercise equipment and a mirrored wall.

Wellness & spa

35-50 mm | Guest required | Shallow depth of field | Tastefully covered upUse tighter focal points with shallow depth of field to isolate the action. Ensure the subject is tastefully and conservatively covered by a towel/robe/sheet, minimizing the amount of skin shown. Touch should be related only to the service rendered (therapeutic, professional).
Hands gently performing a massage on a person laying under a white sheet, showcasing a relaxing wellness service experience.
A services host is providing a massage for a guest.
A professional massage session featuring a therapist stretching a client's leg, with warm lighting and relaxing elements in the background.
A person receiving a massage on their upper back, showcasing a detailed tattoo of an eye surrounded by crescent moons and intricate designs.
A person receiving a relaxing hot stone massage, with smooth black stones placed on their back by a masseuse in a warm, serene setting.
Services host uses their elbow gently on on a client's back during a massage.
Close-up of a spa service featuring facial massage and healing crystals, highlighting wellness and holistic care experiences.
A person receiving a foot massage, highlighting a calming wellness experience offered as part of Airbnb’s services, with soft lighting and warm tones.

Gallery photos

The best way for guests to understand what they’re buying is to see it. For a service where the guest gets something “visual” (chef, prepared meals, catering, hair, nails, makeup), images help differentiate the listing. For services where the guest gets something "physical" (spa, massage, fitness), the take away may be more emotional or spiritual, rather than something you can capture.

Beauty

Hairstylist carefully trims a guest’s curly hair in a bright, modern beauty studio
Host in action
Stylist carefully trims a guest’s curly hair, highlighting a hands-on beauty service experience
Process details
Professional hairstyling tools laid out, with scissors in a leather belt surrounded by brushes, combs, and clips.
Tools & equipment
Person with voluminous curly auburn hair, styled naturally, highlighting a beauty service offering
Final product

Food

A wooden cutting board on a table holding a bowl of pasta topped with crispy bacon pieces, next to a plate with additional bacon slices. A kitchen countertop and stovetop are visible in the background.
Host in action
Close-up of a person using tongs and a ladle to serve creamy spaghetti from a metal mixing bowl, highlighting the rich, freshly prepared pasta.
Process details
Close-up of a person using a pasta maker to roll out fresh sheets of dough in a kitchen setting.
Tools & equipment
A close-up of a plated dish featuring grilled asparagus, golden potatoes, zucchini ribbons, and a piece of seared meat topped with a basil leaf, as a hand drizzles sauce over the meat.
Final product

Fitness

A fitness instructor in a red hoodie assists a man in a seated yoga pose on a mat in a grassy park surrounded by trees.
Host in action
A person practicing a yoga stretch on a mat in an outdoor grassy area, guided by an instructor who assists with posture adjustment.
Process details
A cork yoga block placed on a black yoga mat laid out on a grassy lawn, evoking a serene outdoor workout environment.
Tools & equipment
Two people doing yoga stretches on a grassy field near the Eiffel Tower, surrounded by trees, with yoga mats and a foam block visible.
Final product

Wellness & spa

An indoor spa setting featuring a massage therapist performing a back massage on a client, surrounded by calming candles and minimalistic furniture.
Host in action
A person receiving a relaxing facial massage with a warm amber massage tool near the ear, emphasizing wellness and spa care.
Process details
Relaxing spa setup featuring a lit candle, bottles of massage oil, a wooden bowl, a hand towel, a pink massage tool, and white stones on a gold table.
Tools & equipment
A tranquil wellness space featuring a massage table with fresh linens and a folded towel, complemented by soft, neutral tones in the decor.
Location
PART 4

Photoshoot details

Location

16-20mm | Empty location | Straight and parallel vertical linesInclude images of the location to clearly explain the type of location the service will be hosted at. Find out from the host which type of location the service typically takes place. It is the hosts job to select a relevant location to photograph at, and to get permission wherever they plan to photograph by getting a signed location release from the property owner or some other person authorized to give them permission.
Release formRelease form

Location examples

No matter where your service takes place; salon, restaurant, or park, be sure to include a variety of photos that clearly show the location. Clean, empty shots taken before the service starts help guests get a true feel for the space and what’s available. This makes it easier for guests to picture themselves there and know what to expect. Include a variety of straight-on and angled perspectives.
A clean and organized gym space featuring a Powerline cable crossover machine against a gray wall, showcasing the equipment available for guests.
Straight-on 1
Interior of a fitness space featuring weight training machines, stacks of weights, a workout bench, and a green turf strip for functional training, with exercise balls in the background.
Angled 1
A gym setup featuring a leg press machine, neatly arranged free weights, and racks for exercise accessories in a brightly lit room with a gray wall.
Straight-on 2
A gym interior with a hanging punching bag, a stationary bike, a weight bench, and a green turf section, showcasing the setup before use.
Angled 2

Lighting

Reach out to the host ahead of the photoshoot to identify the type of light available at the location (is it dark, bright, window light, artificial light, etc.). 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, when possible. Weather can significantly impact the light, so plan accordingly.

Model 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. If you cannot secure appearance, location, or materials release (as the case may be), then make an effort not to shoot the unreleased elements (appearance, location, or materials release (as the case may be), or make sure that they are not recognizable, as we will need to scrub or blur any unreleased elements from finished images, and we don’t want to compromise the quality of your images.
A person wearing a colorful patterned headscarf, white collared shirt, and dark overalls stands confidently in front of a textured stone wall, arms crossed.

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.
An inviting room with a wooden table surrounded by chairs, prepared for an activity involving botanical pressing. Behind the table, a glass wall reads 'Pressed Botanicals - Slow Pharmacy,' with natural decor and dried plants enhancing the ambiance.

Location release

Hosts (always) & location owner (or someone with authority to do so)The host will need to select the “location” box, and list the location title/address below. By checking this box, it means the host has gotten the approval needed to photograph at this location.
A stack of red Cookbooks on a countertop, with a jar of goods next to it and a bowl of Malaysian food depicted on the book cover.

Branding (names, signs, 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. The host will select the “Materials” box. They are required to list all branding being included in the images.

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.
Three people standing indoors, holding signed release forms against a backdrop of red and white hanging lanterns and shelves filled with books and supplies.

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.
Close-up of a person showing an Airbnb release form and pen in hand, standing in front of a shop with blurred background details.

Single photo

Or capture an individual photo of each participant.
A printed Airbnb Global Options Release Agreement form placed on a wooden surface, with fields for signature, name, email address, physical address, phone number, and effective date.

Form only

Capture the front of the document so that the information is legible. One per participant.
Download formDownload form

Photoshoot prep

Before the photoshoot

Contact host to identify:

  • Date/time of photoshoot
  • Location type - indoor, outdoor, mix
  • Light available at location(s)
  • Dark vs. bright, window light vs. artificial
  • Expected number of participants:
  • Friends, real guests, no guests
  • What the service entails
  • Specific offerings to capture in session

Contact host to confirm:

  • They’ve reviewed the host prep guide
  • Whether they have questions
  • Host has approval to photograph at location.
  • Explain the use of appearance, locations and materials releases.

Ahead of the photoshoot:

  • Check the weather
  • Print:
  • Deliverables checklist
  • Release forms (1 per participant)
  • Bring pens for participants to use

During the photoshoot

Before photoshoot

  • Arrive early
  • Scope out the space to identify/select:
  • Lighting
  • Backgrounds
  • Chat with host on photoshoot agenda

During photoshoot

  • Pass out release forms as participants arrive and ensure each completes a form
  • Photograph release forms:
  • participants holding release forms
  • front of releases flat on table
  • Capture all deliverables in brief

After experience

  • Review deliverables
  • Capture any missed shots
  • Confirm you have all release forms
  • Upload all assets to assignment in Navigate
  • Add notes, if applicable
Download PDFDownload PDF
PART 5

Examples

Successful examples

A successful photoshoot will clearly identify each of the hosts offerings through images that are simple, clean, and iconic. Many of the images will be seen in small formats, so it’s important that they are quick and easy to understand at a glance.
Smartphone screen displaying an Airbnb interface showcasing curated food services, with vibrant dishes like a sushi platter, fresh salad, and grilled meat on a wooden table in the background.
An Airbnb mobile app interface showcasing a service listing for yoga in nature, featuring a cover photo of several people practicing yoga on mats in a grassy park setting with trees in the background.
A smartphone screen displaying an Airbnb-style listing for a spa treatment service, showing a person receiving a luxurious hair wash and scalp massage in a modern salon setting.

What to avoid

Program resources

Explore our briefs for our other programs.
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