Does Airbnb still offer professional photography?

How the Airbnb Pro Photography program works in 2026

• You request a shoot from the host dashboard (it sits under "Elevate" tools). Availability depends on whether Airbnb has a contracted photographer in your area.
• Airbnb emails you a quote within about 72 hours. The Australian price is not published; hosts report it varies by city and property size.
• A photographer shoots in daylight only, 2–3 images per room, no drone, no twilight, no flash or HDR look.
• You receive 15–25 retouched images, live on your listing within roughly a week.
• The cost is deducted from your future payouts after the photos go live. One shoot per listing.

So "free" was true years ago and is not true now. It is a paid service billed through your payouts.

When Airbnb's program is the right call

• You are in a regional area with no local real estate or Airbnb photographer.
• You only list on Airbnb and never plan to use the photos anywhere else. (Airbnb program photos are licensed for Airbnb; check the terms before reusing them on Booking.com or your own site.)
• You are not in a hurry.

When a local photographer is better

• Speed. A week versus the same afternoon.
• Coverage. Every room plus the details and amenities Airbnb's brief skips.
• Ownership. You own the files and can use them on every platform.
• Add-ons. Drone, floor plans, a re-shoot of two rooms after you repaint. Airbnb's program does none of that.
• Price certainty. A published flat rate versus a quote you wait three days for.

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