Why Photos Matter
Guests decide whether to click on a listing in under 3 seconds — and that decision is driven almost entirely by the cover photo. Properties with high-quality photos receive significantly more bookings than comparable properties with poor photos, at the same price point.
Equipment
You do not need a professional camera. A recent smartphone (iPhone 13 or newer, any flagship Android) is more than sufficient if used correctly. What matters is light, angles, and preparation — not the camera.
The Golden Rule: Natural Light
- Shoot during the day with all curtains and blinds fully open
- The best time is mid-morning (9–11 AM) for most rooms
- Turn off indoor lighting — mixed light (warm bulbs + daylight) creates an unappealing orange cast in photos
- Overcast days are actually great — the light is soft and even with no harsh shadows
- Avoid shooting directly into windows (you will get a silhouette effect)
Angles and Composition
- Shoot from corner to corner — stand in one corner of a room and angle toward the opposite corner. This makes rooms look larger.
- Hold your phone at chest height, not eye level — slightly below eye level shows floors clearly
- Keep the camera level — crooked photos look unprofessional
- For outdoor areas, shoot from a slight elevation if possible (standing on a step, or from a higher floor looking out)
What to Photograph — Checklist
- ✅ Every bedroom — at least 2 angles each
- ✅ Bathrooms — clean, toilet seat down, fresh towels folded
- ✅ Living room — show the seating area clearly
- ✅ Kitchen / dining area
- ✅ Outdoor spaces — garden, terrace, pool, parking
- ✅ The view — if there is a good view from any window or terrace, photograph it
- ✅ Entry and exterior — front of house / building, gate, signage
- ✅ Unique features — heritage architecture, fireplace, jacuzzi, home theatre
- ✅ Amenities — AC, WiFi router (to show it exists), washing machine, etc.
Preparation Before Shooting
- Make beds with fresh, wrinkle-free linen
- Remove all personal items, clutter, and toiletries from surfaces
- Clean all mirrors and glass surfaces
- Add a small decorative touch — a plant, fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit
- Remove cars from the driveway if they obscure the house exterior
- Close toilet lids in bathrooms
Choosing Your Cover Photo
Your cover photo is the most important shot. It should be:
- The most attractive room or outdoor space
- Well-lit and uncluttered
- Horizontal (landscape) orientation
- A realistic representation — if guests arrive and it looks different, that is grounds for a complaint
Honesty is Required
Romancha's verification process includes a property walkthrough video. Photos must accurately represent the property. Guests who find a significant discrepancy between photos and reality can raise a dispute during the 24-hour check-in window. List accurately and your reviews will reflect that.
Minimum Requirements
- At least 5 photos are required to publish a listing
- Photos must be of the actual listed property — stock or AI-generated images are not permitted
- Minimum resolution: 1024×768 pixels