Direct answer: professional photos are one of the cheapest upgrades a Montreux listing can make. Airbnb reports that listings using its professional photography saw a 19% net uplift in bookings on average over the following 365 days, though it stresses the figure is not guaranteed 1. A half-day shoot for a typical apartment is often paid back by a few extra nights, so lead with the lake view, light the rooms properly and keep roughly 20–25 well-ordered photos.
Guests decide in seconds. In a search grid they see one cover photo, a price and a rating, and the cover photo does most of the work. For a Montreux apartment the strongest asset is usually the view, and it is also the first thing weak photography wastes.
In a nutshell: shoot in good daylight, make the lake or mountain view the cover, order photos as a walk-through (living area, kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, balcony, building), caption each image, and re-shoot when the apartment or the season changes materially.
Photo: Pexels
Do professional photos really increase bookings?
Airbnb's own Pro Photo Program page reports a 19% net uplift in bookings over the next 365 days for Stays listings that used Airbnb Professional Photography, based on more than 14,700 listings in 2024–2025 1. Airbnb notes the figure is an average, not a guarantee, and the programme may not be offered in every market. Most Swiss hosts therefore hire a local real-estate or interior photographer, or shoot carefully themselves.
The shot list for a Montreux apartment
- Cover photo: the best room with the view in frame, shot in daylight. Avoid dark, wide shots of a bed.
- Living area: two angles, one wide and one showing seating.
- Kitchen and dining: clear counters, working lights on.
- Each bedroom: bed made with neutral linen; show storage and the sleeping capacity honestly.
- Bathrooms: clean, towels folded, no toiletries visible.
- Balcony or terrace: with and without furniture, if useful.
- View: one shot of what guests actually see from the window.
- Building and surroundings: entrance, lake promenade or station within walking distance.
Airbnb hosts commonly work with roughly 15–25 photos for a typical home, a range suggested by third-party host guides rather than a rule from the platform. Keep every photo useful: ten sharp, honest images beat thirty repetitive ones. Add a caption to each so search and screen readers can pick up the content.
When to shoot
Late morning to early afternoon gives the most even light. Choose a clear day so the lake and mountains show; if the view faces east or west, check when the sun hits the room. A summer or early-autumn shoot suits year-round use, while winter-specific images can be swapped in for the Christmas Market and ski season. Our property readiness checklist covers staging the apartment before the photographer arrives.
What does it cost?
Prices vary by photographer and apartment size, so request two or three quotes. As an indicative budget, a half-day shoot of an apartment is typically a few hundred francs, including editing. Compare that with the bookings it influences:
| Item | Illustrative figure |
|---|---|
| Shoot (indicative) | CHF 400 |
| Average nightly rate (example) | CHF 250 |
| Extra nights to cover the shoot | Under 2 nights |
Illustrative arithmetic, not a forecast: your rate and uplift will differ.
Licence, privacy and building rules
- Licence: make sure your agreement lets you use the images on Airbnb, Booking.com and your own site, and ask for the raw edited files.
- People and data: do not show guests, neighbours, personal documents or house numbers. See our guide to cameras and guest data in Switzerland.
- Common areas: if you shoot hallways or shared spaces in a condominium, check the building rules and tell the administrator beforehand.
- Accuracy: photos must match reality. Misleading images lead to bad reviews and refund requests; see reviews and reputation management.
After the shoot
Upload the new photos, move the best one to the cover position, and watch click-through and conversion for a few weeks before changing price. Photography works best alongside sensible rates; our Airbnb pricing strategy for Montreux shows how to set them. If you would rather not manage this yourself, RivieraHost coordinates photography as part of listing creation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional photographer for my Airbnb in Montreux?
It is not mandatory, but it is one of the highest-return upgrades. Airbnb reports a 19% average uplift in bookings for listings using its professional photography, with no guarantee for any individual listing.
How many photos should an Airbnb listing have?
Third-party host guides typically suggest roughly 15 to 25 photos for a normal apartment. Quality and order matter more than count: lead with the view and walk the guest through the apartment.
How much does apartment photography cost in Switzerland?
Prices vary, but a half-day shoot of an apartment is typically a few hundred francs including editing. Ask for two or three quotes and check the licence terms.
When is the best time of year to photograph a Montreux listing?
Choose a clear day around late morning to early afternoon for even light and a visible lake and mountains. Summer or early autumn is a good all-year baseline, with seasonal images added later.
Can I photograph the shared areas of my building?
Check your condominium rules and inform the administrator first. Never show neighbours, guests or personal details in any image.
Sources
Base yourself in Montreux
RivieraHost’s apartments sit steps from the lake — with kitchens, more space and better value than a hotel for families and groups. Every one is right on this guide’s doorstep.