Why Great Imagery Is Essential When Listing Your Space

First Impressions Count: Make Yours Unforgettable with the Right Photos

Let’s be honest, most of us scroll through dozens of listings, and within a few seconds, we’ve already decided if we’re interested or not. It’s not the size of the room or even the price that catches our eye first - it’s the photos.

The reality is, no matter how incredible your space is in person, if the imagery doesn’t do it justice online, it’s going to get overlooked. Whether you're listing a boardroom, a wedding venue, a hot desk, or a creative studio, great photography isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to convert curious browsers into enthusiastic bookings.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through why good imagery matters, how it shapes perception, and what you can do to make your space shine online. Plus, if you're based in Auckland, we’ve got a special photography and videography package to help elevate your listing even further.

Why Imagery Matters So Much in the First Place

Photos Are the First Impression - Every Time
Think of your listing like an online dating profile. You might have a glowing description and stellar credentials, but it’s the pictures that stop people in their tracks.
A stunning, well-lit image can evoke a feeling, set a tone, and tell a story about your space, whether it’s cozy and creative, sleek and corporate, or lush and luxurious. A blurry, dark, or cluttered photo? That tells a story, too, but not the one you want.

When you upload images to your listing, they are quite literally the front door to your offering. The stronger the visual invitation, the more likely someone will click through, learn more, and reach out. 

Your Photos Shape Perception of Value
Professional-looking photos don’t just make your space look better, they can make it feel more premium. Even a modest space can come across as exclusive, inviting, or high-end with the right composition and lighting.

This perception of value can directly affect how people respond to your price, how seriously they take your listing, and whether they see your space as worth booking. If you’ve ever seen a beautifully photographed home on Airbnb and thought, “I’d love to stay there,” you’ve experienced this firsthand.

Better Imagery = More Clicks and Inquiries
Platforms like Sharedspace are visual-first. People scroll fast, and they’re drawn to listings that pop. Strong imagery increases click-through rates, which means more eyes on your listing, more time spent viewing your space, and more bookings in your inbox.

It’s simple: when your photos are eye-catching, people are more likely to stop, explore, and take action.

The Psychology Behind Strong Visuals

People Buy with Their Eyes
Before we book anything, we want to see it. And we don’t just want to see it, we want to feel something. Great imagery taps into that emotional response. It helps potential clients imagine themselves in the space: hosting their dream event, getting work done, or launching their next creative project.

Photos help people visualise potential. When you showcase your space in its best light, you help viewers see how it could work for them.

Visual Trust = Booking Confidence
When people see well-framed, high-resolution images, it signals that you care about your space and your presentation. It builds trust. Poor photos, or worse, none at all, can have the opposite effect: they raise red flags, create uncertainty, and reduce the likelihood of someone following up.

Good photos remove doubt and add clarity. They let people know exactly what they’re getting, which makes them feel more confident booking your space.

What Makes a Great Image? A Quick Checklist

1. Lighting is Everything
Natural light is your best friend. Shoot during the day, open those blinds, and avoid harsh overhead lighting if possible. Spaces look more inviting and expansive when bathed in soft, natural light.

2. Clean and Decluttered
Before you even pick up the camera, take a few moments to tidy up. Remove any unnecessary items or personal clutter. Less is more—it helps people focus on the structure, style, and feeling of the space.

3. Use a Tripod or Steady Shot
Blurry images are a big no. Whether you’re using a phone or a DSLR, stability is key. A tripod (or even resting your device on a solid surface) makes a world of difference.

4. Showcase Different Angles and Layouts
Don’t just snap one corner of the room. Give people a virtual tour, capture wide shots, detail shots, and images from different vantage points to provide a true sense of scale and layout.

5. Highlight Unique Features
Does your space have exposed beams, epic views, vintage furniture, or quirky lighting? Show it off! Unique features help your listing stand out and create visual interest.

How Many Images Should You Include?

When listing your space on Sharedspace, you can upload up to 10 images, and we recommend using all 10 to really showcase your space’s full potential.

Aim to include a mix of:
- A wide shot of the entire room

- Several shots from different angles

- Close-ups of interesting or premium features

- Images showing the space in use (e.g. styled for a wedding, meeting, shoot or event)

For your listing, use high-resolution landscape images to best suit the platform layout. But if you’ve got some amazing portrait-style imagery or video, don’t hold back; we may be able to feature it on our social media channels for extra exposure!

What About Video?

If a picture says a thousand words, a video says a million.

Short, professionally shot videos are a powerful way to bring your space to life. They help convey flow, scale, and atmosphere - things that still images just can’t quite capture. A walkthrough tour or a 15-second highlight reel is a great addition.

And with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts thriving, portrait-format video content can open up even more opportunities for us to help promote your space.

So if you have great footage, share it with us - it could end up being seen by thousands of potential clients!

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Photographer

Can You Do It Yourself?

Absolutely, but with some caveats. If you have a good eye for composition, access to natural light, and a high-quality camera or phone, you can capture decent photos yourself, especially with the help of online tutorials.

When to Bring in a Pro

If your space is high-end, used for events, or you’re serious about attracting regular bookings, it’s worth investing in professional photography. A pro will understand how to use light, framing, and editing to elevate your space and tell its story visually.

In many cases, the cost of professional images pays for itself after just one or two bookings.

Case Study: A Tale of Two Listings

Let’s say you have two coworking spaces listed at the same price point.

- Listing A has grainy, poorly lit photos taken in a rush.

- Listing B has warm, inviting photos that show the space styled for a team brainstorm, a quiet solo work session, and even a Friday drinks setup on the terrace.

Which one are you more likely to click on, inquire about, and remember? That’s the power of good imagery, it doesn’t just show a space; it shows what’s possible in that space.

Need a Hand? We've Got You Covered (Auckland Only)

If you’re based in Auckland and feeling like your images could use a refresh, we can help.

We offer a professional photography and videography package tailored for space listings. Whether you need a full shoot, some styled imagery, or a video walkthrough, our team can help capture your space at its very best. Get in touch today and let’s bring your space to life, visually.

Good Imagery Isn’t Just Pretty - It’s Powerful

In a world where attention spans are short and competition is high, your imagery can make or break your space listing. It’s not just about showing what your space looks like - it’s about conveying what it feels like and helping someone imagine being there.

So take the time to get it right. Tidy up, find the light, and tell your space’s story through visuals that pop.

And if you're in Auckland and ready to level up your listing, reach out to us about our photography and videography services. Your future bookings will thank you.