Choosing the right image for your listing

A strong image can be the difference between someone scrolling past your event or clicking through to learn more.

Whether you’re a small venue, an independent organiser, or a destination partner uploading event listings on behalf of others, the image you choose plays a vital role in how your offer is seen.

1. Choose something real, not generic

Stock images might be tempting, but they rarely reflect the personality or authenticity of your event or venue. If you’re running a workshop, show the space. If you’re listing a live gig, use a photo from a past performance. People want to see what they’re actually signing up for.

Tip: If you’re taking a photo yourself, focus on atmosphere over perfection. A slightly grainy photo of a real experience is often more compelling than a glossy stock shot.

2. Use people, but use them well

Images that include people tend to perform better because they help others imagine themselves there. But keep it relevant. For a busy market or walking tour, show movement and interaction. For a quiet gallery or heritage site, wide shots with a few visitors can help convey scale without feeling overcrowded.

Tip: Avoid close-ups of faces unless you have permission, and try to show the activity, not just the setting.

3. Keep it clear and uncluttered

Busy backgrounds or overlaid text can make your listing look messy. Opt for images with one clear focal point: a stage, a set table, a person in action, or the front of your venue. Avoid posters or flyers. They’re not designed for digital discovery and can be hard to read on mobile.

Tip: If your event is visually dynamic, use that. But if the experience is more subtle, a clean, well-lit photo of the space often does more than you think.

4. Think mobile-first

Most people will first see your image on a phone. That means small, square, and scrollable. Avoid portrait photos with too much empty space and make sure the subject is centred. If your image gets cropped, the point should still come across.

Tip: Before you upload, preview your image at a small size to see how it holds up.

5. Match the mood

Your image sets the tone. A candlelit jazz night? Choose something warm and atmospheric. A family-friendly street fair? Go bright and energetic. Aim for emotional accuracy over visual perfection, it’ll make your listing more memorable and more clickable.

Tip: Try to choose an image that shows what it feels like to be there, not just what it looks like.

In Short: Show what it’s like to show up

You don’t need professional photography to make your listing work. You just need an image that’s honest, clear, and representative of the experience. If you’re uploading on behalf of others, encourage them to share images that reflect the energy and intention behind their event or venue.

Because when people can picture it, they’re far more likely to book it.