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Hotel Photography | The Ultimate Guide to Your Hotel Growth Success

-Hotel Photography-

Hotel photography is a thriving niche that combines elements of real estate and interior photography. Being a hotel photographer sounds like a dream job. However, if you start taking photos for hotels, you must produce exceptional results.

hotel photography

What is Hotel Photography?

Hotel photography focuses on capturing the essence of luxury and historic hotels from around the world.

Photography is very important in conversions because it is the first thing people see when they enter your site, and first impressions count!

Large images can be displayed full screen on a responsive website, immersing visitors in the experience you’re providing and encouraging them to book with confidence.

Images truly set the mood and tell the story quickly; the better the images, the better the story.

It is critical to communicate the services and unique features you provide to people through good photography because it is quick and easy for the consumer.

Hoteliers pour their hearts and souls into their establishments, and they deserve to have their hotel portrayed in the best light possible.

Quality hotel photography is a fundamental requirement of modern-day travel in any case.

Because when searching for a hotel online, the imagery is what gives the potential hotel guest the first impression.

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What Is the Role of a Hotel Photographer?

You’ve probably guessed that there’s more to this job than the title suggests. The primary goal of a hotel photographer, in our opinion, is to create images that showcase the clients at their best.

Hotels are also excellent places to work as a photographer.

They rarely require the services of a stylist because they are naturally beautiful. And they always seem to have everything you could need, such as ladders, napkins, and random decorations.

Of course, each hotel has a distinct personality, unique selling points, and a distinct ideal guest.

Showing your client their best entirely depends on what they offer and who they want to attract. Hotel Photography is about capturing more than just the bedrooms and common areas of the hotel.

The goal is to capture the essence of the hotel.

Things you remember when you return home, the details that make you happy at the time and create a connection:

Scented flowers by the bath, pillow gifts, cultural influences, historical references, tea on the terrace, a smiling face to greet you each morning.

We find the essence of a hotel in the details. It is the detail that conveys the feeling, the soul, the heart, and the very essence of the hotel.

Those features will set your hotel apart from the crowd.

hotel photography

Hotel Photography Tips

Quality photography of a hotel or resort is a necessary tool for online and print promotion.

Especially in today’s high-tech world, where our visual skills are constantly being used as we “read” and interpret the surrounding imagery.

Whether on a computer, mobile phone, tablet, TV, or in a glossy magazine. Superior images are both a necessary requirement and a wise investment in order for a hotel to stand out from the crowd.

There are a few aspects of hotel photography that can be challenging, but they are not insurmountable.

We list some things you can learn to maximize hotel shoots below.

‣ Display Some Human Presence

Your photographs may be stunning, but they may appear too rigid in the absence of a human presence.

At the end of the day, guests expect to be greeted by smiling people at check-in.

When selecting from the menu, they want to interact with a waiter.

Involve your employees in your photography. They are a part of the establishment and ensure that guests receive the best service possible.

A cheerful expression makes everything appear more inviting.

If you have the opportunity, include real people or models who use the facilities. This brings your images to life.

‣ Involve the Customer.

In this photography niche, client involvement is critical. Not just because they hired you for the position.

But because they are more knowledgeable about the brand and the facility than anyone else.

Clients in this genre are very clear about the message they want to convey. It is preferable to meet with them and discuss their suggestions.

If you have a complete brief, it will make your life easier and your workflow more efficient.

You can also create sketches or take a few test shots to show to your client.

You don’t want to redo everything, so check to see if you’re on the same page at the start.

‣ Showcase the Hotel’s Character.

Hotel photographers must ensure that their images reflect the personality of the hotel. This includes brand elements like the name and logo. 
 
The logo is frequently found throughout a facility. It could be on pillows, pens, or the reception desk. Make it unobtrusive, but include it in your photo.
 
The vibes and atmosphere are the other aspects of the establishment’s personality.
 
A luxury hotel has a distinct, distant, and elegant personality from a bed-and-breakfast. Photographers must be able to convey these personality traits through their images.

‣ Emphasize Special Amenities.

Is there anything special about the hotel? Highlight them in your photographs!

Is the hotel equipped with a spa? Or perhaps a jacuzzi in the bathrooms? Perhaps a breathtaking view of the ocean or the Eiffel Tower?

Highlight any features that can be used for events such as weddings or conferences.

Show it in your work if the bar has an excellent drink menu where business people like to hang out.

Make sure to incorporate them into your photography. These could be the final nudges for a guest to select a specific hotel.

‣ Take Pictures of the Outside, too.

Accommodation is made up of more than just rooms. Photograph the lobby, dining room, and exterior as well.

The guest’s first impression is of the building’s exterior. The exterior and surroundings will reveal a lot about the facility. Make sure you present it in the best possible light. Include the surroundings in your photography if you work for a resort.

Indicate whether the location is near the ocean. Take photos outside shortly after sunrise or during the golden hour.

These are the best times for lighting because the light diffuses softly. It is possible that you will need to schedule more than one day for your shoot.

When planning your work, keep the weather and the orientation of the property in mind.

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‣ Make Use of Your Interior Design Skills. 

In this field, you are frequently more than just a photographer. Having an eye for interior design can be extremely beneficial.

Consider the small details that make a space more inviting. Pillows should be fluffed up, and guest towels should be folded and placed on the bed. Decorate the reception area and lobby with flowers.

Include bowls of fresh fruit or pastry in your photographs of the dining room. How a bottle of champagne if the hotel provides one for honeymooners in your photos.

Give the place that extra touch that brings the sterile room to life.

‣ Take Note of the Composition

In hotel photography, the composition is critical. To create visually appealing images, apply the rule of thirds.

Don’t just photograph the interior! Consider it a blank canvas on which to express your creativity. Look for interesting details as you move around smaller objects.

Highlight any nice design elements in the room! Demonstrate how the hotel differs from the other options. An ideal lodging feels like home while also functioning as a castle where the guest is the king.

They should convey this dreamy feeling through the images.

Try to create images that appear to be complete, with the only thing missing being the guest.

hotel photography

‣ Use Creative Solutions to Declutter the Room

A hotel room must be clean and tidy. Do everything you can to make your own life easier.

Close the toilet lid, and smooth out every wrinkle in the bed. It takes much longer to correct these errors in post-processing. A fluffy bathing robe is every guest’s dream, but it doesn’t always look good in photographs.

Inform the clients about how to prepare for the shoot. They may be unaware of something that is obvious to your photographer’s eyes. If a cable is always in the way or the curtains fall from their places, come up with some creative solutions.

Sticky tape comes in handy at all times.

‣ Select Your Angles.

It’s tedious to shoot from eye level. This perspective will not produce exciting images.

To get a better perspective, lower yourself below eye level. This can help to reduce furniture distortion.

Shoot from higher than eye level if you want to capture a beautiful corridor or architectural design.

By adjusting the position of your camera, you can capture the entire scene in the frame.

In smaller rooms, shoot from the corners. This allows you to include more details in the frame.

Take a few test shots if you’re not sure which angle you want to use. Examine what works best for the situation.

‣ Make use of Natural or Artificial Lighting.

In hotel and architectural photography, lighting is critical. Nobody wants to stay in a room with the most attractive interior design if it’s as dark as a cave. When possible, use natural light.

Open the blinds and shutters. Avoid using flash or excessive artificial lighting, as these can create false impressions. You want to attract guests, but you don’t want to let them down. To get realistic images, I recommend using the HDR method.

There is a method I recommend if you want to experiment with artificial lighting.

It’s called motivated lighting, and it involves simulating natural light with artificial sources. It is frequently heard in the film industry. They can achieve this effect by placing artificial light that is similar to existing natural light.

For example, you could use strobes and place them near the window. You must avoid having the lighting in your frame.

This will be difficult with a wide-angle lens. If you have an assistant, they can move the light source around.

‣ Invest in Quality Equipment.

Professional equipment is required, just as it is in other photography niches.

Even if you are an influencer who prefers to shoot with your smartphone, I recommend investing in a high-quality camera. You’ll also need a sturdy tripod. You’ll be using a slower shutter speed, and you’ll want to avoid camera shake.

To capture the entire scene, use a wide-angle lens. A 16-35mm lens will suffice, allowing you to fit more into the frame.

You want to include as many details as possible in the room.

‣ Promote the Experience

The goal of hotel photography is to pique the viewer’s interest in booking that specific accommodation.

It’s not like interior photography, where the goal is to inspire the reader or sell the objects shown. It is also distinct from real estate photography in that a hotel does not wish to sell its rooms or property.

They wish to monetize the experience. Your photos must convey the promise of a memorable stay.

To accomplish this, you must create a consistent and pleasant atmosphere in your photographs. You must pay close attention to every detail, from the interior design to the unique amenities that the location provides.

Before you begin shooting, take a walk around the property and get to know it.

Your first impressions are important because guests will have the same ones.

Get to know the location you’ll be photographing. Turn the photos into stories about how lovely the location is.

‣ Before Photographing Guests, Double-Check

Each location appears to have its own policy regarding photographing people in hotels. Some hotels don’t mind, some discourage it but aren’t overly strict, and sometimes it’s outright forbidden.

Aside from that, It has been discovered that hotels in Asia are especially strict about not photographing their guests. In any case, inquire ahead of time if they have a policy.

It can be a little difficult when you’re shooting for a publication that wants the space to feel full and lively.

But the hotel doesn’t want you to photograph people.

You’ll almost certainly irritate someone, which is an unfortunate reality in that situation. Give it your all.

Hotel Photography Ideas For Managers

A good hotel photoshoot begins long before the photographer picks up his high-tech camera.

It all starts with meticulous shoot planning. So, make sure to hire a pro who is familiar with the industry and follow these guidelines:

‣ Schedule Ahead of Time 

Given how easy it is to contact someone at a hotel at almost any time of day or night,

There are a few reasons not to get in touch ahead of time and coordinate. Make sure to plan the photo shoot ahead of time. 

To get the most out of the shoot, try to maximize the time the photographer spends at your hotel. And, needless to say, avoid high season sessions.

‣ Consult with the Photographer

Give the photographer a list of the areas to be photographed and explain to him what you are attempting to communicate and enhance.

When it comes to food photography, be specific about what you want. A commercial food photography shoot can occasionally get a little specific, but the range isn’t that wide.

A good photographer may know a mind Jedi trick or two, but they are unlikely to be able to read your mind.

Talking with the photographer will help him decide on the style to use, the time of day to shoot, and so on.

‣The 15/15 Theory

Prepare all the shooting locations and rooms meticulously. Remove anything that could distract the photographer and attend to all details by physically hiding or removing room imperfections.

A simple 15-second action, such as hiding an electric cable, can save up to 15 minutes in Photoshop.

Because the photographer will bill you not only for the shooting but also for the post-production editing, try to avoid wasting time (and money).

‣ Be Present.

Be there with the photographer during the shoot.

If you can’t, ensure that a member of the hotel staff accompanies him for the duration of the shoot. This is critical because the photographer may encounter unexpected problems (broken lightbulb, stained carpet) that must be resolved immediately. 

Furthermore, by having you or a member of your team present, the photographer will be able to better understand your needs, preferences, and personal tastes.

‣ Don’t Pretend to be Frankenstein.

To increase direct bookings, a former client devised the following revolutionary idea:

“I will upload the worst photos on Booking.com and the best ones on my official website, so clients will book there and I’ll save a ton of commissions.”

Because brand consistency is the new SEO, make sure your images reflect your (current) brand. If you introduced a new room type and the photographer who took the original shots ten years ago is no longer available, reshoot.

It might be a good idea to re-shoot the entire hotel rather than creating a Frankenstein-like gallery comprising five different photoshoots.

FAQs on Hotel Photography

‣ Will Hotels let you Look at a Room Before you Actually Book it?

Yes, many hotels will gladly show you around a room before you decide to stay.

Because of industry standards for security, you may be asked to leave your driver’s license or passport at the front desk.

In addition, a hotel assistant manager or desk person will usually accompany you to the one or two rooms you are interested in. 

This way, they can show you around and answer any questions you may have.

Some hotels will not do this, even though they should, due to security concerns or another reason such as being shorthanded and unable to spare the people to bring you to a room.

Some may simply give you a key pass and tell you to go look for yourself, which is fine.

Although this is not the proper way to handle this request.

‣ Why Would a Hotel Deny a Potential Guest Room Rental?

Hotels may generally refuse accommodations to a prospective guest if the person is unwilling or unable to pay for a room or other establishment privileges.

If the individual is visibly under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or if the individual is causing a public nuisance.

Or if the person’s use of a room or accommodation would exceed the maximum capacity of the facility.

To avoid liability for refusing to receive a prospective guest, hotels must have a reasonable belief that the person is unable or unwilling to pay, intends to use the room or premises for an illegal purpose, or intends to bring a potentially dangerous object onto the premises.

‣ How can I Find out What Hotel Someone is in?

Depending on the person, their privacy measures, and the region they’re staying in, there are a variety of “social engineering” techniques that could be used to elicit this information.

If the potential range of hotels is limited, an easy way that sometimes works is to call hotels and confidently say “Can you please put me through to your guest, Mr Joe Smith?” and see how they respond.

They’ll probably tell you if Joe Smith isn’t staying there. “I’m sorry, but we don’t have a guest with that name staying with us.”

Any other response will be some form of confirmation, to varying degrees.

The best method would be to contact the individual directly and ask them.

Hotel policies will vary. However, guest confidentiality and privacy are of the utmost importance.

‣ Are there Cameras in Hotel Hallways?

In each and every hotel? No. However, it is becoming more common.

Some will want them to be noticeable, to alert you you are being watched.

Most good hotels have cameras that record every detail, such as every car entering the parking lot, a view of every room door, and every stairwell/elevator entrance… And you will be tested to prove that you belong there.

The ideal solution is to install hidden cameras in the hallways so that clients are unaware but management has footage if needed.

Many hotels have cameras in their corridors and other public areas.

Security is so inexpensive these days that it makes no sense not to have a camera in every room.

(With the exception of guest rooms and public restrooms, of course).

‣ What are Some Airbnb Photo Tips?

De-clutter and clean. Prepare each room separately. Before you begin taking Airbnb photos, inspect each room to ensure it is prepared and ready.

Make sure the curtains or blinds in the living room are open and that there are one or two magazines on the coffee table.

Turn on all the lights during the day; this will allow guests to see how clean your property is.

Shooting into a corner adds dimension to the composition of the photo.

It also provides a better perspective of the room space, making it appear larger and more inviting.

Take note of the details in your Airbnb photo. Take panoramic shots and use your Airbnb photos to paint a picture of a lifestyle.

‣ How can Hotels Use Social Media to Get More Guests?

Without a doubt, social media is a critical digital marketing tool for business promotion and advertisement.

Social media can expose your property in ways it has never been exposed before.

As a lodging provider, you can use various social channels to promote your property’s features and services, as well as interact with guests and potential guests.

These channels also allow you to promote your hotel as an experience rather than just a place to stay the night.

Hotel brands can communicate directly with guests through social media channels, allowing them to build meaningful relationships with them.

Because the hospitality industry provides a highly personalized experience that naturally encourages people to share and search for inspiring images, videos, travel hashtags, and testimonials, social media is the ideal platform.

‣ What Role Does Photography Play in the Tourism Industry?

Photographs play an important role in the promotion of tourism destinations, appearing in a variety of media such as brochures, television commercials, and picture postcards.

Meanwhile, the practice of photography is frequently thought to be inextricably linked to the condition of being a tourist.

Photographs are critical components that marketers incorporate into all of their marketing communication tools.

Many travel destinations, as evidenced by many brochures, websites, and billboards, depict the beauty of their locations through photographs in order to entice more travelers to visit their destinations.

Similarly, tourists use photographs as references when deciding where to spend their vacation.

‣ What Would be a Good way to Promote a Small Hotel?

Take advantage of social media. Social media is entirely free.

Millions of people use various forms of social media every day, so this is a huge opportunity for you to make your mark and reach a large audience.

Write blogs that are consistent with your brand. Well-written content can provide free advertising and promote positive word-of-mouth.

Make a Captivating Web Experience, Make sure you have a visually appealing, user-friendly website that visitors can easily navigate and interact with.

Provide Packages and Promotions, Customers love a good deal, and they’ll be more likely to stay at your hotel if you offer them an incentive or deals that they can’t get anywhere else.

Support Local Businesses, Supporting local businesses, from local produce to artwork and furniture, helps spread the word about your brand.

‣ Do Hotels take Customer Reviews in Public Platforms Seriously?

In today’s internet-driven world, more hotel guests can express their thoughts about your establishment in a matter of minutes.

Other potential hotel guests can hear and consider these early guests’ opinions.

Hotel reviews are important to hotel management for a variety of reasons.

You can also argue that something directly related to them to customers’ decisions to book with a particular establishment.

Customers can draw the conclusion that a hotel has a problem if there are many negative reviews about the same issue.

Furthermore, if hotels do not respond to negative guest reviews, it may show a larger problem.

To be honest, most customers use online reviews to help them choose a hotel.

Online reviews are important because they will be requested in the near and distant future, with increasing frequency.

Hotel photography is a fantastic and profitable niche. 

Your images are the most effective marketing tools, and brands are eager to invest in them. You could begin as a real estate or interior photographer and work your way up to the hotel niche.

Many hotels have also recognized the value of a social media audience. They frequently select travel bloggers and influencers.

Photographers working in this genre must be experts in their field. It’s a good idea to practice even when you’re on vacation. If you use the tips above, you can become one of the best photographers in your field!

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