How to Make the Most of Your Professional Hotel Photo Shoot

Travelers are 150% more likely to engage with property pages that have at least 20 photos. Updating your advertising, website and social media pages with high-resolution property photos can make the difference between “must-book” and “keep looking!” Here are our tips to make your hotel photo-ready.

1. Schedule the shoot for a time when you’re available to participate.

By attending the photo shoot, you can ensure that the most important areas of your hotel property are captured. Talk to the photographer about your goals for each photo scene so that they can provide insight on the best angles and lighting to achieve your desired results.

Tip: Browse your competitor’s photos on TripAdvisor and Google to see what kind of shots your competitors use and get inspiration for any you might have forgotten.

2. Create a shot list.

Create a list of must-have photos for the photographer to use. Included on the list should be each of your room types, common areas like the lobby and breakfast room, and amenities such as the pool, hot tub and gym.

Tip: Once you create your list, ask a trusted employee to make one as well. That way you can compare and see if there is anything you missed.

3. Share a photo shoot action plan with your employees. 

Be sure your reservations and housekeeping staff members are aware of the photoshoot so that they can make sure that all necessary rooms are clean and available. Have your front desk person block off the parking spots in front of the main entrance to get the best view of your hotel’s exterior. Spray down the pool deck and parking lot with water to improve the look of your outdoor areas.

Tip: You never know what particular detail will catch a traveler’s attention. Ask housekeeping to stage the toiletries in the bathroom, and have your breakfast attendant make sure all the cereals are refilled.

4. Dress each room up for success. 

Add fresh cut flowers to the lobby, place a laptop on the work desk, and arrange towels and lemonade by the pool. By taking extra steps to “dress up” each photo shoot area, you’ll add visual interest to your hotel and help a guest to picture themselves enjoying each area.

Tip: Don’t go overboard adding in details thatåÊmight actually disappoint a guest checking in if it doesn’t exist. For instance, don’t show a refreshing cocktail in the lobby if you don’t actually have a bar.

5. Be authentic.

Research shows that travelers expect hoteliers to post photos that are an accurate description of the property. So, while you definitely should get photos that showcase your hotel at its best, you should also avoid any deceptive practices like making significant changes in Photoshop.

Tip: By providing an authentic look at your property, you’re much more likely to get happy guests reporting in their reviews that the property was as promised, rather than let-down guests saying that the photos can’t be trusted.

60% of a traveler’s decision to book is based on your photos! If your photos are dated, inaccurate, or just aren’t the best representation of your property, a photo shoot is a great investment in your property.