Your hotel is on sale 24 hours a day, every day of the year on your website, competing with thousands of other properties.
So, how do you make sure your property stands out from the crowd? The best way to catch a potential customers eye is with stunning photography, showing your property at its very best. Tadhg Nathan is an experienced hotel photographer with a proven record of excellent results. Contact us today to learn more.
1. Consultation with your Hotel Photographer
It is so important to do your research and choose a photographer that suits the tone you have in mind and has a record of producing excellent, reliable results in a timely fashion. Consulting with your photographer means your visions align and you can discuss exactly how you’d like your property to be portrayed. You can also discuss unique features, shoot schedules, and learn how to properly prepare for your shoot.
2. Branding
Make a list of your properties brand assets, including anything that makes you unique. Make sure your hotel branding is visible in the photoshoot, removing anything that doesn’t fit with your desired image and anything that contains a brand other than your own.
3. Unique Selling Points Hotels have a distinctive look.
Sometimes it’s a case of, once you’ve seen one hotel function room, you’ve seen them all. Make sure you have a list of what makes you unique, both inside and outside of your property to help you stand out from the crowd. Giving your photographer this list is imperative and allows them to focus on what’s important on the day, ensuring you get the best results possible.
4. Shot List
Tell your photographer exactly what you’d like to be photographed and how many shots of each area you’d like. This will help them to plan the day properly and ensure nothing is overlooked. If you are new to this, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for advice. A good photographer will want the best results for their client and will be happy to help.
5. Staff Prep
Make sure your staff are aware that the photoshoot is going ahead in advance. This will give them a chance to ensure they look their best and their uniforms are perfect. You should also schedule time for them to pay extra special attention to cleaning, dusting, straightening up and refilling (refilling what?) throughout the shoot.
6. Props
The devil is in the detail so make sure your props are perfect, so they don’t detract from the image. Make sure bed skirts are pressed and perfect, pillows are plump and firm and add some attractive extras like a bottle of wine or a fruit bowl to help your guest imagine themselves enjoying a stay in your property.
7. Property Prep
Make sure to schedule maintenance for another day. Block off meeting and bedrooms and schedule extra time for cleaning and preparing them. Make sure outdoor areas are free of litter or obstructions (like cars or bins) and the grass is neat. Make sure everything you want to be in the shot (like meeting room props, fresh flowers, furniture) is clean, neat and tidy. You should also change lightbulbs in public areas and guest rooms to ensure your picture quality is as good as it can be. Your property is the star of the show and we want to make sure nothing detracts from it.
8. Walkaround day of shoot
Allowing your photographer to walk around and explore the hotel on the day of your shoot means they can get an idea of the best angles, lighting and exactly what they will or won’t need to get the best images possible. It also gives them an idea of the layout of the room, saving them time getting lost later in the day!
9. Teamwork on day
Teamwork is important in the run-up to and throughout the day, to make sure the hotel looks its best. On the day of the photoshoot, you should trust the professional to convey the vision you have agreed upon. It is best to have a representative from the hotel with your photographer in case any problems do arise, along with a porter or housekeeper in case anything needs to be reset.
10. Have fun!
The lead up to photoshoot days can be stressful for staff and management but there is no need for it to be a stressful day. Smiling faces and a pleasant atmosphere around the hotel makes the photos feel better, in turn making the hotel a more attractive place to visit. Make sure your website images are working as hard as they should be by contacting Tadhg Nathan Photography today. We specialise in hotel photography and can give you the very best advice and results from your photoshoot.
