The smallest details make the biggest difference in spectacular hotel/resort photography. Before each photo shoot, I meet with the management team and we visit each space and inspect for areas that may need improvement. This is a complimentary service I provide to all my clients because it allows us to be more efficient and create better images. You look good, I look good!
In my experience, if a potential guest sees a few blemishes, it undermines their confidence that the property is clean and well-maintained. They may or may not consciously identify what is “not right” but negatives are registered in their minds. Typically, the potential guest will compare images from hotel comps in the same general area. The hotel with the most perfect images usually wins out the majority of the time. My goal is to eliminate objections or concerns and assure your images are better than other comps..
Also, the hotel staff and sales team will be looking at these images for years; after a while, they’ll begin to focus on all the negatives of an image; thus undermining their confidence in their product. Perhaps the tips below seem elementary and common knowledge; however, in prepping for a photo shoot, there are so many things to address that sometimes the little details go unnoticed.
Here are a few useful and easy remedies for flawless hotel public spaces photography.
- Front Desks: Unless specifically requested, there should no guests or employees in the image. Remove all collateral from the composition unless it is a brand plaque. Less is best. Also, lower the computer monitors to be unnoticeable above the counter level. Clean and touch up the front of the front desk too. Paint over chipped wood, remove luggage/shoe scuff marks, etc. For reflective surfaces, clean thoroughly.
- Lobby Seating Area: It’s often unnecessary to photograph the entire lobby area in a single image. Instead, select areas and angles that best express the lobby area. Replace all light bulbs in ceilings and lamps. Over time, light bulbs emit different intensities and colors; make everything consistent by replacing bulbs. Turn seams of lamps away from the camera angle. Remove wrinkles wherever possible in sofas and chairs. Fluff the pillows. Sometimes it is necessary to remove some furniture to eliminate clutter or rearrange the furniture so that blemishes and stains are not visible. Make sure all plants are pruned and any dead foliage is removed.
- Snack Market: Refill all items with labels facing forward in the same direction. Turn all labels in the cooler to be uniform and straight. Thoroughly clean inside and outside of cooler doors. If there are strip lights angled toward the merchandise, turn the lights toward the floor to minimize hot spots on the merchandise.
- Fitness Center: Unplug and hide electrical cords behind the equipment. Thoroughly clean inside and outside windows. Replenish the towel supply – make it look full with consistent heights and folds. For free weights, place them in order of weight and turn them so the numbers are consistent and easily readable. For treadmills, remove the red emergency stop cords and stop the treadmill where there is no seam on the belt.
- Pool Area: Straighten all pool chaise lounges and place the backs in the same position. Open all umbrellas. Remove lifesaving rings and hooks. Turn off the pool pump to assure a smooth reflective pool surface. Turn irrigation system off. Remove all ashtrays and trash cans. If placing towels in chaise lounges, make sure they are all uniformly folded or rolled. Thoroughly clean the pool bottom and surface – get rid of leaves or other debris inside and around the pool area. Prune dead foliage from landscaping and replace mulch if possible. Kindly inform guests of a photo shoot and pool closure for the specific time of shooting; otherwise, post an employee to kindly alert guests that a shoot is in progress and to return later.
- Exteriors: Pressure wash the sidewalks and building if possible. Prune and remove dead foliage from trees, shrubs, flower gardens. Add new mulch if possible. Follow the guidelines for pool area if included in the exterior shot. For evening shots, turn on all lights in rooms, curtains open/shears closed within camera angle. Make sure all landscape lighting is operational and light bulbs are the same. If possible, replace all exterior bulbs for a more consistent appearance. Remove trash cans and cigarette extinguishers. If possible, disallow parking in front of the property to assure no vehicles are in the shot.
I would love to work with you on your next photography assignment. With more than 15 years’ experience working with all the major brands, luxury resorts, and boutique properties, I am certain I can help you increase occupancy and increase revenue while delivering exceptional images. Please call 312-402-5743 or email me today.