6 Different Types of Hotel Photography – The Ultimate Guide

Hotel photography has become an essential tool in the hospitality industry. Images of the exterior, interior, food, lifestyle, and virtual tours of hotels, when captured properly, can be a powerful marketing tool for attracting guests.

With more people making decisions about their hotel stays online, it is crucial that hotels invest in professional hotel photography to showcase their unique features, and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

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In this article, we will dive into the different types of hotel photography, discuss their importance, and provide examples of how the top hotels in the industry are using them to gain an edge over their competitors.

1. Exterior Photography

The exterior of a hotel is the first thing that potential guests see. Because of this, hotels need to take the best pictures they can of their buildings, landscapes, and surroundings. A great exterior photograph should be able to convey the hotel’s location, its ambiance, and the overall impression that the hotel wishes to make. A hotel’s exterior photograph is the first impression that a potential guest will have of the hotel, and it needs to be a good one.

One way to get the best shots of the outside of a hotel is to use natural light to show off its unique features. When the light is just right, the textures of the building and landscape can come alive, resulting in a visually stunning image.

Another technique is to use unique angles to show the building in a new and exciting way. For example, a drone shot of the hotel’s exterior can provide a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area, which can be used to showcase the hotel’s proximity to tourist attractions, landmarks, or other unique features.

Example Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Thailand, is a great example of a hotel that uses exterior photography to its advantage. The hotel is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and its exterior photograph captures the lush greenery, the clear blue water, and the towering buildings that surround it. The photo’s unique angle and perfect lighting highlight the beauty of the location, and evoke a sense of luxury and exclusivity.

2. Interior Photography

Once guests step inside a hotel, the interior design and decor are the next things that catch their attention. A photo of the hotel’s interior should be able to show off its unique design, amenities, and atmosphere. Great interior photography can convey the hotel’s style and atmosphere, and give potential guests an idea of what they can expect during their stay.

When it comes to interior photography, lighting is key. A properly lit room can make all the difference in creating an inviting and visually appealing space.

Using the right equipment is another important tip for getting the best shots inside. Professional cameras and lenses can capture details and colors that the naked eye may not see. It’s also important to think about composition and angles, and how they can showcase the room’s unique features.

Example Wynn Las Vegas

The Wynn Las Vegas is an excellent example of a hotel that uses interior photography to its advantage. The hotel’s interior is opulent, with lush fabrics, intricate details, and gold accents. The hotel’s interior photography does a great job of showing these things. It shows how luxurious the rooms are and how much attention to detail the hotel is known for.

3. Food Photography

Food is an essential part of the hotel experience. In today’s age of social media, guests often share their dining experiences online, making food photography an important part of a hotel’s marketing strategy. A great food photograph should be able to convey the texture, colors, and flavors of the food, and create a sense of desire in the viewer.

To capture the best food shots, it’s essential to use the proper lighting, composition, and styling. Natural light is often the best choice, as it can bring out the natural colors of the food.

Composition is also important, as the right angle can highlight the food’s unique features, and create a sense of depth and dimension. Styling is also key, as it can help create a cohesive and visually appealing scene.

Example Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong

Many hotels have recognized the importance of food photography, and have made it a focal point of their marketing strategy. The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, for example, is known for its exquisite cuisine, and has taken full advantage of food photography to showcase its dining experiences.

The hotel’s food photographs are well-lit, with vibrant colors and careful attention to detail. Every picture shows how beautiful and detailed their dishes are, from their dim sum to their dessert platters.

4. Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photography has become increasingly popular in the hospitality industry, as it can help guests visualize what it would be like to stay at a particular hotel. These photographs capture guests enjoying the amenities and experiences that the hotel has to offer, and can create an emotional connection between the viewer and the hotel.

To create great lifestyle photographs, it’s important to capture guests in their element, and showcase the hotel’s unique features. For example, a photograph of guests lounging by the pool can convey a sense of relaxation and luxury, while a photograph of guests enjoying a spa treatment can evoke a sense of rejuvenation and tranquility.

Lighting and composition are also important because they can help make an image that looks good and makes people feel something.

Example Aman Tokyo

The Aman Tokyo is a great example of a hotel that uses lifestyle photography to its advantage. The hotel’s lifestyle photographs showcase guests enjoying the hotel’s amenities and experiences, such as a yoga session in their expansive gym, or a meal in their high-end restaurant. The photographs capture the hotel’s sense of luxury and exclusivity, and create an emotional connection with the viewer.

5. Virtual Tours

In the hotel business, virtual tours are becoming more and more popular because they let potential guests look around a hotel before they book a room. Virtual tours can create a sense of immersion and familiarity, and can help guests visualize what it would be like to stay at a particular hotel.

It’s important to use the right tools and software to make a great virtual tour. A 360-degree camera can capture the entire room, while virtual tour software can help create a seamless and immersive experience for the viewer. It’s also important to highlight the hotel’s unique features, and create a sense of flow and progression throughout the tour.

Example Ritz Carlton NY

The Ritz Carlton in New York City is a great example of a hotel that uses virtual tours to its advantage. The hotel’s virtual tour allows potential guests to explore the entire property, from the lobby to the guest rooms, and everything in between. The tour is well-designed and seamless and allows viewers to visualize what it would be like to stay at the hotel.

6. Special Events

For hotels, event photography needs to be done by a professional who can capture the spirit of each event, whether it’s a wedding, a business meeting, a charity gala, or the launch of a new product. This specialized field demands a photographer who has a sharp eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry.

A good event photographer must be able to work in different places, with different groups of people, and in different lighting conditions, all while keeping a calm and professional attitude. They must be able to capture the important moments of each event, while also capturing the atmosphere and essence of the hotel in which the event takes place.

A successful event photographer can create a portfolio of images that showcase the hotel’s offerings and entice potential clients to book events in the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is needed to take professional hotel photographs?

Professional hotel photographs require specialized equipment, such as a high-quality camera, lenses, and lighting equipment. In addition, the photographer should have a strong understanding of composition, styling, and image editing software.

How can virtual tours benefit the hospitality industry?

Virtual tours can create a sense of immersion and familiarity for potential guests, allowing them to explore the hotel before booking a room. This can help guests make more informed decisions and increase their likelihood of choosing a particular hotel.

How can hotel photography be used to create an emotional connection with potential guests?

By using techniques such as lifestyle photography and showcasing unique features and amenities, hotel photography can create a sense of emotional connection between the viewer and the hotel. This can help potential guests feel more engaged and excited about the possibility of staying at the hotel.

How can hotels use food photography to attract guests?

By taking high-quality photographs of their dishes and presenting them in a visually appealing and appetizing way, hotels can showcase their culinary offerings and attract food-loving guests. It’s essential to use proper lighting, composition, and styling to create an image that is both visually appealing and true to the dish.

How has technology changed the way hotel photography is used in marketing?

With the rise of social media and online booking, hotel photography has become a crucial marketing tool for the hospitality industry. The use of virtual tours and high-quality photography has become increasingly important for attracting guests and standing out from the competition.

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Conclusion

In today’s competitive hospitality industry, professional hotel photography is essential for attracting guests and standing out from the competition. From exterior and interior photography to food, lifestyle, and virtual tours, there are many different types of hotel photography that can be used to create a visually appealing and emotionally impactful image.

By using the proper techniques and equipment, and highlighting the hotel’s unique features and amenities, hotels can create a powerful marketing tool that can attract potential guests and create a lasting impression.

Further readings:
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Ritz Carlton NY
Peninsula Hotel
Aman Tokyo
Wynn Las Vegas