The difference between lifestyle and destination photography can be confusing for many hotels. Here is some information that might help you understand the difference between these types of photos and how you can use them in your marketing.

Lets look at them closely.

Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photos are shots that focus on the experience and mood that travelers may experience at a hotel. These photos typically capture guests having fun on the beach, relaxing in the pool or enjoying a meal at the hotel restaurant. These types of photos are meant to evoke emotions and give potential guests an idea of the kind of experience they can have at the hotel, and they usually feature people.

Examples of lifestyle photos:

Guests enjoying a meal on the restaurant terrace and enjoying the view of the sea
Family playing games in the pool and having fun together
Couple walking on the beach holding hands
A group of friends enjoying cocktails at the pool bar

Destination Photography

Destination photos focus on the area around the hotel and everything there is to do in the area. These photos can include landmarks, natural beauty and cultural events that are close to the hotel. The goal of destination photography is to show guests the diversity of the surrounding area and what is possible to experience when they choose to stay at the hotel. They are usually taken without people.

Examples of destination photos:

Photos of landmarks around the hotel, such as historic buildings or monuments.
Photos of natural beauty near the hotel, such as mountain peaks, waterfalls, beaches, etc.
Photos of cultural events and festivals around the hotel, such as markets, concerts, dance performances, etc.

These photos can also be combined into a single image or collage to give an overall impression of the hotel and its surroundings. It is important to choose high quality, professional photographs that best show the atmosphere of the hotel and its surroundings so that potential guests have the best idea of what to expect during their visit.
In addition to a good photographer, it is an advantage to work with experienced models and stylists. The resulting photos then look better.

How to use them in marketing

What type of photos you should use in marketing your hotel depends on your target audience and what you want to convey. If your guests are primarily interested in what kind of experiences they can have at your hotel, you can use more lifestyle photos. These photos can be placed on your website, in brochures and other marketing materials.
If, on the other hand, travelers are more interested in what there is to do around the hotel, then more destination photography is appropriate. You can use these photos as part of your presentation of the area and attractions near your hotel.
You can also combine both types of photos to give your marketing materials a comprehensive and inspiring view of your hotel and the surrounding area. Make sure that the photos are professional and of high quality so that potential guests can see all the beauty that your hotel and the surrounding area has to offer.
When taking these photos, it is advisable to consider the target audience and choose models accordingly. when it comes to families, the photos should mostly feature families. Are you targeting a more affluent clientele? Then the age and clothing of the models in the photos should also correspond to this, so that guests can identify with the photos.

There is no universal number for how many lifestyle and destination photos a hotel should have. The number of photos depends on many factors, such as the size of the hotel, its location and attractions in the area, the target group of guests, and more.
In general, a hotel should have enough photos to provide potential guests with as much information as possible about the hotel and its surroundings. It is recommended that the hotel should have at least 20-30 good quality photographs that best show the atmosphere and appearance of the hotel, its rooms, facilities and more.

Avoid stock photos. Although it may be tempting to buy stock photos, be cautious.
Feel free to use stock photos as backgrounds for social media material, but it's always better to use your own content on the hotel's website.
For one thing, the photographer will maintain consistency with your photos, they will be 100% your photos and no one else will use them. And you'll be sure that the rights to the photos are yours. So you won't have to deal with photos being stolen and having to download them in the future.
When you take your own photos, you will always have your target audience in mind and the photos will be unique.

However, it is also important to keep in mind that quantity is not always quality. Above all, a hotel should have high quality and professional photos that best showcase its uniqueness and appeal.

Are you missing destination and lifestyle photos? Let's fix that. Feel free to contact us and we will prepare a concept for you as well.