As March arrives, we have decided to bring you closer to the key photography trends that are crucial in hotel photography for the year. We will introduce you to the emerging trends in the hospitality industry that are important to capture in hotel presentations.

Sustainability

Sustainability has become an integral part of modern life. People are increasingly focusing on minimizing their ecological footprint and seeking ways to contribute to environmental protection. This trend is evident in all areas, from fashion to dining. People prefer recycled and eco-friendly products, minimize waste, and support companies actively involved in sustainable development.

How to showcase this trend in photography:

Towel Conservation Signs: Place a sign in the bathroom in a visible location, informing guests that if they throw a towel on the floor, it will be automatically picked up and laundered during cleaning. You can also include a message encouraging guests to be mindful of the environment and think twice about whether the towel really needs to be washed.
Large Shampoo Bottles: In today's world, hotel management is trying to reduce plastic waste by replacing small shampoo bottles with larger ones. Not only does this approach make the shampoo last longer, but it also helps the environment. More than 50% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean. When presenting your bathroom in photographs, showcase this shift to larger containers, both as part of the overall bathroom image and in detail.

The Key to your own room is this cute little bracelet you get when arriving at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort in Saudi Arabia

Wellbeing

In this year and the following, well-being takes precedence. People strive to find a balance between work and personal life, dedicating more time to their physical and mental health. Trends such as mindfulness, meditation, and self-care are becoming increasingly popular. Healthy eating, exercise, and relaxation are essential for overall well-being.

How to capture this trend in photography:

Relaxing Environment: Focus on capturing the environment that provides guests with a relaxing experience. It could be a comfortable bed with soft linens or a tastefully designed wellness area. If your hotel has wellness facilities such as a pool, sauna, or massage room, include these elements in your photographs to convey that guests can find relaxation and well-being here. We recommend taking photos both with and without models. Don't hesitate to capture details that convey comfort and relaxation.
Sharing Experiences: If possible, ask your guests to share their experiences at the hotel or wellness facility. Photographs of guests who are smiling and enjoying their stay are a great way to capture a positive atmosphere.

Image shot for Hotel Am Steinplatz, An Autograph Collection Hotel in Berlin

Eco-friendliness

Ecological sustainability is a pivotal element of many trends in 2023/24. People are striving to find eco-friendly alternatives in all areas of their lives. The fashion industry is witnessing a growing popularity of ethically produced and recycled materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. Companies are also focusing on minimizing waste and using renewable energy sources.

How to present this trend in photography:

Recycled Materials: Photograph furniture, decorations, or architectural elements made from recycled materials to support the image of your hotel's eco-friendliness.
Labels and Certifications: If your hotel has certifications or awards for its ecological efforts, showcase them in your photographs to emphasize your commitment to sustainability.
Green Activities: Capture photos of guests participating in eco-friendly activities, such as beach cleanups or tree planting, which promote the image of a sustainable and responsible hotel.
Hotel Garden and Self-sufficiency: Many hotels are trying to establish their gardens where they grow at least herbs for hotel use. If possible, showcase your garden in photos, depicting how you take care of it and what dishes you prepare from these ingredients. Capture areas near the hotel where employees grow herbs or compost kitchen leftovers.

Olive tree garden at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

Head to Tail

The head-to-tail trend introduces a new approach to food. People focus on utilizing the entire food product and minimizing waste. This means using all parts of meat, including organs, bones, and skin, as well as using fruit and vegetable peels to prepare tasty and creative dishes. The head-to-tail trend promotes sustainability and opens the door to new culinary experiences.

How to experiment with this trend:

Menu Experimentation: Try preparing a special menu in your restaurant according to this trend. This will introduce your guests to new culinary experiences.
Taste Waste: Present the process of cooking, working with ingredients, or the final dishes to show your commitment to this waste-minimizing approach.

Zero Waste

Zero Waste, or a waste-free lifestyle, is a significant trend in 2023. People are striving to minimize the waste they produce and are looking for ways to recycle, compost, and reuse. They shop with their containers, use fabric bags instead of plastic ones, and prefer products with minimal packaging. The Zero Waste movement encourages responsible and environmentally friendly use of natural resources.

How to present Zero Waste in the kitchen through photography:

Photograph Chefs Using Reusable Items: Capture chefs using cotton bags for bread, glass containers for food storage, or cleaning sponges made from recycled materials. This can provide practical tips for a Zero Waste lifestyle, even in the gastronomy industry.

Minimalism

An increasing number of people are opting for a minimalist lifestyle, getting rid of excess items and commitments. This trend reflects in household organization, fashion choices, and activity selection. People are looking for ways to enjoy life with fewer material possessions while spending more on experiences.

How to capture the minimalist lifestyle in photography:

Authenticity: Take photos that capture real moments and emotions. Pictures of guests having fun, relaxing, or enjoying a unique experience will appear more authentic than heavily edited and staged images.
Simplicity: In your room presentation photos, focus on the simplicity and functionality of the space. Highlight the most essential features and elements that will ensure a comfortable stay for your guests.

Local and Sustainable Food

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift towards consuming locally sourced and sustainable food. People are more concerned about the origins of their food and its impact on the environment. They prefer locally grown produce and products from farms and suppliers with transparent and ethical practices.

How to showcase local and sustainable food in photography:

Food Sources: Photograph the local farms, producers, or suppliers from whom you source your ingredients. This gives your guests insight into the origins of their meals.
Dish Presentation: Showcase the dishes on your menu that use local and sustainable ingredients. Make the ingredients' sources a part of the story by including them in your captions or image descriptions.

Summary

In the year 2023, several prominent trends are shaping the hotel industry and influencing guest preferences. As a hotelier, it's essential to adapt and reflect these trends in your photography to attract and engage potential guests. By focusing on sustainability, well-being, eco-friendliness, head-to-tail dining, zero waste, minimalism, local and sustainable food, and booking flexibility, you can create a compelling visual story for your hotel that resonates with contemporary travelers. These trends offer new opportunities to differentiate your hotel and appeal to a broader audience while also contributing to a more sustainable and responsible travel industry. Stay updated with the latest trends and continuously evolve your visual storytelling to remain relevant and competitive in the ever-changing hospitality landscape.