Hotel Photography Trends: What's New and What's Next in Hospitality Photography

As the hotel industry evolves, so do trends in hotel photography. With the rise of social media and the growing importance of visual storytelling, hotel and resorts are placing more emphasis on quality photography to attract and engage potential guests. Here are some of the latest hotel photography trends to watch:

    Authenticity and storytelling: One of the biggest trends in hotel photography is the emphasis on authentic, narrative-based visuals. Instead of staged, static photos, hotels are now looking for more dynamic, story-based images that capture the essence of their brand and offer insight into the guest experience. This can include shots of guests interacting with hotel amenities or candid shots of employees doing their daily work.

    Lifestyle photography: Another trend in hotel photography is the use of lifestyle images to convey the unique atmosphere and mood of the hotel. This could be shots of guests lounging by the pool, enjoying a meal in the hotel restaurant, or exploring the local area. Lifestyle photography can help hotels create a more aspirational, emotional connection with potential guests and set themselves apart from the competition.

    Aerial and drone photography: aerial and drone photography is becoming increasingly popular in hotel photography as it offers a unique perspective of the hotel and its surroundings. Aerial shots can highlight the hotel's location and proximity to local attractions, while drone shots can provide a bird's eye view of the hotel and show its size and layout.

    With the growing importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility, many hotels are looking for ways to showcase their green initiatives and environmental friendliness through photography. This can include images of the hotel's eco-friendly amenities, such as solar panels or green roofs, or photos of local conservation efforts and community involvement.

Some of the hottest trends in hospitality photography today include:

1. Minimalist compositions: less is often more when it comes to photographing hotel rooms and other spaces. Simple, clean compositions can be very effective in conveying the stylishness and sophistication of your property.

2. Short videos, not just for social media.

If you're like most hotel and resort photographers, you're always looking for new ways to differentiate yourself from the competition and attract more clients. And one way to do that is by creating short videos of your hotel or resort that can be used on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

3. Bold color schemes: bright, vibrant colors are in vogue.

 If your property has any colorful elements (such as bold artwork or brightly painted walls), show them off in your photo.

4. Local landmarks: Many travelers want to see photos of local landmarks and attractions when considering a vacation destination. If your hotel or resort is located near some famous landmarks, be sure to include them in your photo gallery.

5. Aerial photos: this is a great way to show the layout and location of your facility. If you're not comfortable using a drone yourself, consider hiring a professional photographer who specializes in this type of shot.

6. People having fun: Last but not least, don't forget to take a few shots of people having fun in your facility! Guests should be able to see themselves relaxing by the pool

Since hotel photography is constantly evolving, it's important for hotels and photographers to keep up with the latest trends and techniques. By embracing these trends and experimenting with new approaches, hotels can create compelling and eye-catching visuals that help them stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Hotel photography is an important tool for creating beautiful visuals to promote your hotel and resort. By following the right trends, you can create stunning photos that capture the unique experience of your destination. When it comes to creating content that engages potential guests and encourages more bookings, there are endless possibilities - from using aerial perspectives to capturing moments of joy in a resort setting. By keeping up with the latest trends in hospitality photography, you'll be able to create compelling images for your establishment that won't be easily forgotten.

The ROI of Professional Hotel Photography: Why it's Worth the Investment for Your Hotel Brand

It's essential for a hotel brand to have a strong visual identity that resonates with your target audience. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through high-quality professional hotel photography. However, many hotel brands are hesitant to invest in professional photography due to cost and ROI concerns. In this article, we'll explore why it pays to invest in professional hotel photography and how it can deliver tangible business results.

If you manage a hotel, then you know that quality photography is essential to attracting guests. But you may not realize that professional hotel photography can actually help you boost your bottom line. That's right - with the right photographer, your investment will pay off in the form of increased bookings and higher revenue.

So how does it work? Professional hotel photographers have the experience and expertise to capture your hotel in the best possible light. They know how to highlight the unique features that make your hotel stand out above the competition. And they can even help you showcase your rooms and amenities in new and innovative ways.

Hotel Kings Court

Find out how to find a photographer to be a true professional and deliver what you envision here in this article.

The result is photos that catch the eye and get potential guests to book a stay at your hotel. But don't just take our word for it - studies have shown that hotels with professional photography experience an average 20% increase in bookings. So if you want to boost your business, it's time to invest in professional hotel photography.

    Stand out in a crowded market

The hospitality industry is highly competitive and it's more important than ever to stand out in the crowd. Professional hotel photography can help you achieve this by creating a visual identity that sets your brand apart. By presenting your property in the best light, you can make a lasting impression on potential guests and increase the likelihood that they will choose your hotel over your competitors.

For inspiration on what to have photographed, click here.

    Increase the number of direct bookings

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential. Professional hotel photography can help you achieve this by creating a visually engaging website that captures the essence of your brand. By showcasing high-quality photos of your accommodation, amenities, and guest experience, you can increase the likelihood that visitors will book directly on your website rather than on third-party sites. This can help you reduce commission costs and increase profitability.

    Encourage social media engagement

Social media is a powerful tool for hotel brands and quality photography is essential to increase engagement on these platforms. By sharing visually stunning images and short videos from your establishment, you can increase the likelihood that followers will like, comment and share your content. This can help you reach a wider audience and increase brand awareness.

    Increase revenue

Ultimately, the return on investment for professional hotel photography is based on revenue. By investing in high-quality photography, you can increase the likelihood that potential guests will choose your hotel, book directly on your website, and share your content on social media. This can help you increase occupancy, boost the average daily rate (ADR), and ultimately grow revenue.

ROI: Measuring the results of professional hotel photography

As a hotelier, you're always looking for new ways to increase your ROI. And when it comes to professional hotel photography, you can definitely see the results of your investment!

Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Here are a few ways professional hotel photography can help increase your ROI:

1. Boost your online presence - Having professional photos of your hotel will make your website and online listings look more upscale and inviting, which will help attract more visitors.

2. Helps you stand out from the competition - With so many hotels competing for attention online, high-quality photos can help you stand out from the crowd and attract potential guests.

3. Increases bookings and revenue - Professional hotel photography has been proven to increase bookings and revenue by up to 20-25%

4. Improves your brand image - High-quality photography will show your hotel in the best light and help improve your overall brand image.

5. Increases social media engagement - People love to share beautiful photos on social media, so professionally taken images of your hotel are sure to get people talking (and sharing).

How to maximize your return on investment in professional hotel photography

The return on investment (ROI) from professional hotel photography isn't always easy to figure out. However, there are certain things you can do to maximize your ROI.

1. Make sure your photos are of high quality. It may seem like a given, but it's important to ensure that the photos are clear and well-lit. Poor-quality photos will not only put off potential guests but will also reflect poorly on your hotel.

2. Use different photos. Don't just use one or two photos of your hotel - use a variety of shots that show different aspects of your establishment. Potential guests want to see what your hotel looks like inside and out, so be sure to include both types of shots in your photo gallery.

3. Use different types of media. In addition to traditional photos, consider using cinemagraphs or videos so potential guests can really get a feel for your hotel. These types of multimedia can be very helpful in increasing conversion rates.

4. Keep photos updated: Make sure to update your photo gallery regularly, especially if you are making changes to the property or renovating guest rooms. Outdated photos will result in nothing but frustration for potential guests who are trying to get an idea of what your hotel currently looks like.

The lifespan of quality photos is anything between 5-10 years, but it depends on the hotel's modifications.

Marriott Hotel

In conclusion, professional hotel photography is a meaningful investment that can help your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace, increase direct bookings, boost social media engagement, and increase revenue. By working with an experienced photographer who understands the unique needs of the hotel industry, you can create a visual identity that will resonate with your target audience and deliver tangible business results.