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How Professional Resort Photographs Boosts Bookings

In the series of our Hospitality Photography blogs, this article will educate the luxury hotels, boutique hotels and Airbnb owners regarding the advantages of professional resort photographs or hotel photographs.

Being in Hospitality business it is a must to showcase your resort and the experiences you’re going to offer to guests.

Yes, Resort Photographs Can Boost Bookings!

Getting people to interact with your brand on different platforms takes time and patience, but can be an effective marketing tool when deployed correctly. The way businesses are using content as part of their inbound marketing strategies is evolving. People have always loved to see a well-curated photo or video, thus these are new opportunities to generate leads.

With professional resort photographs, you can supercharge your sales funnel and can help your business with its marketing.

Before hiring a professional photographer for hotel or resort photography there are a few important things that you shall tick off the list. We have mentioned some points to keep in mind while getting the photos clicked.

Crafting a Distinct Brand Identity for Your Resort

Some preparations should be made before the photographer arrives to capture images of your luxury resort or hotel from your end. Let’s begin with a simple activity, write down the answers to these two questions. They will serve as a roadmap to the whole mission.

Question 1: What is the Identity you want to create through your Brand?

Question 2: What’s so unique about your Resort/Hotel/Airbnb?

Once you answer these, then you will be better able to share with the photographer what your aim is and get the most out of the investment you are making. Keeping the answers in mind, capture amazing resort photographs.

Variety is The Spice of Life

Ensure all the features and amenities are being photographed by the photographer you are going to hire. In order to get any multi-purpose space clicked. It shall be set prior to being photographed to display the variety of purposes that space can serve. Ask them if the space is functional, organised, and thoroughly cleaned before the shot.

If any area requires some particular styling to be clicked, then ask them to do the arrangements.

This will convince your guests and ensure they are going to have a luxurious stay with all things they need. Creating a snug ambiance with fashionable fabric choices will tempt guests to take advantage of your room services.

Marie Kondo’s Method

Ask your housekeeping team to clean and arrange all the areas of the resort be it rooms, lounge, pool area, etc. Keep the elements that add beauty to the frame and remove those that don’t.

We could not stress enough upon the fact that washrooms are a key factor for guests to do the bookings. Always keep one housekeeping staff tagged along with the photographer to solve any cleaning issue there and then.

Moreover, keep all the departments of your resort in the loop as it will quicken the whole photography process.

If any other prop is missing to make a space more lively and functional then place it. Make it a team project and explain staff members the purpose and need of the shoot. This will bring more guests and consequently good incentives.

We Eat With Our Eyes First

You must understand that the dining experience starts long before the first bite. Hence, showcase your culinary creations in a way that promises an unforgettable dining experience.

The food preparation and plating shall visually tantalise guests from the very beginning. If there are any local delicacies, make sure to get them clicked as well to share the experience of food and drinks you’re going to offer them.

Moreover, you can include other aspects to display the rich culture and heritage of your state or country to guests. This will explain to you that the Food Photography is equally important for your resort bookings.

Lights, Camera, Action!

While the photography session is going, be there or appoint a housekeeping staff to shadow the photography team so if there is any need it can be dealt ASAP. She/he shall switch lights and snatch the curtain in order to let the maximum lights in.

Plus, an authoritative person who can communicate and command all the departments per the needs of the shoot.

If budget allows, bring onboard an interior stylist to enhance the space, making the property look more aesthetically desirable.

Be A Local Guide

You can share the story behind the theme and story of establishing the resort your vision that can be incorporated in photos.

Ask the professional photographer to spin a story and while capturing your resort but also add other nearby tourist attractions, to put it on social media or the resort’s website. This will draw in a larger number of guests to your resort.

Per Stats

To give you a clearer picture of the above mentioned points we have attached some stats. According to data collected in 2022, following points are seen as a trend and impact of getting hospitality photography done by a professional.

Hike in Booking: Per VFM Leonardo, resort or hotels having high-quality photographs achieved 63% more bookings than those having low-quality ones.
Visibility and Engagement Online: Those who list professionally clicked resort photographs were likely to receive more engagement and views on booking portals namely, Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia.
Increase in Room Rates: The resorts hired professional hospitality photographers were able to increase their rooms price by 44%, per Fstoppers’s survey.

Summary

In conclusion, professional resort photographs is an indispensable asset for resorts, luxury hotels, boutique hotels and Airbnb. To ensure a successful hospitality photography project, keep in mind the key considerations shared above.

Maintain a strong presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, with a simple and catchy account name that guests can easily find and tag.

It’s not just about showcasing your physical space but also about conveying your brand identity, uniqueness, and the experience you offer to potential guests.

In the competitive world of hospitality, professional resort photographs and a strong online presence are essential for success.

Also Read:

Mastering Hotel Photography : Tips and Techniques

Resort Photography: Your Ticket to Guest Engagement

In fact, a study suggested that ninety-two percent agree that good resort or hotel photographs are important to make ‘the decision’. The most natural way we retain information these days is through images/ videos.

I am positive you will agree on the fact that while eagerly searching for hotel rooms for your vacations, the ones that make you stop and tap are those with the most appealing photos, even if the name is hard to pronounce. In fact, a study suggested that ninety-two percent agree that good resort or hotel photographs are important to make ‘the decision’. The most natural way we retain information these days is through images/ videos. Customers and prospects interact with your company if they see a professionally photographed property. Hence, the need for Resort Photography arrives.

Authenticity Matters

Do you really think that adding stock images to your resort websites or socials will bring you clients? They can easily make out when things are not authentic, don’t assume it is easy to fool them.

People have started taking their vacations seriously, they research well before tapping on the ‘Book Now’ button. We have around seven years of experience as professionals in this field, our hospitality portfolio is a mix of projects ranging from 5-star resorts to boutique stays and hotels hence you can trust us for the essential tips for your journey.

Let me brief a bit about the same, grab your notebook to list them up to convince yourself or your clients for professional resort photography.

Why Resort Photography Is Essential for Your Business?

When you think about the requirement to get your hotel or resort clicked, you might not come across these points, we have done a deep study for you.

Beginning with why there is a requirement to get your resort photographed by a professionals nowadays, reasons are:

First Impression

Per a research done, about sixty-five percent of the population was counted as visual learners. Apart from this, we as humans process the visual stimulus at lighting speed. This implies how impactful and significant an image can be.

The customers are going to judge your services and stay through the photos you share on social media or websites first.

What Is Seen Sells

You might come across the saying ‘What is seen sells.’ Therefore, the need for a professional photo session arrives. There is a reason why every competitor of yours is investing in professional resort photography for their resort.

The professionals will be able to seize the exact colour, vibe and essence of your resort rooms. They would be better able to showcase all the amazing features that your resort offers through the photos you share.

Therefore convincing them to ‘Book’ the stay at your resort. As the photos are the only source for them to know your facilities.

Capture The Emotions

With the right composition, light and shadows, you can spin a story that appeals to your potential guests at an emotional level. You would not require a supporting statement for humans being emotional.

It’s All About Business

With resort photography you aim to make your guests imagine the weekend they’re going to spend at your stay. You should give them all the best frames to manifest their vacation.

What We At Studio BluOra Offer

Since storytelling lies at the core of our process, we create and curate stunning images and document visual data that enable resorts, boutique stays, and hotels in powerful branding, marketing, and advertising. We have been associated with numerous Airbnb and StayVista locations.

With us you will be able to get your photos and videos shot as well as editing. You can check resort photographs & videos shot by the Studio BluOra team here.

Be like Bijapur Lodge

To provide you with an example how impactful professional Resort photography can be in yielding engagement, we’d like to share one of our recent success stories.

We had the privilege to do the photoshoot of the Bijapur Lodge, an eco-friendly retreat nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Rajasthan. The resort approached us with a specific goal in mind – to enhance their bookings and online presence.

Situated in a village of Jawai, this tranquil boutique hotel had garnered recognition from both national and international circles.

resort photography — Courtyard of Bijapur Lodge Captured by Studio BluOra

After beginning the journey with the professional captured photos they not only attract more bookings but has also earned a spot in renowned publications like Architectural Digest India, TRAVEL + LEISURE ASIA as well as Nature Safari India.

Conclusion:

The points discussed above might have stimulated some great ideas and convinced you about resort photography. To assist you with the same, we have summed up our years of experience in the field in the next blog; read it and begin now.

In that we have discussed some major hacks/tips that will help you with professional resort photography of your opulent hotel or resort.

Read Part Two:

Mastering Hotel Photography : Tips and Techniques

Mastering Hotel Photography : Tips and Techniques

In our previous blog post, we highlighted the growing importance of hotel photography. In today’s article, we’re delving deeper into the subject to provide you with invaluable tips for achieving stunning hospitality photographs that capture the essence of the luxury hotels, Airbnb, Boutique hotel, or resorts.

Pro Tips for Capturing Luxury

Photography serves umpteen purposes; we shall know what ours is.

Before taking professional photographs of any exquisite hotel, have a meetup with the client. While having the discussion ask them their purpose and expectations. At the same, it is equally important to communicate your terms and ideas you are moving forward with, for the project.

This conservation will set tone for the project and you will be better able to shoot and make the most out of the given time, while doing hotel photography.

Let’s begin!

Take a Close Look

It is very necessary to take photographs from different angles displaying all the amenities and services available for the guests. Before beginning with photography one shall experience the space and then think how things can be used at which place precisely.

Perspective plays an important role in making the indoors of the rooms look warm and cosy or big and airy at the same time. Try and capture the feel of the room, take close-up details as well. Make sure the horizontals and verticals are lined up perfectly, within every frame.

Housekeeping, Help!

Before beginning the shoot, tell your clients to ensure all the areas are speck and span. This will help in getting perfect clean photos. Everyone wants a clean and hygienic stay, especially the bathrooms.

If the hotel has different amenities, then ask them to clean beforehand for more impressive photos.

Golden hour & Blue Hour

Make use of the beautiful hues the Sun creates before and after. Hotel Photography requires every frame to be aesthetically pleasing, taking advantage of these hours is important.

(Fun Fact: Our company name is inspired by the enchanting “Blue Hour,” that captivating, fleeting 20-30 minute period when the magic truly unfolds.)

Bring into Being

Don’t just go and photograph as is. Try and imply what all can be added to enhance in the particular space you are shooting. If it requires cleaning, more light, another bedsheet, flowers in a vase, etc., check whether there is something that is not pleasing in the frame, and ask for the help politely.

Let The Good Light In

Speaking about our photography methods, we always prefer natural light over studio lights. While taking photos, try to utilise as much sunlight as possible. Open windows, draw curtains, and let the good light in.

While taking shots outdoors, avoid taking photos in harsh sunlight; instead, prefer golden hours for the softness.

Go The Extra Mile

If budget allows, arriving before and doing Recce will help you plan and execute professional photography sessions better. Also, it will serve as a conversation opener between you and your clients.

After this, brainstorm to know the potential of the project site and allow them to know your scope of delivering.

Empowering you to share and capture a broader range of content related to the hotel and its surroundings, which can attract a larger number of guests.

Staff, Smile Please!

Taking photos of the staff that are going to serve the guest will also help make the hotel more preferable. Capturing some in-between moments of their work sessions would be great.

For this make the hotel’s staff aware of the shoot day so they can come prepared in proper uniform. This will minimise unnecessary delays that go in preparation.

Summary

In conclusion, mastering the art of hotel photography is a crucial investment for any hotel in today’s digital age.

By following the tips provided in this article, including playing with angles, ensuring cleanliness, utilising natural light, being a local guide, and capturing your staff’s warmth, you can significantly enhance any hotel’s online presence.

Therefore, all the photographers tasked with capturing the essence of a hotel property, these insights will serve as your roadmap to create captivating hotel photographs that resonate with the target audience. Embrace the power of visual storytelling, and watch your work make a hotel’s appeal soar in the competitive world of hospitality.

Resort Photography: Your Ticket to Guest Engagement

Also Read:

Interior Photographer Mumbai

Boutique Hotel Experience and Hospitality Photography in Udaipur

Once in a while we come across such Hospitality Photography projects that stay with us. Couple of months back we travelled eight hours from Jaipur to reach the gorgeous city of lakes, Udaipur, to unveil this hidden gem. Sit back as we will take you through the mesmerising experience of a tranquil boutique hotel nestled in the serene outskirts of Udaipur, on an off-the-beaten-path.

Premkunj, a boutique hotel with eight uniquely crafted rooms offers guests a precisely tailored experience. This hotel is an absolute gem, offering the ideal opportunity to slow down and savour the experience instead of hastily rushing to other states on weekends.

Hike to Bahubali Hills

Our journey began with a sunrise hike for hotel photography through the Bahubali hills to highlight the secluded charm of the hotel’s location. The early morning hike gave us the perfect backdrop as these hills were less touristy at that time. The staff was of hospitable nature and kept us going by giving masala tea and cookies as refreshment in-between the shots. These little kind gestures made the times more memorable and fun cause it’s the little things that matters the most.

Hospitality Photography — Bahubali Hills, Udaipur

Meticulous Planning for the Perfect Shot

We were divided in three teams specifically assigned for hotel photography, videography, and captivating drone shots, to complete the project within a tight two-day timeframe. During our thorough location checking, we even studied the sun direction for optimal lighting.

Next day we started the day early, capturing soft morning outdoor shots, specifically the pool side. During the day we were busy seizing interior details to avoid harsh sunlight.

Hospitality Photography in Udaipur — Premkunj, Udaipur

Themed Rooms and Diverse Art Collections

Each spacious room is with a unique design theme, you will get the view of lush green forest and Aravalli hills as you step into the balcony. The place had a stunning pool at the heart of the property, complemented by exceptional hotel hospitality marked by polite and accommodating staff. The glimpse of Hospitality Photography in Udaipur is shared on YouTube, click here to watch.

As the client has a knack for art you will see a diverse art collection, and locally crafted Pichawai paintings on its walls added to the stay’s allure. Moreover, each artefact placed by the client spins a different story to the must-visit luxury hotel. We believe that while doing hotel photography, our role is not only to capture the aesthetics but also to convey the essence of each space. Hence, you will see the glimpse of these incredible curated artefacts as well.

Candlelit Magic: The Mesmerizing Evening Ambiance

Sarah and I overtook the heavy task of giving art direction for this Hospitality Photography project. We ensured we didn’t skip any frame per the client’s requirement. Once you visit this haven you wouldn’t want to leave, that we can assure you. Additionally, this site is part of the renowned RARE India collection of properties.

We also captured the property during the evening, showcasing the enchanting transition from dusk to night. The evening ambiance, illuminated by softly glowing candles, left us spellbound, enhancing our extraordinary experience regarding Hospitality photography. As Interior Design Photographer we showcased all the room’s incredible details and the hotel’s stunning architecture in one awesome visual story.

Sometimes all we need is break from the monotonous routine. Hence, spare some leisurely time at this picturesque serene place and rejuvenate yourself amidst greens.

Also Read:

Samskara Resort & Spa