Pre planning before the photoshoot
For Your Next Hotel Marketing Campaign
Why Planning Matters
Quality images are one of your hotel’s most valuable assets. They showcase what guests can expect and help sell the experience you offer. However, getting the best results requires thorough preparation before the photoshoot.
Photographers capture your vision with expert creativity, but they aren’t usually your art directors and can’t foresee every shot needed for your marketing campaigns. That’s why it’s essential to prepare a detailed shot list and ready the spaces to be photographed.
What to Plan for a Hotel Photography Photoshoot
1. Define the Overall Theme and Feel
Clarify the atmosphere and message your photos should convey. Your décor helps tell this story, but you must be clear on the shoot’s purpose beyond simply getting images.
Ask yourself:
- What’s the theme? Who are the target guests?
- What emotions should the photos evoke—relaxation, excitement, fun?
- Do you need models or props?
- Where will the images be used (website, social media, brochures)?
- What guest experience are you selling?
- Would a mood board help communicate your vision?
2. Create a Shot List
Your shot list should cover essential images you cannot do without but doesn’t need to be exhaustive.
Use these prompts:
- Which locations, rooms, bathrooms, lobbies, and hallways need photographing?
- Are there views, exterior shots, or aerial/drone photos you want?
- What macro shots (close-ups) highlight your hotel’s unique details?
- Any interesting features or amenities, like pools or spas?
- Would dawn, dusk, or night shots add value?
- Gather inspiration from competitors, admired hotels, Instagram, and Pinterest—but always keep your campaign’s purpose in mind.
Why It’s Worth Doing All This Work Beforehand:
- Maximize Time Efficiency: Hotel shoots are tightly scheduled. Lighting changes quickly, so planning prevents wasted time and missed opportunities.
- Build a Versatile Asset Library: A wide range of shots creates a rich library usable across multiple marketing channels.
- Avoid Missing Essential Shots: A shot list ensures all must-have images are captured.
- Get the Most Value: Planning helps the photographer work efficiently, maximizing your investment.
- Ensure Consistent Branding: Shooting as much as possible in one session maintains consistency in lighting and décor. Share your ideas early with your photographer so they can guide you on scope, timing, and logistics. Experienced photographers offer valuable tips to streamline the shoot.
Why Hotel Lifestyle Photography is Essential to a Killer Hotel Photoshoot
Lifestyle photography moves potential guests from “that looks nice” to “I want to experience that.” It captures real people—often professional models representing your ideal guests—in authentic, relatable moments that tell the story of staying at your hotel.
These images aren’t just posed snapshots; they represent real-life experiences your guests can imagine themselves enjoying. Whether it’s guests laughing by the pool, relaxing at the bar, or interacting with amenities, lifestyle photos evoke emotion and create a powerful connection.
What Should Your Hotel Lifestyle Photography Do?
Tell the Story: Use models to authentically portray the guest experience. For example, a family hotel might include children playing happily in a supervised play area, showing parents a worry-free environment where their kids can have fun safely.
Create Emotional Connection: These images help potential guests see and feel what it’s like to stay with you, turning abstract ideas into tangible, desirable experiences.
What Does Hotel Lifestyle Photography Look Like?
- Typically involves models who embody your ideal guest personas.
- Features a mix of candid and posed moments that showcase your hotel’s personality and brand.
- Can capture a spectrum of moods—from lively, energetic scenes to calm, serene moments—tailored to your target audience.
- May include pets if your hotel is pet-friendly, adding warmth and authenticity to your visuals.