Hospitality photography is a broad term that includes all kinds of spa, bar, restaurant, hotel & any other hospitality business photography. Though these can be very different types of venues, they all have one thing in common – the people who work there are usually welcoming and friendly to their guests or customers. This hospitality should shine through in photographs taken by professional hospitality photographers. In this article I want to introduce you to the various types of hospitality photography so you can decide which type suits your current needs best!
Why is hospitality photography important for businesses?
As a business in the hospitality industry, it is important to have professional hospitality photography to capture the essence of your business and put your best foot forward. Hospitality photography can capture the atmosphere of your hotel or restaurant, show off your menus or rooms, and highlight your team’s smiling faces. In short, hospitality photography can help you promote your business and create an impression that will make guests want to come back.
With the majority of hotel, restaurant & spa bookings now being made online, it’s more important than ever that you make sure your marketing images and video match your brand and the values you want to portray.
Your hospitality photography should make potential guests want to come and visit your establishment, and give them an insight into what they can expect when they do.
A good hospitality photographer understands how to capture the unique atmosphere of each venue, as well as how to shoot specific details such as food & drink menu items, hotel rooms & common areas.
Whether you need a full day of shooting for a website re-launch, or simply some fresh images for social media or PR use, it might be worth taking a look at some of my portfolios. I’ve been photographing hospitality business for many years and I’m sure I can help yours!
The many types of hospitality photography
Hospitality photography can be broken down into many types, which I believe fall under the banners of People, Product & Place. Each type of hospitality photography has its own unique purpose and can help promote your business in different ways.
Overall Atmosphere Photography
This type of hospitality photography captures the overall atmosphere of your hotel or restaurant. It can be used to create an impression that will make guests want to come back. Hotel photographers can use this type of photography to show off the décor, the views, and the hospitality of your staff. Restaurant photographers can use this type of photography to show off the food and drink offerings, the atmosphere, and the team’s smiling faces.
Food and Drink Offerings Photography
This type of hospitality photography is all about the food and drink offerings at your hotel or restaurant. It can be used to show off your menus, your dishes, and your drinks. Restaurant photographers can use this type of photography to highlight the presentation of your food and make it look as appetizing as possible. Event photographers can use this type of photography to capture the excitement of special occasions at your hotel or restaurant.
Special Events Photography
This type of hospitality photography captures the excitement of special occasions at your hotel or restaurant. It can be used to show off the décor, the food and drink offerings, and the team’s smiling faces. Event photographers can use this type of photography to capture the energy and excitement of weddings, parties, and other special events. Especially useful if you want to promote your business for these kinds of big, revenue generating gatherings!
Interior design and architecture photography
This type of hospitality photography is all about capturing the unique atmosphere of each venue. It can be used to show off the décor, the quality of the furnishing, interesting aspects of your building and the views. Hotel photographers can use this type of photography to show off the uniqueness of your hotel’s rooms and common areas and display why yours is a destination that can’t be missed! Architectural Photography is where I specialise and I’ve been taking photographs of hospitality buildings for many years.
Travel and destination photography
This type of hospitality photography is all about promoting your hotel or restaurant as a destination. It can be used to show off the views, the hospitality of your staff, and the amenities that your hotel or restaurant offers. Travel photographers can use this type of photography to promote your hotel or restaurant as a destination for travelers.
Candid photography
This type of hospitality photography captures the natural atmosphere and moments of your hotel or restaurant. It can be used to show off the hospitality of your staff, the views, and the food and drink offerings. Travel photographers can use this type of photography to capture the beauty of your destination. Candid photographers can use this type of photography to capture special moments, such as a bride and groom’s first dance or a baby’s first steps.
Product photography
This type of hospitality photography is all about capturing the products that you offer at your hotel or restaurant. It can be used to show off your menus, your dishes, and your drinks. Product photographers can use this type of photography to make your products look as appetizing as possible, or to create a brand around the quality of your menu. This kind of photography is fantastic if your food and/or drink is renowned!
Portraits of Team Members Photography
Finally, this type of hospitality photography captures the beauty of your team members. It can be used to show off the hospitality of your staff, the diversity of your team, and the professionalism of your team. Portrait photographers can use this type of photography to take beautiful photos of your team members that you can use on your website or in marketing materials.
No matter what type of hospitality photography you need, it’s important to work with a professional photographer who understands the unique challenges of photographing hospitality businesses. They will be able to help you capture the perfect images to help promote your business.
How to prepare for a photo shoot with a hospitality photographer
When preparing for a photo shoot with a hospitality photographer, it is important to keep in mind the setting and mood you are hoping to create. For example, if you are shooting a hotel, you may want to focus on capturing the luxury and elegance of the property. In contrast, if you are shooting a restaurant, you may want to focus on the hospitality and atmosphere of the establishment. Depending on your vision, you will want to communicate with your photographer beforehand to ensure they are able to capture the images you are looking for.
Some other important things to keep in mind when preparing for a hospitality photo shoot include:
– The time of day: Lighting can play a big role in setting the mood for your photos, so it is important to take this into consideration when planning your shoot. Think about the mood you want your photos to portray and how lighting will play against that.
– The location: Where the photos are taken will also impact the overall tone and feel of the images. What do you most want prospective customers to see?
– The weather: If you are shooting outdoors, the weather can be a factor in determining whether or not you get the photos you want. While your photographer can account for a lot of weather – indoors shoots will always be easier than outdoors shoots!
Tips for getting the most out of your hospitality photography session
When it comes to hospitality photography, businesses need to make sure they are getting the most out of their session. Here are a few tips to help make sure that happens:
1. Plan ahead. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your hospitality photography session. By planning ahead, you can make sure that you have the right team in place to get the shots you need.
2. Utilize a hospitality photographer. A hospitality photographer is someone who specializes in taking photos of hospitality businesses. They will know how to capture the essence of your business and make it look its best.
3. Get creative. Be sure to ask your hospitality photographer for ideas on how to make your photos unique. They may have some great suggestions that you never would have thought of on your own.
4. Take advantage of natural light. When it comes to hospitality photography, natural light can be your best friend. Be sure to ask your photographer about how to make the most of it.
5. Make sure your photos tell a story. Your hospitality photography should tell the story of your business. Be sure to include shots of your staff, your guests, and your facility in order to give potential customers a full picture of what you have to offer.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you’ll get the most out of your hospitality photography session and end up with photos that you’re proud to show off in your marketing, social media and wherever else you’d like to use it!
Hospitality photography is a difficult but rewarding task. It’s important to work with photographers who know the ins and outs of hospitality businesses. I hope this has helped you think about the kind of photography your business might need and how you can go about getting the best images and videos possible! You can view some of my portfolios of work by clicking them on the menu above, or you can contact me by clicking the button below!
