Do’s & Don’ts and Photoshooting Tips in the New Season

The New Season is Underway

As the new season kicks off and amidst all the other preparations that are about to unfold, one of the key aspects is the photoshoot. During this period, the Tourism Industry is on the lookout for photographers to meet their new photographic needs.

The following article is dedicated to guiding you in selecting the right photographer. Through useful tips, do’s & don’ts, it offers hoteliers a series of valuable insights that will ultimately help achieve the best visual representation and promotion of their property.

Indicative Must Do’s Before the Photoshoot

• Research on Competitors: Explore the websites of competing properties to understand their approach.
• Select Strategic Focus Areas: Define the key strategic aspects of the photoshoot project.
• Develop the Concept: Create a clear concept on which the photoshoot will be based.
• Set Goals and Objectives: Outline the specific aims and outcomes you want to achieve from the photoshoot.

Some Processes Before Choosing the Photographer

• Search and Select a Specialized Photographer: Not all photographers are suited for every project.
• Browse the Websites of Potential Photographers: Review their portfolio and previous work.
• Investigate Recent Similar Projects: Research and study recent similar projects that the photographers have executed at other tourist accommodations.

After Choosing the Photographer

Regardless of how experienced and talented your photographer is, and given their integral connection to your investment, you should never proceed with the photoshoot unless you first provide them with a detailed and thorough PPM (Pre-Production Meeting), highlighting the areas you want them to focus on.

In addition to the marketing department and the photographer’s team, the participation of the following departments is also essential:

• General manager
• F&B manager
• Guest relation
• Chef/Sous chef
• Housekeeping manager
• Maintenance/ΙΤ
• Gardener

The selected photographer, based on the list they receive, is tasked with creating and actively supporting some of the following essential elements for the photoshoot:

• Photoshoot Design
• Approach Analysis
  Storyboards / Moodboards
• Visual Storytelling
• Concepts
• Creation of Authentic Visual Content
• Mise en Scene

Indicative Must Do’s Before the Photoshoot

• Research on Competitors: Explore the websites of competing properties to understand their approach.
• Select Strategic Focus Areas: Define the key strategic aspects of the photoshoot project.
  Develop the Concept: Create a clear concept on which the photoshoot will be based.
• Set Goals and Objectives: Outline the specific aims and outcomes you want to achieve from the photoshoot.

• Stay updated on the technical specifications required by OTAs and other platforms, as they continuously change. Pay close attention to aesthetic, visual, and technical specifications such as final image size, resolution, AI usage, etc.

Do’s for a Successful Photographer Selection

• Search for and choose a specialized photographer. (Not all photographers have the same expertise and experience). By working with a professional, the risk of failure is significantly reduced.
• Browse the websites of potential photographers to evaluate their style and quality.
• Study the most recent and relevant projects they have worked on in other tourist accommodations.
• Request and compare written quotes. Carefully read each one.
• Avoid tempting offers with abnormally low prices, as they may indicate compromises in quality, leading to undesirable results. Experience has shown that the disappointment of poor quality is far greater than the sweetness of a low price. It is almost certain that you will need to repeat the photoshoot, with all the additional time and costs involved.

Ideal Photography Offer

Tips: 

• Choose a photographer who is paid by the day and not by the shot!
• Make sure all the above details are included in an organized file or private agreement to avoid misunderstandings and delays.
• A location scouting, if possible, by the chosen photographer plays a crucial role in the success of the project.

Don’ts in Photographer Selection

• Don’t focus exclusively on the final number regarding the fee.
• Regardless of how talented the photographer you choose is, you should never proceed with the photoshoot unless you first provide them with a detailed PPM (Pre-Production Meeting) that includes all necessary information and notes.

Keep in mind:

In addition to the marketing department and the photographer’s team, the following responsible parties must also be included in the PPM:

• General Manager
• F&B Manager
• Guest Relations
• Chef/Sous Chef
• Housekeeping Manager
• Maintenance/IT
• Gardener

The key players that make up the ideal “Dream Team” for the photoshoot.

The ideal team should consist of the following key contributors:

After Choosing the Photographer

The selected photographer, based on the list they will receive, is required to create and actively support several of the following essential elements for the photoshoot:

• Project execution timeline (Click here to see an indicative timetable)
• Photoshoot supervision
• Photoshoot planning (Click here to see an indicative design)
• Storyboards / Moodboards
• Visual Storytelling
• Concepts
• Creation of authentic visual content
• Mise en scene
• Setups
• Project execution timeline (repeated)
  Correlation of the accommodation with the destination
• Casting of models/staff (highlighting demographic characteristics)
  

The final photos delivered must maintain consistency in aesthetic and style, so they can be seamlessly integrated into the website alongside previous photoshoots, ensuring coherence in the photographic style (photo consistency).

Basic Hotel Preparation Tips

• The pool should be clean, with the correct water color, and the area should be tidy (grates closed, robotic cleaner removed).
• All loungers should have the same backrest position and should be aligned in rows, both at the pool and the beach.
• The umbrellas at the pool and beach should be open.
  The watering hoses and gardening tools should be gathered and stored away.
• The garden lighting timers should be turned off.
• The gardens should be freshly trimmed and well-maintained.
• The beach sand should be clean and raked, without seaweed or trash.
• Rooms should be made up, clean, and fully equipped with amenities and extras.
• Standby staff from the Chef, F&B, Housekeeping & Maintenance departments should be available for support.
• Staff uniforms should be clean and ironed.
• Models and staff should have subtle makeup and natural hair styling, avoiding exaggerations.

Do’s

• Guests should be fully and promptly informed about the scheduled professional photoshoot to avoid any potential disruption.
  
• If necessary, some areas of the property may be better left out of operation during the photoshoot.

Don’t

• Do not proceed with the photoshoot unless you have secured written consent regarding GDPR (Personal Data), which must be agreed upon and signed in advance by everyone who will appear in the photos.

During the Photoshoot

After The Photoshoot

The Secret to a Successful Photoshoot

The photographer must connect with and identify with the concept that defines the hotel. They must possess the talent and ability to visually capture the emotions and unique, personalized experiences that guests have during their stay.

Remember, guests tend to remember their experience more than the accommodation itself.

Good luck!