Lifestyle photography Grand Hyatt Dubai, photo by Gerry O’Leary
There are some important details that hotels and resorts should consider before they make draw up their shot list.
When planning a hotel shoot, some lifestyle photography should be included on the shot list. The idealised images connect with the viewer and prompt them to project themselves on holiday or celebrating milestones like the people in the photos.
In my previous entry, I discussed lifestyle photography and who my main clients are within the industry. However, I understand that it’s not always clear how to approach a lifestyle photography shoot, as though top hotels and resorts may list several images including people on their shot list, it requires a different approach to photographing the bedrooms or exteriors, which can often be considered as architectural photography.
While all the photos must sell the hotel, lifestyle photography is more about selling the overall guest experience. Good images can evoke a positive emotional response from people, which helps to establish a relationship between the resort and their potential guests. When this happens, people are more likely to book!
What Needs to be Considered Before the Shoot?
When you plan a lifestyle photography shoot, the first thing that should be considered is the budget. It should cover:
- Professional models
- Agency usage rights (for the models)
- A stylist
- Wardrobe
- Catering for the models during the shoot
Obviously, these things increase the budget, however it is an investment that reaps great dividends. All these elements should be addressed in advance of the shoot – this will ensure there are no unpleasant surprises during or after the shoot.
What Paperwork Should be Completed Before the Shoot?
In advance of the shoot, all the models should sign release forms. These signify a formal agreement between the parties that the images can be used in the marketing of the property.
As a photographer, I often sign an agreement with hotels and resorts that allows them to use the images they purchase forever. These usage rights are also known as “in perpetuity”.
Having the correct paperwork protects everyone involved, but particularly the hotel.
Top Tips for Models
I’m often asked if hotel staff can be used instead of models. I understand that this is a cost-saving initiative but in my opinion formed over thirty years of photographing people, I would always recommend that professional models are used.
Why? Models are trained to perform in front of the camera. They understand body language, know their best angles and how the camera picks up little things. Hotel staff may be courteous and friendly but can suddenly become shy in front of a camera or find it difficult to act naturally.
The bottom line is, it rarely works, and it will usually cost you more in the long run.
You should also cast models for your shoot. Depending on the scenario, we should believe the models are a young family or an older couple or a group of friends celebrating a birthday.
If it’s a family – there should be some similarities. The parents should look old enough to have children. The person playing the hotel manager should look professional, well-groomed and official. It may sound obvious, but it’s surprising how many mistakes I’ve seen, even flicking through a high-end travel brochure.
How Seasons Affect Lifestyle Photography
Lifestyle photography can be most effective for different seasons. Before Christmas, I discussed the importance of photographing the hotel in different seasons, and it yields even better results when there are people in the scene.
Even in Dubai, I photograph models drinking hot cinnamon lattes in winter and sparkling poolside cocktails in summer. If your hotel is located somewhere famous for its cherry blossoms, then arrange a lifestyle shoot in this season as prospective guests may want to visit for that very reason!
Remember that lifestyle photography is selling a dream to your audience. Make them aspire to the images they see – whether your target market is those embracing their golden years or couples on their honeymoon.
Get in touch if you have a lifestyle photography project in Qatar, Saudi Arabia or Maldives that requires professional photography. Feel free to share this article on your social media too.
