What Are the Top Hotel Photographs To Showcase Your Hotel? – Hospitality Photographer

A while back I published a hotel marketing article, entitled “The Most Popular Hotel OTA Images”. This hotel photography listed the best hotel photo to use in a hotel marketing strategy to attract guests.

Based on this research outlined in the article, the most popular hotel photos in luxury hotels brand’s media galleries and on OTAs were those of the hotel rooms.  With this in mind one would think that it would be best if you highlighted and showcased your best hotel room photography.

Even when I am searching for a hotel I first look at the location, surrounding local businesses, and proximity to transportation links. Then it is straight to the hotel room photos, and if they are eye catching photos and taken by a professional hotel room photographer. Then more than likely this is the hotel I will choose. But what hotel picture attracts me to the listing first?

Over the years I have browsed thousands of luxury hotel websites and OTA listings and most luxury hotels are using an eye catching photos of the swimming pool or hotel exterior.

But why are they using these photos as the “hero” hotel images?

Because these hotel photos stand out in the crowd. They are hotel photos that catch a viewer’s attention and make them want to investigate more. They are the best hotel photographs to catch someone’s attention and invite them to investigate more.

The hotel picture above, taken at twilight. stands out as it has the WOW factor, The main subject is bright leading the viewer’s eye. There are strong contrasts between the colors and the colors are rich and vibrant, These all make for an eye catching hotel photograph that attracts attention no matter what size it is displayed at.

Not using photos with the WOW factor may be the reason a prospective guest skips your hotel’s profile, as they are drawn to another hotel with attention-grabbing photos.

When I started in photography and used to shoot landscapes, I soon discovered that photos which had vibrant colors  and contrast, did much better than the flat yet technically perfect photos.

It is well known that four things help attract a viewer to a photo.

1. Brightness
2. Contrast
3. Texture
4. Color

 

As an example,  the above light painting photo includes all four.

• The brightness of the burning steel wool.
• The contrast between the orange and blues.
• Texture in the reflection.
• And beautiful vibrant colors

This will ensure that this photo will stand out in a crowd.

There is a lot of contrast between the warm orange sun loungers and the cool blue pool.

Here is another example of an image I created for a boutique hotel as an hotel and interiors photographer in Cambodia.

We have the bright pool in the center of the photo and contrast between the warm orange loungers and the cool blue pool.

Those with the texture in the foreground shadows and bright vibrant colors throughout means this image will definitely stand out and draw attention.

20 professional hotel photos of different subjects. Which one catches your eye?

The best way to look at this is to place your hotel’s profile image in among 20 other hotel images.

What image is your eye drawn to?

If it is not your photo, then it is not doing its job.

These kinds of photos grab the viewer’s attention and make them want investigate more.

Your other photos can sell the property.