Hotel Photography Tips: How to Make Your Hotel Photos Looks Good

Capturing stunning photos of your hotel is essential to make a memorable first impression on potential guests and boost online bookings. In this blog, we will cover tips for making your hotel photos look good and amazing, from lighting and angles to editing and final touches. These techniques will help you present your hotel in the best light, captivating guests from their first click. 

Here are 7 key tips to enhance your hotel photography and stand out online:

1. Show What Guests Want to See

When planning your shots, consider what potential guests are most interested in seeing. Travellers often imagine the experience they will have at your hotel, so it is important to showcase the spaces they will likely use and enjoy. Focus on areas like cosy rooms with plush bedding, the lobby’s welcoming ambience, serene pools, and well-lit dining areas. Even small details, like fresh linens and perfectly arranged table settings, can create a sense of warmth and luxury, making it easier for guests to picture themselves in these settings.

Curious about what guests want to see on your hotel website? In this blog, we have figured out 6 things guests want to see on your hotel website. 

2. Use Natural Light for a Welcoming Atmosphere 

Using natural light is crucial to making your photos appear warm and authentic. Artificial lighting can sometimes make spaces feel cold or overly staged, while natural light brings out true colours and textures, making rooms appear brighter and more inviting.

Consider shooting during the golden hours, either early morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts a softer glow, creating a welcoming feel without harsh shadows. Draw back the curtains and let the sunlight fill the room, avoiding the use of flash whenever possible to maintain a natural look.

3. Find the Right Angles

Angles are another essential element of hotel photography. Wide-angle shots help capture the full scope of a room, giving potential guests a better idea of space and layout, while lower angles can make rooms feel more spacious and luxurious. Instead of photographing a room head-on, try positioning yourself at an angle, as this can add depth and make the room appear larger. Corners often reveal more dimension, helping guests get a better sense of how they will move through the space.

4. Declutter and Style the Space

Before taking any photos, it is essential to declutter and style each area to give it a polished, inviting look. Clear away anything unnecessary, such as cables, paperwork, or cleaning supplies, to avoid distracting elements in the frame. Once you have removed the clutter, add a few thoughtful touches, perhaps a vase of fresh flowers, a tray with coffee cups, or neatly folded towels. Just remember that simplicity is key, as too many props can overwhelm the shot and detract from the space’s elegance.

5. Highlight Unique Features

If your hotel has unique features, don’t forget to highlight them! An infinity pool, a cosy fireplace, or a stunning terrace view can set your property apart from others, so make sure these stand-out elements are featured. Even small touches, like handcrafted furniture or local artwork, can be captured to emphasize the distinctive character of your hotel. These details give potential guests a deeper connection to the property and can be the deciding factor for travellers looking for something special.

Source: Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu website

6. Edit Your Photos Professionally

Editing your photos afterwards can add a professional finish without straying too far from reality. With tools like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make colours pop, creating a vibrant yet authentic look.

Don't overdo the editing, aim for natural-looking enhancements. Remove any unwanted elements, such as blemishes or reflections, and consider adding subtle filters to create a consistent and polished look across all your photos. While enhancing the images, it is important to avoid heavy filters or extreme edits, as these can make the space look artificial and may lead to disappointed guests who feel misled by the photos. 

7. Optimize for Online Use

Once you have perfected your photos, make sure they are optimized for online use. Compress images to maintain quality while keeping file sizes manageable for fast loading on websites and booking platforms. Adding descriptive alt text to each image can also improve your SEO, making your hotel easier to find through searches. Use relevant keywords, such as “luxury hotel lobby” or “sea-view suite,” to enhance the discoverability of your photos.

Free Photo Editing Tools for Hoteliers

For those on a budget, free editing tools like Canva, Snapseed, or Pixlr offer basic editing features to improve your hotel photos. These can be a great starting point for hoteliers looking to enhance their images without a heavy investment in software. Here are the top 5 best free editing tools suitable for beginners to experts.

Final Thoughts

High-quality photos are crucial for making a lasting impression. By using these photography tips, you’ll showcase your hotel in a way that invites potential guests to imagine their stay, which can ultimately drive more bookings. With some careful styling, lighting, and editing, your photos will reflect the quality experience you want to offer.

Remember, great photos can significantly boost your marketing efforts, attracting more guests and ultimately increasing your hotel's success. So, take the time to perfect your photography skills and watch your bookings soar.