3) “My cousin is the best wedding photographer in New England—he can do our photos.”
Think about it: Would you go to a dermatologist for a brain tumor? Photographers are specialists. Hospitality photography requires a very specific set of skills. Be sure your photographer has them.
4) “I want lots of moody, tight shots.”
Nothing frustrates a potential guest more than trying to determine what a room looks like, based on tight shots of faucets, lamps, and decorative pillows. Those pictures provide nice decoration, but are not fundamental.
5) “Styling a photo means adding lot of STUFF.”
When styling, our primary goal is to reconfigure the space for the camera; it’s more about editing than adding. Now that most people book on a mobile device, those small but important images on booking engines demand SIMPLE, concise staging (less clutter) so that they can be easily read.
6) “I don’t want to ‘oversell’ my inn.”
Good hospitality photographers know NOT to oversell the experience, but the only thing worse is UNDER-selling the experience! This results in throngs of potential guests never booking! Underselling is MUCH more common than overselling.
7) “I’ll get photos after my renovations and updates are finished.”
2 words: Don’t wait. Aside from the fact that these projects are never finished (can I get an “amen?”) it is best to get photos as soon as you can, using the resulting revenue to fund more and better renovations.
8) “I’ve already hired a professional; everyone says my photos look great!”
Compare your photos to those of inns you respect and know are successful. If the photos are comparable, then perhaps you are in good shape. If people constantly say “this looks even better in person!”, you know you are in trouble.
9) “I’m selling—why waste money on photos at this point?”
Inn brokers are always asking us for photos of properties, knowing that aspiring innkeepers often fall in love with an inn based on photos. You are selling a property, but also a dream. Your photos should be captivating and emotive to buyers. And remember—the cost is a minuscule percentage of the sale. (Note: if you have a great owners quarters, photograph that too.)
10) “We don’t need food photos—people don’t care about breakfast.”
Wrong. Food is ever-increasing in popularity and importance (think celebrity chefs or The Food Network). Great food photos elicit an emotional reaction. Also, breakfast is presumably part of your rate package; photos help support your rates relative to less expensive lodging options such as Airbnb. Another tip: get shots of the food being prepared in the kitchen to convey a sense of freshness and authenticity.
So, make a point of getting great photos of your inn. Unlike that new Lexus you'd like, it is a purchase that keeps on giving!
Jumping Rocks Photography specializes in architectural photography, interior photography and food photography, primarily for the hospitality industry. Based in Philadelphia, photographer Matthew Lovette, and stylist Mark Smith have shot over 200 inns, hotels, resorts and restaurants all over North America.