We all know High-quality images and photography plays a crucial role in attracting guests to book a stay at your hotel.

But what separates mediocre hotel photography from great hotel photography?

In this blog post, we'll explore ten non-technical differences between the two, so you can make an informed decision when selecting the right photographer for your hotel or resort.

1 - Great photography sells the experience, Bad one tries to sell physical element.

What hotel guests pay for ? They pay for the feeling of comfort, moments, memories and experience.. Not the space. They are not buying an estate. So hotel photography should aim to create images that translate to experiences. You simply can’t achieve this with constantly producing same exact shots that are taken from the corner of room at widest angle to show entire space at once. (which is most common style in the industry). It does not mean this composition is totally bad but usually does not produce best results especially when executed poorly. Great hotel photography is the one emphasize experience you get with space. Not focus on showing space but rather how one would feel being there.

2 - Great photography tells a story, bad one is just a snapshot of building.

A great hotel photo should tell a story and capture the essence of the hotel's unique personality and character. This is achieved by using creative composition, lighting, and storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection with potential guests. On the other hand, bad hotel photography is often just a snapshot of physical elements, lacking any creative interpretation or emotional connection. These photos may show the hotel room, common areas or amenities but they do not convey the hotel's story or personality. A great hotel photographer will creatively capture everything from the architectural details to the decor, and even the interactions between staff and guests, creating a visual narrative that entices potential visitors.

3 - Great photography evoke feelings, bad one is soulless and dull.

Great hotel photography should evoke emotions and create a strong connection with the viewer. By using visual elements such as color, lighting, and composition, a photo can convey a sense of tranquility, excitement or luxury. For example, a photo of a luxurious spa bathtub with soft lighting and a relaxing atmosphere creates a feeling of relaxation and indulgence. On the other hand, bad hotel photography often lacks emotional impact. It is soulless and dull. These photos may be technically correct, but they fail to create an emotional connection with the viewer and are unlikely to generate interest or bookings.

4 - Cohesive Visual Style

Great hotel photography maintains a consistent visual style throughout the entire collection of images. This cohesive aesthetic helps create a strong brand identity and makes your hotel more memorable to potential guests. Mediocre hotel photography, however, often features a disjointed visual style that can confuse viewers and detract from the overall impression of your hotel.

5 - Great photography is intentional, bad one is random.

Great hotel photography is intentional and carefully crafted to create a specific visual impact and emotional connection with the viewer. The photographer has a clear vision and plan for each photo considering elements such as lighting, composition and storytelling. These photos are carefully planned and executed, resulting in images that accurately represent the hotel and create an emotional connection with potential guests. On the other hand, bad hotel photography is often random and lacks intention. These photos may be taken quickly without considering lighting, composition or storytelling resulting in images that are poorly lit, poorly composed and unappealing.

6 - Post-Processing

Post-processing is an essential part of creating visually stunning images, and the difference between mediocre and great hotel photography often lies in the editing process. Mediocre hotel photographers may over-process their images, resulting in unnatural colors and distracting artifacts. Great hotel photographers, on the other hand, skillfully edit their photos to enhance the overall aesthetic, creating images that look polished, professional, and true to life. if you would like to see some samples of my post processing work, you may check it our here

7 - Great photography showcases details, bad one hides them.

Great hotel photography should highlight the unique details and design elements of the hotel. From the headboard of the bed to the unique lighting fixtures, every element should be carefully considered and captured. This will not only provide a more complete understanding of the hotel to potential guests but also show that the hotel values its design and attention to detail. On the other hand, bad hotel photography often hides details, such as poor lighting, awkward camera angles or cluttered backgrounds, which can detract from the overall aesthetic and appeal of the hotel.

8 - Attention to Detail

A great hotel photographer pays close attention to detail, ensuring that every element in the frame is meticulously arranged and visually appealing. They will take the time to remove any clutter or distractions, straighten bed linens, fluff pillows, and carefully arrange furniture and decor to create the most inviting scene possible. Mediocre hotel photography, in contrast, often overlooks these crucial details, resulting in images that appear messy and unprofessional.

9 - Lighting

While technical aspects of lighting may vary between photographers, there is a noticeable difference in the way a great hotel photographer utilizes light compared to a mediocre one. Mediocre hotel photography often features harsh, unflattering lighting that can make spaces look small and uninviting. Great hotel photography, on the other hand, takes advantage of natural light and employs skillful artificial lighting techniques to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in each image.

10 - Great photography is personalized, bad one is generic.

Finally, great hotel photography should be personalized to the hotel. It should showcase the hotel’s unique personality, character and brand identity. Personalized photography will make the hotel stand out and differentiate it from the competition. Bad hotel photography, on the other hand, is often generic and fails to capture the essence of the hotel. It can be easily replicated and does not set the hotel apart from others.

When it comes to hotel photography, the difference between mediocre and great can significantly impact your establishment's appeal to potential guests. By understanding the non-technical differences outlined in this blog post, you'll be better equipped to make the right choice when selecting a hotel photographer. Remember that great hotel photography tells a story, utilizes strong compositions, harnesses the power of light, pays close attention to detail, features skillful post-processing, and maintains a cohesive visual style. Investing in high-quality hotel photography will not only enhance your hotel's visual appeal but also contribute to its overall success.