This guide is intended to encourage your associates, we call them “Content Champions,” to capture great on-site and in-the-moment photos to supplement your social media accounts. We encourage you to keep your eyes open for real-time opportunities to help tell the daily stories of the hotel.
A Guide to Capturing Better Images on the Go
Basic Tips for Mobile Photos
Qualities of a successful image: in focus, good lighting, has contrast, true color, straight horizon and a strong composition.
Focus
- Tap and hold the part of the image you want in focus
- Choose your focus point with purpose
- Use your phone’s camera app, not third-party photo apps
Light
- The best light is one hour after sunrise or before sunset
- Window light
- Shade > full sun
- Avoid flash at all times
- Do not apply filters. The BCV team will add later if necessary
Composition
- Use iPhone grid view to help compose
- Play with asymmetry. Not everything must be perfectly centered and fully in frame
- Move around the subject and take many photos. Your best shot may surprise you!
Horizon
- A tilted horizon is disorienting
- Image a line striking through your image, parallel to the ground
- Don’t be afraid to get low. Try composing your shot with the horizon in different spots
What to Shoot
Food & Beverage: F&B is a significant piece of a hotel’s social media content mix. But, kitchens, bars, and restaurants are notoriously tricky for photographers. Avoid clutter and seek natural light, and you’ll do just fine!
Dish: Overhead
- The entire plate fills the frame but is slightly off-center/asymmetrical
- Complimentary colors: the food and plate work well together
- For multiple dishes, use a variety of plate shapes and colors for depth and texture
Multiple Drinks: Outside
- Strength in numbers; a trio of tropical cocktails is more compelling than just one
- Consider bright backgrounds to provide dramatic contrast to drinks
- Use your hands! They bring life to the image
General Food: In Profile
- Choose your angle wisely
- Flatter dishes look best from overhead, while anything with layers and height (burgers, pancakes, sushi, etc.) look best from the side
Food: Action
- Shot from a natural, first-person perspective
- Capturing a hint of movement gives the photo drama and intrigue
- All of the tones in the photo are consistent – no bright colors disrupting the scene
Staff: They are, quite literally, the face of your hotel. It’s important to give your fans a chance to connect with staff and get to know the talent they bring to your hotel’s experience. Think more candid action shot, and less carefully posed headshot.
Behind the Scenes
- Aim for natural moments of staff in action
- When shooting behind the scenes, be mindful of clutter
Group Shots: Inside
- Highlight a sense of teamwork and camaraderie
- Let unique personalities shine through
Group Shot: Outside
- Showcase the most photogenic parts of the property
- Early morning and early evening offer best lighting
Behind the Bar
- The little things matter, including clean hands/fingernails
- Avoid direct eye contact
- Be mindful of labels and branding
Local: It’s what you see on your way to work or on your walk at lunch. It’s blue skies or a street sign. Here are a few ways to share a unique glimpse of life in your city.
Showcasing Scenery
- What’s the weather like right now? Give fans a glimpse
- Spoiler alert: People like sunrises and sunsets
A Sense of Place
- Look for the small details with big character
- Try using your camera like a tourist would
- Your post copy will help bring a familiar shot to life
Negative Space
- Play with balance and weight in the photo
- White space or negative space can break up the clutter of a fan’s Instagram feed, and is proven to drive higher levels of engagement
Landmarks
- No-brainer subjects (and fantastic sources of evergreen UGC)
- Capture in difference seasons
Personalization: Your hotel prides itself on one-of-a-kind experiences, with details tailored exactly to guests’ liking. Seek out the scenes and moments where that dedication to personalization is most likely to be on display.
Custom Amenity
- Showcase your team’s creativity!
- If using a guest’s name, always ask for permission
Event Detail
- Event staff setting up a beautiful event? Sneak a shot!
- Get up close and play with perspective
- Avoid wide-angle shots of empty rooms
Looking for Inspiration?
