How to choose a photographer for your hotel

Photos can make or break whether guests choose your hotel over the other so the process of selecting a photographer should not be taken lightly.

One way to find a photographer to shoot your hotel is through referrals. Colleagues from other hotels are happy to recommend a photographer they are happy with. Even if you get a recommendation or are looking for a photographer yourself, check out their portfolio. See if you like his work. Don't expect that if he doesn't have night photos in his portfolio that he will take them well.

What do you want to shoot - interiors, exteriors, food, lifestyle advertising photos, staff or aerial photography

Think about what you want to shoot. Not every photographer can shoot food well or knows how to shoot lifestyle or has a license to fly a drone. It's a good idea to highlight these requirements in advance and you'll avoid disappointing photos. A shot list in this case is not a luxury. Firstly you have an idea of the scope of the shoot and secondly, the photographer is able to price the job based on the shot sheet. Likewise, he should tell you if he is unable to shoot something. And based on the shot sheet, he should advise you what to prepare and how.

Communication is the basis of a good output

If you already know what the photos should look like, for example, you have inspiration from a hotel you like, then communicate this upfront so you know the photographer can do it. The use of photos is another indicator. If you know in advance that you will need extremely high-resolution photos then communicate this upfront. For example, if you want to use the photos for a billboard. Not all photographers have the ability to take high-resolution photos.

Money first - talk about your budget and what all the price includes

It is not uncommon to charge for photos. Or in the form of a day rate. Every photographer has it differently. Make sure photo retouching is included as well as how the photographer charges for travel expenses. Many photographers charge a travel day as well. The time they travel to you.

For more time-consuming shoots, it is standard that the hotel provides lodging and meals for the photographer's team for the duration of the shoot.

Professional photography rates for hotel and resort work can run from $1500 to $7500 per day, the number of photos a photographer shoots per day ranges from 6-15 per day, depending on the complexity and whether the shoot is day or night. We are not talking about close-up photographs but architectural photographs.

Beware of licenses. Check-in advance what the rights of use are. Where, when, and for how long you can use the photographs. I usually do not limit the use rights of hotels either in time or place when they can use the photos.

Scout day and contingency day

If space and time permit it is good to have a scout day. The photographer will scout the area and determine when and what is appropriate to photograph. And what needs to be prepared or edited.

It's also a good idea to allow for at least one contingency day, usually due to bad weather or when something doesn't work as it should.

How many people is enough for a photo shoot - the photographer's team

The number is not determined. There are photographers who shoot alone and those who have a team of up to ten people. A photographer and one assistant go as standard.

Hire an Architectural Hotel Photographer, Not buddies or real estate Photographer

A photographer who takes good photos of people is not guaranteed to take good photos of a hotel, nor can you expect the same results from a real estate photographer as you can from a professional who shoots hotels. The portfolio should give you a clue.

Before the shoot, the photographer should supply a list of things that the hotel should prepare.

Be there for the photoshoot

It is always better if you are at the photo shoot. You will point out the important elements that the photographer should photograph and equally, the photographer should recommend what will work.

How to choose the best photographer for your hotel

• Have the photographer recommended

• Take a look at their portfolio

• Choose a photographer who specializes in hotel photography

• Based on the shotlist, find out if he or she is able to shoot it and what the conditions are

• Find inspiration for what you like

• A photography contract will protect you too, don't be afraid to ask for one

• Be there for the shoot

By Jiri Lizler, Renowned Award-Winning Commercial Photographer