PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

High quality, still photography for holiday cottages and the hospitality industry

The creation and delivery of high quality, still photography is the basis on which ACT Studios was founded. It continues to play a huge role in our work to this day.

We pride ourselves on capturing images that tell a story. We call it visual storytelling.

Visual storytelling is essential when it comes to marketing your hospitality business. Not just because a picture is worth a thousand words. But because we have seen first-hand how effective strong imagery can be in increasing your bottom line.

The importance of good photography to engage your guests

Did you know that having at least one photo actually increases the likelihood of an enquiry, booking or purchase by 225%?!

For example, websites that have at least 100 photos see engagement levels rise to 151% and the likelihood of a booking enquiry rises to 238% compared to those with no photos. [ Source ]

What kind of still photography does ACT Studios offer?

Unlike estate agents, at ACT Studios, we do not aim to make every room in your property look bigger than it actually is! There’s no fish eye lenses or trick photography with us. Because it would only disappoint your guests when they arrive.

What we do aim to do is create beautiful images that make your holiday accommodation look inviting from every angle. So if there’s an incredible sea view, we will ensure that the doors are wide open and the viewer feels as though they can step into the picture. They should imagine the sea breeze on their skin as the waves crash on the shore and be able to hear the seagulls.

We are devils for detail too! We spend a great deal of time making sure each room looks just right. Are the cushions plumped up? Plug sockets all switched off? Seams on lampshades turned round? And is the bed neatly made? 

We also aim to give you great coverage. When we deliver a full photo shoot we don’t ever limit the number of images you will receive. So if your holiday property inspires us to take lots of stills to get the full coverage you need, then we will pass them all over to you.

Which areas of my holiday property should be captured in my professional photo shoot?

There’s no short answer to this but in general, we photograph any and all areas that lend themselves to visual storytelling. To beautifully showcase the guest experience you offer.

Each property is different and whilst guests expect to see all the main rooms covered, we also want to create images that really convey the luxury and feel of a space. Whether that is because the holiday accommodation has a stunning view or perhaps a welcoming log burner as a focal point.

A full holiday rental photo shoot typically covers all the main rooms along with exterior shots and any imagery that can really convey the individuality of the property.

For hotels, aim to include the following in your photography session:

Your best guest rooms

This might sound obvious but guests will want to see what your very best rooms and suites look like. Including any additional space you might offer for them to relax in. We make sure all the best angles are covered.

Restaurant areas

If your hotel has its own dining facilities, then be sure to cover this too. Showcase the surroundings in their various forms, from a romantic table for two to a larger table laid up for a group booking.

If you welcome children, be sure to show this. Don’t forget to include surrounding imagery to convey the feel of your restaurant.

And if you can, try to include photographs of the food prepared by your own chefs, straight from your own menu – it’s so much more authentic and enticing than a generic, stock photo.

Conference facilities

If your hotel offers meeting rooms or conferencing facilities, then don’t forget to show these off, alongside all the associated equipment that someone booking them might want to hire. For example:

  • large TV screens
  • digital projectors
  • comfortable seating, including tables and chairs
  • break out rooms
  • catering

Wedding facilities

Just as with conferencing photography, it is important to showcase all the facilities your hotel has to offer brides to be, in order that they can clearly and easily plan out their special day.

Wedding facilities photography should include:

  • main function room, with tables laid ready for a wedding breakfast
  • any relaxing, break out spaces
  • the dance floor
  • bar areas
  • hotel grounds suitable for external wedding photography
  • overnight accommodation, including your bridal suite

Local areas and attractions

Your guests will often be interested in what the area local to your hotel has to offer. So if there are attractions nearby that are worth a visit, be sure to include your own images of them.

Or if your property is situated in a beautiful, rural setting away from the hustle and bustle, make sure this is also conveyed in your imagery.

Your hotel’s unique selling point

Perhaps you have a knock out swimming pool or spa facility at your hotel? Or architecture to stop you in your tracks? Whatever you consider to be your hotel’s unique selling point, make sure it is captured on film and made a feature of online.

How should I prepare my holiday accommodation for the photography shoot?

Preparing in advance for a photography shoot will help ensure that the day itself goes without a hitch.

The team at ACT Studios are experts and offer helpful guidance for your own particular location. We will liaise with you well in advance, to make sure the whole process runs as smoothly as possible.

But in general, the more thought you put into making your property look great, the easier it will be to capture this. So if you have a log burner or open fire, make sure it is lit. Check that all the light bulbs are working (we have our own professional lighting equipment but it always looks good to photograph a room with the occasional lights switched on).

More and more guests are looking for hot tubs when they hire a holiday cottage, so if your property does have one, then it needs to be fully functioning on the day of the shoot.

Hotels will need to ensure we can access their best rooms and guest suites. We will also need housekeeping on hand to ensure that each bed looks absolutely perfect.

They say that the devil is in the detail. And for us, this is true! So dig out your best linen, polish the cutlery and lay the table. Flowers make a huge difference. And locally sourced produce can add a thoughtful touch. There are lots more hints and tips in our Photography Guide. 

photo shoot prep guide

Our photographers’ have put toegether this handy guide and checklist full of top hints and tips from the professionals. It’ll help you get the most from your photo shot. Take a look

Can you edit my holiday property images after the photo shoot?

Yes we can! We spend a great deal of time carefully editing each shot by hand for a consistent look and feel.

We’re skilled at adding to photos as well as taking away. So if you need us to ‘light’ the fire in your log burner, we can.

Turn up the warmth right across the pictures? Easy.

Our post-production editing skills enable us to remove unwanted cables or add in blue skies. Thanks to the British weather, this is something we do often!

Better still, we handle all our post-production work in house. That means we are fast and responsive to any requests. So you get the exact look and feel you want from your professional hospitality photography.

To find out more, just give us a call on 0333 3446897. We are always happy to talk through your requirements before you book a photography session with us.

Photography FACT…

40 weeks of bookings were taken within two days of this image being published!

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