Less is More: How Hospitality Photographers Inspire Action

Summer, your busiest season, will be here soon. Now, you’re on the hunt for a hospitality photographer to capture the images that will inspire guests to stop scrolling and book a room or reserve a table. As you browse portfolios and feeds, you notice some photographers offer as many as 100 photos for a day of shooting, while others offer a handful.

Why is there such a big difference between these estimates, and why would you choose the photographer that offers fewer images? As a hospitality photographer who focuses on quality over quantity, it’s a question I get asked all the time.

I’ve spent the last 25 years professionally photographing some of the world’s most beautiful resorts and high-end hotels. Over the years, I’ve come up with a list of three reasons why hiring a photographer who delivers 10 to 15 stunning images in a day brings more value than the photographer who snaps 100 photos.

1. I focus on what’s most important

When you hire a hospitality photographer, there are two types of shooters: one who arrives on set and photographs everything in sight – what I like to call the “run & gun” photographer – and another who methodically captures and retouches a smaller selection of portfolio-worthy images that you will love for many years to come.

When I work with a resort or hotel, I spend time with you before the shoot to create a detailed list of the most important features. Whether it’s the way the sunset reflects off the pool or timing the shots to minimize the impact on guests, I spend time focusing on what makes you stand out in the best possible light.

2. There’s a greater level of care with each image

When photographers try to capture every scene, every room and every moment, they spend less time perfecting each frame. Armed with the shot list we collaborated on, my stylist and I often spend up to an hour carefully arranging furniture, setting up lights and striving to capture the perfect image before moving on to the next scene.

I love hospitality photography because it allows me an opportunity to be a perfectionist and focus on all of the details – everything from the way the light interacts with your space to ironing wrinkles out of bedsheets to steaming drapery to get perfect creases – everything is an enhanced and perfect version of a space.

3. Receiving only the best photos saves you time

The last reason that less is more when hiring hospitality photographers comes down to your own workflow. When you receive hundreds of photos, you’re left spending your valuable time sorting through images to find the select few that you need for your social media and advertising campaigns.

When I work with you to create beautiful images of your resort or hotel, I only shoot and retouch photographs that you and your guests will love. Instead of spending time flipping through hundreds of imperfect frames, you’re ready to share beautiful images that you can be proud of when you connect with your audience.