From the Perch: Snapping the Perfect Holiday Photo
Revy Weighs in from his Bird’s Eye View
“From the top of the lobby, nestled quietly in the Christmas tree, I’ve seen it all. The excited arrivals, blissful naps by the pool, and romantic dinner by the fireplace. Take it from me, humans are missing the best shots!”
If you’re shooting content for your hotel, you’re responsible for capturing the magic that makes guests sing! Here’s our guide to taking the perfect holiday photos:
KNOW YOUR ANGLES!
Here’s how to get your photos up to snuff.
Find a New Vantage Point (In the Sky?) No, you don’t need to fly to do this. But your camera might! Use a drone (when allowed) or find a balcony shot to capture the sprawling magic underneath your feet. Show the scale of the hotel’s layout. People love a bird’s-eye view.
Okay, now get low! No, Lower! Get Angles! Create depth by getting long shots of the pool and close-ups on signature cocktails or plush pillow sets. Frame a photo through the leaves or capture the elegant curve of a chair. Make the viewer feel like they’re discovering a secret spot, while telling the story of tranquility.
LIGHTING!
Lighting always makes or breaks a photo. Not every hour can be golden hour. So, if you’re shooting in low light, consider this:
Using a Portable Light: Lighting arguably always makes or breaks a photo. But if you're using your phone, a budget-friendly clip-on light will elevate your photos. Lighting will add a depth of field to your photos, making them look more professional, even on a lower-grade camera.
Light to Look For: For the perfect holiday photo, avoid harsh lighting. The lighting should be soft and warm. Use the focus tool on your phone to direct the light so your focal point is in focus.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to avoid the naughty list, don’t take an over-exposed Christmas tree photo. To prevent glare from the Christmas tree lights, pull the camera’s exposure down. Then you’ll have your picture-perfect holiday moment.
Santa’s Elves Everywhere! AKA – How to Use UGC Content
UGC Content can be a treasure trove if your guests are already taking photos. Your job is to facilitate memorable moments.
Create Designated Photo Ops: Is Santa in town? That’s a family photo op. If you’re pet-friendly, invite furry friends to snap a photo with Santa, too. Crying kid in your Santa photo? Nothing a little Photoshop can’t fix.
Pro tip: Use your feather tool to soften the tear tracks and red cheeks.
Create a Branding Hashtag: Make it catchy and use it everywhere: key cards, tables, menus, and by the pool or spa. Encourage guests to use the hashtag and leave a positive review by offering discounts or gift cards.
Run a Holiday Contest: The flock loves a little friendly competition! Incentive guests to take photos and video content by offering a discount on a future stay or a free/discounted amenity.
Pro Tip: Before you use UGC content, you’ll need to ask permission and credit the creator, but it’s a great way to build trust with your online community.
Ready to Spruce Up Your Content?
The best photos don’t just show a scene, they tell a story. If you’re ready to level up your content, give us a ring.
