Working with Models for Resort and Hotel Lifestyle Photography
Lifestyle photography for hotels and resorts is a great way to capture original images of your property that stands out from other hotels. A successful hotel advertising campaign features a variety of images that you can use to market your business.
When producing a lifestyle campaign for your hotel, one of the most important things to consider is the model(s) featured in the images. Ultimately, the goal of the photoshoot should be to encourage guests to book a stay at your hotel and featuring models as guests can be a helpful method to properly promote your business.
In this blog post, I’ll be discussing factors to consider when working with a model for a hotel lifestyle photoshoot including:
Model casting: Where to find models
How wardrobe plays a role in the photoshoot
The importance of working with a creative director
How usage fees and licensing affects pricing
Using professional models vs. hotel and resort employees
Model Casting: Where To Find Models
The best way to find models for a hotel photoshoot will depend on factors such as your budget, your location, and casting details.
Modeling agencies will likely be the most reliable option whether you are looking to find new faces or professional models. Of course, you’ll likely find a larger option of modeling agencies to choose from if you’re searching in a larger city like Los Angeles versus a city with a much smaller market.
If you don’t want to go the route of modeling agencies, then you can try to go online through social media platforms like Instagram and find local models in your area and work with them directly.
If you’re not interested in being involved in the casting, you can always request the photographer to find models for the campaign. But be sure to be specific with the casting details if you go this route (age range, gender, etc.)
I’ll go more into depth about this later, but regardless of what path you choose, it’s important to be upfront about your budget and understand how usage fees and licensing will impact which models will be available for your hotel campaign.
Choosing The Right Wardrobe
Wardrobe plays an important role with hotel lifestyle photography when working with models. While featuring the amenities of your hotel is likely to be a high priority in your photoshoot, you want to make sure that the model’s wardrobe fits the style of the campaign and your brand.
For example, if you want to capture a sophisticated and elevated campaign that shows off the luxury features of your property to high-end business clients, then you’ll want to feature the model wearing formal attire. If you’re aiming for a fun summer photoshoot, then you’ll probably aim for something more casual and that aligns with your brand.
You also want to make sure that model knows in advance what they’ll be doing so they can plan the wardrobe accordingly. Is it going to be a full day shoot and they need to bring multiple wardrobe options? Are they going to be by the pool and need to bring swimwear?
Two of the most important tools for commercial photography clients are a mood board and a shot list. It’s important to communicate all of your ideas to all parties involved so that everyone is on the same page on the day of the photoshoot.
No matter what the wardrobe options are, the biggest priority should be that the model feels comfortable in what they’re wearing.
Work with a Creative Director
If you’re hiring a model for your hotel photoshoot, you’ll want to work with someone who has experience directing models and is able to achieve the results you’re looking for.
In contrast to a headshot photographer, lifestyle photography involves capturing more candid photos that tell a story. It can be helpful to use props or accessories to get the message across.
If you’re able to find a photographer who has experience with both lifestyle photography and interior hotel photography, then you might be able to get a variety of photos for one session with that same photographer.
Usage Fees and Licensing
When discussing your budget for a lifestyle photoshoot, it’s important to understand what license you’ll need for the final images. You want to properly communicate what kind of license you’ll need for your hotel photoshoot and the duration of the license.
Models that are featured in your hotel campaigns are agreeing for your business to use their likeness to promote your property and they need to be compensated appropriately. Models may have different rates depending on experience level, location, but also how the photos will be used. Here are some things to consider:
What platforms are you advertising the photos on (social media, web, print, billboards, etc.)
The duration of the commercial license (6 months, 1 year, 2 years, perpetuity)
Non-exclusive vs. exclusive license
