Orientation The first rule for taking photography for websites is to be aware that as all websites are delivered in landscape, images used will similarly need to be displayed in landscape mode. Use of portrait images is not suitable on websites as you will have to crop the photo to ensure the image fills the landscape frame. For example, on the below graphic, the original image has detailing of the room, such as the staircase behind the bride and banners along the roof. Also the brides dress has a long train which is spread across the foreground. When the landscape view area is applied, we can see more than 50% of the image will be cropped. Often these crops remove items of interest from the shot therefore any photography being taken for the websites should be done in landscape mode to ensure all parts of the shot are visible.

Center positioning Coupled with using landscape orientation, you also must consider the focal area of your photo and its position within the shot. With a multitude of screen dimensions being used to view websites, it’s important to ensure the focal area of the shot is shown on all resolutions. In the below graphic you can see how an original image is applied to laptop resolutions, causing the heads of the couples to be cut off. Laptop resolutions tend to be wide screen, usually 16:9 in proportion whereas desktop monitors usually are 4:3 in proportion. This greatly reduces the visible area of the image along its height on a Laptop, as the images width determines the size of the image. As well the laptop screen being shorter in height in relation to its width, you also have to allow for such things as the toolbars across the top of the browser, possibly top navigation on your website and the task bar across the bottom of the PC. All of these reduce the visible area even further.

To combat this it is important for the photographer to be aware of the focal area and look to compose the shot with this in mind. There are a few ways of allowing for this. One is to take the shot from as far back as possible to allow as much information as possible into the shot especially in the top and bottom of the shot. While these areas may not show on all screens, they will allow the image to bleed successfully within the browser page. In the below graphic, the same image is shown with more space being given to the shot all round. We have highlighted the target focal area which will be applied to the image and you can see the results across the reduced height resolutions of laptops. The couple are now visible across all resolutions and more details of the image can be seen.

Angle of shot It is important to consider the angle of the photo you are taking in relation to what it will include in the picture. This can often be led by the features of the room whether it be a window with a good view, an en suite bathroom or adjoining sitting area. You do not need to always include a full shot of the bed in a bedroom image as its assumed there will be a bed there. This allows you choose more dramatic angles to highlight other features of the room. Here are some samples shots with appropriate use of angles to greatly enhance the shot.

Height of shot When dealing with rooms of smaller sizes, it is important to take advantage of options available through photography to increase the size of the room. The height the shot is taken at is especially important here. Shots taken at head height give you a view looking down into the room, which tightens up the angles in the room, making the room appear more closed in. Taking the shot at hip height means you are creating a horizon in the shot that is closer to the height of the bed/tables. This reduces the severity of the angles in the focal area of the shot. It also reduces the amount of floor space you would see in the image. In the sample below, a single bed room, the angle is utilised to give a sense of space, even though this room size is quite limited.

View from Window One of the more important elements in a shot, especially of a bedroom, is the use of windows. As well as giving natural light to the photo, they also give a sense of what you will experience in the room. Often photographers ignore the window which leads to large areas of glare which darken the rest of the room and effect the room colours. Where possible, try to give some element of a view from the window. Rooms with good views will be easy to take care of, but rooms with obstructed views will be more difficult. In this case, the angle of the shot can dictate what’s shown through the window. Unwanted elements can be blocked by trees, or bypassed completely to show the sky. Below are some examples of rooms with great usage of views.

Use of props When someone looks at an image on your website you want them to be able to visualise themselves staying at the hotel and enjoying what you have to offer. It’s important that your rooms look inviting and warm. The light and colour can contribute to this, but also props give you an extra dimension to a hotel room shot as their inclusion gives the room a lived in feel without distancing the viewer. Clever placement of such items as fresh flowers, books, food trays and drinks as well as more personal items such as luggage, watches, jewellery and some clothing can add to the welcoming feel of the image. Below are some samples of good prop positioning.

Use of people Using people in your photography needs to be dealt with on a shot by shot basis as certain areas of your property suit having people in the shot while others don’t. Including guests in any room shots can run the danger of isolating your property to the age demographic of the people in the photo. For example, if you have an elderly couple in a bedroom shot, visitors to the site may see this as your property appealing to that age group, which may go against certain visitor age groups. Also, you want people to be able to visualise themselves staying in your bedrooms and having people in the room takes from this effect. You can however include staff members in room shots as they can portray a message of quality service.

The use of people is especially important in shots of more general areas. If you do not have any people in a dining room or bar photo for example, it gives the impression that you don’t get any diners which could have a negative effect on how a visitor perceives your property. Also, including people in your general areas gives you an opportunity to display the diversity of people that stay at your hotel. Again, use of staff is a good idea in these shot types. You should always ensure any staff you use in your photography are well presented.

Below are some sample photos with people used in different parts of the hotel.