INTRODUCTION
Professional digital cameras, such as single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, have been the standard for capturing high-quality photos and videos for years. However, recent improvements in smartphone camera capabilities present new opportunities for hospitality businesses that do not wish to invest in a DSLR camera or don’t have the skills to operate it.
According to the Pew Research Center, 90% of Americans own a smartphone, which means you or someone on your staff is always equipped with a camera that can capture compelling photos or videos for your hotel or hospitality businesses with ease.
Following are some tips for capturing engaging visual content for your hotel, resort or hospitality business using a smartphone.
HOW TO TAKE ENGAGING PHOTOS WITH A SMARTPHONE
While smartphone cameras are fairly user-friendly, it can still take some practice to capture images that resemble those taken with a professional camera. Start by familiarizing yourself with the settings on your camera, or download a DSLR camera app for your smartphone to access and practice with features that mimic those of a real DSLR camera–there are many free or low-cost options available.
When you are ready to take photos, make sure to clean your lens first, as it might have smudges from your fingers or being in your pocket or bag. Next, aim to find natural light or a light source that is flattering for your room, restaurant offerings or other amenities. You may need to change your angle to ensure the lighting is even or to prevent undesired shadows or backlight.
Avoid zooming in on your subject or using the flash on your phone. Both of these actions can compromise the quality of your photo. In addition, you should avoid using filters when taking the image. It is best to start with a high-quality photo that you can edit later (if desired).
The composition of your image is key to making it engaging. One way to capture a visually compelling photo is to use the rule of thirds. In other words, align the main subject, or a main focal point, of your photo approximately 1/3 of the way from the edge of the frame, either vertically or horizontally (or both). This adds interest and balance to your photo.
You can still center your subject in some cases, but this works best for striking images, and when your shot orientation matches the orientation of the subject (e.g., vertical subject with a portrait camera orientation).
For indoor shots, you can use the architectural lines of your hotel to lead the viewer’s eyes to the main subject and add depth and interest to your photo. For instance, you could shoot a photo of a guest arriving from the other end of the hallway. You can also use “leading lines” for outdoor photos, especially if there is a walkway or a road.
Take photos from different viewpoints (e.g., looking down at the city from a guest room or looking up at an iconic building or sculpture in your neighborhood) to create more captivating visuals. Take multiple photos and check them before wrapping to make sure you have the shots you need.
In addition, you should always check the background of your shots to make sure you didn’t capture undesired content, such as a guest who isn’t supposed to be there or something that distracts from the subject of the photo.
In some cases, you may want to invest in some extra equipment to further improve the image. For instance, a smartphone tripod can help stabilize your phone to ensure sharp and consistent images. There are also wireless remotes you can use to further decrease the chance of movement. Both of these add-ons are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the costs of professional photography equipment.
HOW TO CREATE HIGH-QUALITY VIDEOS WITH A SMARTPHONE
Videos are perhaps the most engaging form of content you can capture, especially if you are using them on your hotel’s social media channels. Your smartphone camera provides the tools you need to create high-quality videos that resonate with your guests or followers.
Adjust the settings on your phone to make sure you’re shooting at 1080 HD or 4K resolution. A 4K resolution will give you a sharper image, so this is ideal if you need to zoom in later. You should also set your frames per second (fps). The standard for television is 30 fps, but you can go up to 60 fps if you are planning to slow down the footage (e.g., for an action or motion shot) or if you want a sharper video. Keep in mind that videos shot in 4K or with higher fps will yield larger file sizes.
Take the video’s purpose into consideration when choosing its orientation. For instance, if you plan to create a video tour of your hotel for your website or YouTube channel, you should shoot horizontally. If you are solely using it to create a Story, Reel or TikTok video, you can shoot vertically. Just remember that horizontally oriented videos can often be converted to a square or vertical format, but the reverse isn’t always possible.
Many of the photography best practices mentioned above also apply to video. For instance, you should use natural lighting when possible and adjust your viewpoint to make sure it works for your shot. You also should ensure that the subject is the main focus by avoiding distracting backdrops for your video, such as a busy lobby or dining room. Lastly, make sure your lens is clean, avoid zooming in and stabilize your smartphone before shooting to improve video quality.