Trying to capture the livelihood, essence and vibe of your wares and product to show off to the public eye and grasp their attention is crucial in any business, especially AirBnB and self-catering accommodation. These are a few of my top tips to help you get a kick start in the right direction and start capturing excellent photographs of your premises.
TIP ONE:
Lights, Camera, Action!
The best secret for taking brilliant photographs is impeccable lighting. When you take photographs of your property, make sure that your setting is well lit up.
The best times of day to take photographs are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the natural lighting is the best for shooting photographs of your property.
For an enchanting look of your property, taking photographs in the evening with your interior lights switched on will definitely do the trick.
TIP TWO:
The Space Illusion.
If you have a small property on your hands, this isn’t a problem! With the correct photography skills, this can be handled with ease.
There are a few visual tricks to help make your space look larger than it actually is.
If you are taking the photographs yourself, position yourself in the corner of the room, and take each shot from there. This trick makes the room look much larger and wider.
Another good trick is to take photographs from inside doorways, as well as using a wide-angle lens coupled up with these tricks.
TIP THREE
Keeping it Clean.
The most common error made by rookie photographers is not cleaning up their space before the photoshoot occurs.
Do a check and go through each room looking for clutter and rubbish. Scan the exterior and take down any hanging washing and anything that could distract the viewer from the photographs actual main subject matter.
TIP FOUR
Shoot to Thrill.
What is so special about your property? What makes your regular guests keep coming back? Is it the exquisite interior design, the breathtaking landscapes it was built upon, or a warm and welcoming front porch.
Whatever it may be, now is the time to put the spotlight on it and put it on a show for everyone to see. Take photographs of those special moments future guests could experience at your property.
Its all about painting a picture that triggers emotion for the guests, so they can imagine them staying with you.
TIP FIVE
Get Low.
While its a myth that shooting a room from above gets you the best shot, shooting from a lower angle actually does.
If you are using a tripod, set it low – below shoulder height and be sure to keep the camera level (not pointing it at the ground).
This type of shot will create a perspective of the walls going up from lower, giving each room more presence. When your camera sits lower than eye level, your photographs will look like the room interior photographs you see in magazines.
TIP SIX
Use a Tripod.
The best tool you could have to take amazing photographs is a tripod. A tripod steadies your camera, as the camera can be affixed too it. When taking photographs using a tripod, you eliminate any handheld blurring on your photographs.
TIP SEVEN
Capture Your Hero Shot.
This will be the main image used for your property across the internet. So be sure to capture what your property really is all about in this photograph. This could be a view of the overall property or a special feature or your best room.
TIP EIGHT
Linens and Pillows.
Professional photography lighting puts out thousands of watts of light, amplifying the smallest wrinkles! I recommend ironing all visible linen including, bed skirts, pillowcases, curtains, and cloth shower curtains. Steam is your best ally in removing wrinkles. If your area is humid, leave the climate control on to keep linens fresh and crisp.
TIP NINE
Remove all Print Collateral.
Many brands prohibit print collateral in guest room images – its presence can date images and pieces often appear as clutter in images. Place all print collateral in a drawer (TV channel guides, movie guides, guest directory, internet info, menus, etc.) Guest bath amenities and coffee makers should be in the space.
TIP TEN
Setting the Scene
No one wants to walk into an empty and bland looking accommodation setting. Put a splash of colour o the kitchen counter by adding a vase full of fresh flowers, set the table by pulling out the place mats and silverware and napkins.
Make the viewers feel like they want to sit down, feel invited and feel welcome into the space you are showing off.
Set the scene up, but dont get it cluttered with unecessary objects that make the image of the area feel too cramped, uncomfortable and overcrowded.
Written by: Tye Leah Kettle
Photographs by: Peter Haarhoff
