I love to travel and experience new cities, but I enjoy it even more when I have a wonderful place to stay! The photos Local Guides like you share on Google Maps help others discover great hotels, hostels, or bed and breakfasts to relax in after a long day of exploring. But they can also give others important information that they need to make decisions about the best place to stay.
For example, a photo of a wheelchair accessible ramp at the entrance can help someone who uses a wheelchair learn about a hotel’s accessibility features. Or visual clues such as an overhead room fan, air conditioner, or windows that open can help those who are sensitive to extreme heat in the summer.
As you travel, here are some of my best photo tips for helping others find the perfect place to book for a relaxing getaway.
1. Use natural light
One of my top tips is to use natural light whenever possible. Natural light will make a hotel room look its best and illuminate your scene with a white, soft light. Artificial lights, on the other hand, can cast an unappealing orange or blue hue on your photos. To get the perfect lighting, shoot during the day, open up the curtains, and turn off any artificial lights in the room.
2. Remove the clutter
Another important tip is to remove any personal clutter in the setting that may distract others looking at your photo. You’ll want the room to look clean and tidy, with the bed made. When I stay in a new hotel and want to share my experience with others, I’ll often take photos of the room first—before I unpack and make a mess!
- Shoot in a corner
To add depth and dimension to your photo, try standing back in one corner of the room and focus your camera towards the opposite corner. Shooting from this perspective can give others a good idea about the size of the room. Photographing straight on onto a flat wall can oftentimes make a room look smaller than it actually is.
- Look for things that make the location unique
What is special about the place you’re staying at for your getaway? Is there a garden where you can sit and enjoy your breakfast? Try to discover what makes the location stand apart from others and feature that aspect in your photographs. When traveling during a cold winter, I’m always excited to know if the place I’m staying at as a cozy fireplace or if there’s a lovely pool to dip my toes into during the hot summer!
- Capture the accessibility features
Another thing to look for is to see if the place you’re staying at is accessible for those that need the assistance of elevators, wheelchair ramps, and accessible pool access. Many hotels also have rooms with altered layouts and furniture to accommodate people with limited mobility. By taking photos of these areas as well as accessibility signs, you’ll be helping those with mobility issues know whether or not the location is a great place for them to stay.
6. Explore the food options available
If your hotel offers food and you have time to enjoy a bite, don’t forget to take some mouth-watering shots! It’s great for others to know what the location offers in food service and also a good way to practice your food photography skills. Again, natural lighting is key to making food look appetizing. Once the lighting in the scene is set, then you’re ready to get different angles and capture the color!
Do you love to travel and have a favorite hotel or hostel where you like to stay? Share your photos and experiences with us on Google Maps and in the comments below.
Of course the reviews are also a big help.
