How to Become a Resort Photographer

The start of this visual story should show a potential client as much information about the resort as possible.

This is best done by including shots that show the resort in its entirety. The resort or buildings, the beaches, the gardens and so on.

The client needs to visually see what the resort looks like from above or at least from a high vantage point. This entices the client to seek more visual clues.

The middle is were part of the visual story is where the photographer needs to start introducing details such as restaurants and the meals.

The rooms and smaller details about each, the beach area and any special spots such as cabanas, hammocks, pool side or beach side amenities and service, the people who work there, the color of the sand, the clarity of the water or if no water is available, the entertainment happenings etc.

There are many photographic genres that can earn a photographer a comfortable living with wedding photography being among the best.

But there is also another genre that for some reason seems to have been overlooked by many in the business.

Photographing a resort or resorts with the aim of introducing the location to potential visitors is not only lucrative but can offer the dedicated photographer a very interesting time and a fun experience as well.

The goal of a resort photographer is to get potential clients or visitors to become interested in visiting the particular resort whose pictures the photographer is bringing into the limelight.

The best way for the photographer to make someone be willing to visit the resort; in other words your client, is to tell them a story through your photographs from start to end.

Notice that there is a difference between photographing an event at a resort and what this project entails.

This is not hiring a photographer to take pictures of you while you are in a resort. This is product photography on a larger scale. The images are selling a product and this product is the resort.

Other worthwhile images can be of special amenities or services like a massage, a continental breakfast, lunch or dinner, free shuttles or transportation to local tourist attractions.

The final details or the end of your visual resort story should attempt to create an image or sets of images that appear seductive.

Warm sunsets, warm and inviting secluded locations, people relaxing by the pool or beach area or even having a blast in the casino or lounge, close ups of a delicious dish, a cool and inviting drink are all good images that can help the potential visitor make his or her mind up about taking the trip.

The entire endeavor is made that much better if you can also include a written storyboard to accompany the visual one.

Tell visitors in detail about the great offerings that can be found if they visit this resort.

Include prices, accommodation suggestions, and provide links to travel agencies and to the resort itself. If you can also share actual experiences with your readers as this gives the piece that much credibility.

Don't make things up. Use only real and factual testimony from real visitors. Interview some guests if you can or ask the resort for testimony as the majority keep careful records of such.

Some of the techniques involved in this project are to shoot images in color with some of the images being captured in H.D.R (high definition). This makes the scene "jump" as the colors seem extra rich and vibrant.

Other techniques include doing some shots at night, showing silhouettes against a beautiful sunset, showing scenes of pretty foliage, and other natural elements such as a cascade, river, snowy locales or any other nature inspired scene which appears to be enticing.

Vistas should be adds that show the view from the room, especially if this view leads to breathtaking scenery. You can adapt the angle and perspectives to give each in room shot a romantic feel, a fun atmosphere or a relaxing sense.

Although black and whites have a place in photography, for this particular purpose, they should be avoided as color is the medium that catches the attention of a viewer.

This is off course unless the scene is more than capable of standing on its own even if captured in a monochromatic format.

All of this is if you are hired to do a brochure for an resort, but more than likely you will have to play the role of a salesperson.

So take the pictures as if you had been hired, examine the shots as if you were the client.

If you are pleased with the results of your work, then prepare the set along with a written accompanying piece and ask the resort how to submit your work.

Make sure to clarify that the presentation is to gauge their interest in using you and that they may not use your images if they decline.

Sending unsolicited material can lead to it being discarded or used without you being compensated for your efforts (highly dependent on the country where the resort is situated) although the later is unlikely since you still retain copyrights and most resorts chide away from bad publicity.

Chances are that if they like what they see they will hire you to do a promotional piece for them. At the very least you may get to stay for free in one so choose a resort that appeals to you just in case.