The Challenge of Pursuing Your Vision When You’re Living Your Dream

Ask Auntie Paige, Drury Approved Photography, Get to No University, Grown Up Ganja, Hotel Photography, Hotel UGC, Living The Dream, Vision Quest Hospitality Photography, Vision Quest Media

Your Dream is Just Part of Your Vision

Dreams vs. Wishes vs. Vision
- The challenge of pursuing a vision when living a dream
Hotel Photo Shoot for Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs Resort: Living the Dream, Pursuing the Vision
The Challenge of Pursuing a Vision Amidst Living a Dream
- Embracing the Journey: Finding Harmony Between Dreams and Visions
The Bottom Line – Nurturing the Unfolding Tapestry of Wishes, Dreams, and Visions
Drury Approved Hotel Photography for Drury Plaza Hotel – Disney Springs Resort

If you had told us that we would one day photograph hotels at Disney, we would have thought that was a dream come true.

And it is.

But what if your dream is simply one part of a bigger vision? The enchanted kingdom is a great place to talk about dreams, wishes and visions.

Let us delve into this topic, using our hotel photo shoot at the Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs Resort as an example of a dream realized within the context of a larger vision.

Disneyworld – the Magic Kingdom – is the place where fantasies come true. At least that’s what they tell you. And our photo shoot at the Drury Plaza Hotel – Disney Springs Resort really was the stuff of dreams.

Dreams vs. Wishes vs. Vision

These terms, though often used interchangeably, hold distinct meanings that shape our perspective and aspirations. Society often conditions us to believe that reaching a modicum of success should be “enough”, urging us to be grateful for what we have in comparison to those less fortunate. However, it is essential to question this perspective and explore the difference between wishes, dreams, and visions, while recognizing the challenge of pursuing a vision when you are already living a dream.

The challenge of pursuing a vision when living a dream

Wishes are fleeting desires or aspirations that often emerge from a place of longing or discontent. They represent our yearning for something different or better, but they lack a clear plan or direction. Dreams, on the other hand, are more concrete and tangible but still based on some fantasy of what we wish could be. They possess a sense of passion and possibility, serving as the initial fuel that propels us towards a particular goal or ambition.

Dreams ignite our imagination and motivate us to take action.

Visions, however, transcend dreams by encompassing a comprehensive and holistic perspective. They represent a long-term, overarching framework for the life we envision, incorporating our deepest values, purpose, and aspirations. Visions provide a sense of direction, guiding our choices and actions towards fulfilling our true potential.

Our Vision is based on three simple questions –

What Is? By honestly assessing WHAT IS present and true in this moment, we are able to build from a place of authenticity, pragmatism and potential.
What If? By not just dreaming but actually exploring what it is we desire, we ignite the passion and motivation to take action.
What Now? Combining our honest assessment of our skills, circumstances and desires, we can move closer to our ultimate goals one step at a time.

Hotel Photo Shoot for Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs Resort: Living the Dream, Pursuing the Vision

Our experience with two hotel photo shoots at the enchanting Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs Resort serves as a testament to the realization of a dream. When we first met, we yearned to travel the country, capturing mesmerizing images through our lenses.

What began as a dream eventually manifested into a fulfilling business, enabling us to witness extraordinary places and create visual content for 1000+ hotels, 2500+ vacation rentals and Air BnB’s, 3,500+ real estate listings and hundreds of businesses.

However, as our journey progressed, we realized that our true passion extended beyond photography. We yearned to stay rooted, building a life that aligned with our evolving vision. It became apparent that living a dream, while fulfilling, did not encompass the entirety of our aspirations. Our desire shifted towards sharing our experiences and wisdom, creating a lasting impact through the power of writing.

The Challenge of Pursuing a Vision Amidst Living a Dream

For as long as I can remember, it has been my dream to write and speak about Get to No University – the framework I created to navigate my way through the world.

The challenge arises when we find ourselves already living a dream life.

It can be difficult to shift gears and pursue a larger vision when we are told to be content with our current achievements. Society often emphasizes gratitude for reaching a certain level of success, making it seemingly counterintuitive to yearn for more. However, it is essential to honor the authentic desires within us, even when they diverge from societal expectations.

Embracing the Journey: Finding Harmony Between Dreams and Visions

While living a dream, we must acknowledge the existence of a broader vision. It is about striking a harmonious balance between appreciating our current accomplishments and daring to dream bigger. It is not ingratitude but a pursuit of growth and purpose. By recognizing that dreams and visions can coexist, we can embrace the evolving nature of our aspirations and adapt our paths accordingly.

The Bottom Line – Nurturing the Unfolding Tapestry of Wishes, Dreams, and Visions

Wishes, dreams, and visions intertwine to create a tapestry of personal growth and fulfillment. While wishes and dreams ignite our passions and prompt action, visions provide the overarching direction that gives our pursuits deeper meaning. As we reflect on our hotel photo shoot at the Drury Plaza Hotel Disney Springs Resort, we recognize the importance of embracing the full spectrum of our aspirations.

Drury Approved Hotel Photography for Drury Plaza Hotel – Disney Springs Resort

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How to Build Your Hotel UGC Portfolio from Scratch: Show, Don’t Tell

Ask Auntie Paige, Get to No University, Grown Up Ganja, Hilton Approved Photography, Hotel Photography, Hotel UGC, Living The Dream, User Generated Content, Vision Quest Hospitality Photography, Vision Quest Media

As an aspiring hotel content creator, building a portfolio from scratch can be challenging. However, it’s important to take a slow and steady approach, rather than relying on unrealistic expectations set by mood boards.

The Perfect Hotel UGC Pitch?
Don’t Set Unrealistic Expectations: Sharing Mood Boards vs. Showing Actual Work
Showing “What Is?” Vs. Asking “What If?’ Ensures Authenticity
- Offering Your Hotel UGC: Using Pixieset or Dropbox to Offer Licensing or Purchase Options
- Moving on from a potential customer – Get to “No” quickly and don’t take it personally
Why It Matters: Relationships are easier to maintain than to build
Hilton Approved Hotel Photography for tru by Hilton – Raleigh Garner

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

The Perfect Hotel UGC Pitch?

The perfect pitch is one that gets opened and begins a dialogue. One of my coaching clients recently used this process to approach a hotel where she will be staying as a guest. Instead of sending a long outreach email, we edited her initial contact down to a short and sweet message that shared the key details:

She’s coming to visit the hotel as a guest.
She’s a professional photographer and content creator.
She’s going to take photos for her portfolio and would like to offer them to the hotel for licensing or purchase.

By focusing on her status as a guest, she automatically received a warm welcome but they didn’t pick up on her offer for a collaboration…yet.

The hotel didn’t know her or her work yet, so showing them her portfolio, samples or a “mood board” wasn’t the best option to get their attention. She is going to be a guest at the hotel with or without a collaboration. Instead of being disappointed that they didn’t offer a collaboration, she will go to the hotel and create amazing content and then send it to them watermarked with an option to license.

A mood board is a visual tool that is commonly used by designers, artists, and content creators to convey the look and feel of a concept or project. It typically consists of a collage of images, color palettes, and textures that represent the intended mood or aesthetic. Mood boards can be helpful for communicating ideas and inspiration, but they can also create unrealistic expectations if the final product doesn’t match the images on the board.

My client is a very talented photographer and can send the hotel a mood board of her actual work that she creates while she’s a guest. This way they get an accurate representation of the type of work that she can create for them.

Showing “What Is?” Vs. Asking “What If?’ Ensures Authenticity

Mood boards tend to set unrealistic expectations for the quality of work the hotel will receive. If your work isn’t equivalent or better than what you show on a mood board, you risk disappointing the hotel and even risking a charge back if what you deliver isn’t up to par. Instead of relying on mood boards, it’s better to show hotels what you can do for them by presenting them with YOUR actual photos.

Yes, we can all search Pinterest and find breathtaking shots of exotic destinations, but what you don’t realize is how long it takes to capture a picture of an actual unicorn.

It’s easier to sell a picture of a unicorn than the idea of one.

It’s much easier to sell something you’ve already created, rather than selling an idea of what you might be able to deliver. She’s already going to be a guest for an event and if she sees a unicorn, she can take a photo of it.

My coaching client is an excellent photographer and a fantastic UGC creator. The content she will create will be fantastic. It’s just a question of whether the hotel is interested in paying to license or use what she creates.

Offering Your Hotel UGC: Using Pixieset or Dropbox to Offer Licensing or Purchase Options

Once she has a collection of photos and videos that she is proud of, she can send the hotel a Pixieset or watermarked Dropbox link of her images. This gives them the opportunity to see your work and license the photos if they don’t want to pay upfront for a sponsored shoot or hotel collaboration. It’s a win-win situation for both parties, as the hotel gets high-quality images to use for their marketing, and you get to add more work to your portfolio.

One caveat – The only way I would consider using a mood board in outreach to a hotel or resort is if you have work that is similar in aesthetic but that isn’t necessarily hospitality-related. For example, if my coaching client has UGC product photography samples that have a similar vibe to the hotel, she could show her sample next to a photo from the hotel’s website or social media.

Moving on from a potential customer – Get to “No” quickly and don’t take it personally

Remember, the goal is to get to “no” in sales as quickly as possible, so you can move on to an actual potential customer. Don’t take it personally if a hotel says no; it’s just not the right fit. Keep in mind that just because they say no now doesn’t mean they won’t be interested in the future. Make sure to follow up and stay in touch.

The slow and steady authentic building process is key. Focus on building relationships with hotels by underpromising and over-delivering. Start small with your ask, even if the only ask is for a direct email to send the photos or content to after the visit. Be sure to watermark your images and make it clear that you’re offering to license rather than just sharing for exposure.

The Bottom Line:

Remember to start small with your ask and watermark your images, and don’t be discouraged if a hotel is not interested in your offer. Keep building your portfolio and stay in touch for future opportunities.

The great thing about this approach is that your worst case scenario is that you create content for your hospitality UGC portfolio and make amazing memories with your friends and family. The best case scenario is that you create licensing-worthy content that the hotel is excited to purchase and utilize and you create a relationship for ongoing collaboration opportunities. This works especially well for businesses in your area where you can create retainer or ongoing collaborations.

By focusing on being their guest first, you have the opportunity to build relationships and showcase your work in a respectful and professional manner.

Why It Matters: Relationships are easier to maintain than to build

We have long established relationship with our clients and they trust us with all of their hotel photography needs. Not because we are the greatest hotel photographers (we aren’t) but because we deliver quality, value, and consistency.

One such company is Crown Hotel and Travel Management in Wilmington, NC. We have photographed 17 hotels for them and continue our partnership as their sole hotel photographer.

Here’s a recent shoot we did for them…

Hilton Approved Hotel Photography for tru by Hilton – Raleigh Garner

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The Art of Choosing Hotels with Bad Photos: A Hotel Photographer’s Perspective

Hotel Photography, Hotel UGC, IHG Approved Photography, User Generated Content, Vision Quest Hospitality Photography, Vision Quest Media

When it comes to choosing a hotel room for our travels, many of us turn to the hotel’s website for guidance. We scroll through the photos of the various room types and amenities, hoping to get a sense of what our stay will be like.

But what if I told you that my criteria for choosing a hotel is actually based on the hotel with the worst photos or even stock photos?

The Art of Choosing Hotels with Bad Photos

Why We Choose Hotels with the Worst Photos: The Logic Behind It
- Reading Between the Lines: How Hotel Brand Standards can Reveal the Truth
- The Bottom Line: Warm Welcome beats Cold Call
When Our Warm Cold Calls Turn into Referrals: The Story of a Successful Hotel Photo Shoot

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Why We Choose Hotels with the Worst Photos: The Logic Behind It

As professional hotel photographers, we know that bad photos can actually be a good thing for us. They often mean that the hotel is coming due for a renovation, or that they are losing money due to photos that don’t represent the actual location. On the flip side, stock photos usually mean that a hotel is either new or recently renovated. Either way , if reviews are good, I always choose the one with the worst photos!

Hotel brand standards require uniformity across all of their properties. Old photos mean that even if the rooms haven’t been updated, the linens must be. If I see a hotel that has old linens that are more than two or three iterations old, then I know that they will have been required to update the rooms, even if the rest of the hotel hasn’t been updated.

When that happens, they’re out of compliance with the hotel’s marketing standards, and that’s usually a hint to me that they’ll be required, within not too long, to update their photos, even if they’re not having a new renovation. It can also mean the hotel is or was in in distress and might have new ownership.

As hotel photographers for more than a decade, it’s our job to understand these nuances and use them to our advantage in getting more business.

Reading Between the Lines: How Hotel Brand Standards can Reveal the Truth

As guests vs. vendors, we are treated with a level of respect and attention that we might not receive as a cold call walking into a hotel. This gives us the perfect opportunity to experience the hotel and its amenities while also getting a sense of how it feels to stay there. We can take note of the small details that may not be captured in website photos, such as the staff’s level of service and the cleanliness of the rooms.

‘A picture tells a thousand words’ is especially true for us after photographing more than a thousand hotels for more than 50 brands. We are familiar with most brand standards and even wrote the hotel photography standards for several hotel brands! That’s to say we know when an owner is cutting corners!

When staying in a hotel as a guest, we not only get to experience the accommodations firsthand but also get a glimpse into what it would be like to work with the hotel ownership. If we notice that the hotel has a lot of deferred maintenance and unhappy staff, we have learned that it probably means the experience working with them as a hotel content creator or UGC creator would mirror that.

On the other hand, if we see that the hotel is well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and accommodating, it’s an excellent indication that they prioritize guest satisfaction and would likely be open to collaborations and partnerships.

The Bottom Line: Warm Welcome beats Cold Call

In addition to taking photos, creating a blog or social media account specifically for hotel content can be a great way to showcase your work and build a following. By consistently sharing high-quality photos and honest reviews, you can establish yourself as a trusted source for hotel recommendations and insights. Remember evergreen content such as YouTube videos and blog posts can generate traffic indefinitely.

Overall, visiting hotels as a guest or for a quick photo shoot can be a great way to build your portfolio and potentially open up new opportunities in the hospitality industry. Just remember to be respectful, follow the hotel’s policies, and give AND get credit where credit is due.

When Our Warm Cold Calls Turn into Referrals: The Story of a Successful Hotel Photo Shoot

This unconventional approach led us to one hotel in Roanoke, VA in the middle of the night, which took us a little bit out of our way but turned out to be a fantastic new hotel. Despite the unimpressive stock photos on their website, we were not surprised to find that the hotel was brand new and in pristine condition…and almost ready for photos!

During our quick stay, we introduced ourselves and left our card. On the way out of the parking lot, I emailed a thank you to the manager who forwarded it to the owner. Not only did we photograph that hotel, the owner has referred me to her peers and we recently photographed a sister property.

Sometimes, the worst photos can lead to the best experiences. This was certainly the case with both of these hotels. Thanks to the team at Holiday Inn Express and Suites Largo, MD for a great hotel photo shoot!

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Empathy in Business – Why It’s Not Just Kindness

Healthcare Virtual Tours, Living The Dream, Vision Quest Media

Empathy Isn’t Just Kindness, It’s Good Business

My Experience: How PTSD Shapes My Fear of the Dentist
The Power of Patience: Why Empathy is Good Business
- The Bottom Line – Empathy is good for business.
- Healthcare Photography for Quincy Dental Center

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Empathy is often confused with sympathy or kindness, but in reality, it is much more than that. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and understand their feelings, needs, and perspectives. In the business world, empathy is often seen as a “soft” skill, but it is actually one of the most important skills you can have.

My Experience: How PTSD Shapes My Fear of the Dentist

Dental procedures trigger my PTSD, and I cry (sometimes uncontrollably) even during routine cleanings. But I have a dentist who understands this and who trusts that I will tell her when I am uncomfortable. Instead of telling me not to be afraid, she recognizes that my fear is real and that my PTSD is not something that can be rationalized away.

The Importance of Empathy: How My Dentist Reacted to My PTSD

This dentist understands that my reaction isn’t about her, and it’s not a choice I am making. It’s a physiological response to a past traumatic event. Because of her empathy and patience, I continue to see her and gladly pay out of pocket for her services.

Dr. Pritts and her staff understand my fear, and by reacting to me, not my reaction, she has created a comfortable environment that eases my anxiety.

The Lie of Facing Fear: Logic Doesn’t Conquer PTSD

Do the Thing You Fear the Most and the Death of Fear is Certain – That’s what they say, but it’s not always true. I’ve experienced this firsthand with PTSD from a dental procedure that doing the thing you fear does not in fact make the death of fear certain.

Every time I sit in the dentist’s chair, tears stream down my face. It’s not that the procedure hurts necessarily; it’s the PTSD causing an involuntary physiological reaction.

In the past, I had a terrible experience with a dentist who became upset with my reaction, telling me that my response was not commensurate with the pain he was causing me. But, my reaction was not my choice. PTSD is a physiological reaction that can happen even after the initial stimulus has passed. That’s why it’s called POST Traumatic stress disorder. The trauma is over but the stress is not.

The Importance of Empathy: How My Dentist Reacted to My PTSD

However, I am fortunate enough to have found a dentist who understands that my reaction isn’t about her. She is an Army veteran and knows the importance of empathy and patience with PTSD. Instead of telling me not to be afraid, she recognizes that I am afraid and that my PTSD does not require a logical explanation. She reacts to me, not my reaction.

Choosing Empathy: How My Experience Shaped My Business Decisions

This empathetic approach is what sets her apart from the rest. Even though she does not take my insurance, I happily pay out of pocket to see her. This experience proves that empathy is not just about being kind but can also be good for business.

The Power of Patience: Why Empathy is Good Business

Let’s dive deeper into the importance of empathy and how it can revolutionize the status quo in business:

Empathy Builds Trust and Loyalty When a business takes an empathetic approach with its customers, it can build trust and loyalty. By understanding your customers’ pain points and taking steps to address them, you show that you care about their needs. This builds trust, and customers are more likely to stick around.

We have come to understand this in our hotel photography business.

Empathy Enhances the Customer Experience By being empathetic to your customers’ needs, you can enhance their experience with your business. For example, my dentist understands my fear, and by reacting to me, not my reaction, she has created a comfortable environment that eases my anxiety. In the same way, businesses can create experiences that cater to their customers’ needs, enhancing their experience with the brand.

Empathy Creates Better Products and Services By understanding your customers’ pain points and needs, you can create better products and services that meet their needs. For example, a company that understands the struggles of its customers can create products that solve those problems, providing value and meeting their needs.

One way we have done this recently is by offering a Hotel Photo Shoot Preparation Package. We understand that many hotels are short staffed and overworked. We get that preparing for a hotel photo shoot may not be an option so we now offer to do it for them.

But again, Empathy is not about kindness alone. It’s also good business.

Empathy is Good for Your Bottom Line Businesses that take an empathetic approach can see financial benefits. By building trust and loyalty, enhancing the customer experience, and creating better products and services, businesses can attract and retain more customers, increasing their revenue.

Our Hotel Prep Package is an add-on. It’s not our job to prepare the hotel but we understand that these days hotels are stretched thin. We combined compassion with common sense.

You see, brands won’t approve photos that aren’t up to the brand photography standards. Our contract states that we are responsible for the technical photography standards but the hotel is responsible for meeting the brand’s photography standards as well. By offering the hotel an option to hire us to prep the hotel rooms based on their standards, the hotel not only gets a better photo, they also save money from having to pay for a reshoot if the photos weren’t approved.

The Bottom Line – Empathy is good for business.

In conclusion, empathy is not just about being kind; it’s good for business. By understanding your customers’ needs and pain points and taking steps to address them, you can build trust and loyalty, enhance the customer experience, create better products and services, and increase your bottom line. So, take a step back and “Get to No” your customers’ needs and how you can address them with empathy.

Healthcare Photography for Quincy Dental Center

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The Power of Twilight Shots in Hotel Photography

Drury Approved Photography, Hotel Photography, Living The Dream, User Generated Content, Vision Quest Hospitality Photography, Vision Quest Media

The Power of Twilight Hotel Photography

Twilight Exterior Photos: A Game Changer in Hotel Photography
Drury Approved Hotel Photography for Drury Inn and Suites – Columbus Dublin

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Twilight Exterior Photos: A Game Changer in Hotel Photography

In the competitive world of the hotel industry, having stunning visual assets can make all the difference in attracting potential guests. While daytime and nighttime photography have their own merits, twilight exterior shots bring a unique wow factor to your hotel’s visual marketing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the value of twilight photography during a hotel photo shoot and how it can transform your hotel’s online presence.

The Wow Factor: Day vs. Twilight

To truly appreciate the impact of twilight exterior photos, let’s compare the same shot taken during daytime and twilight. The daytime shot showcases the hotel in all its glory under bright sunlight, highlighting its architectural details and the surrounding landscape. The nighttime shot captures the hotel’s ambiance and lighting, adding a sense of mystery and romance.

However, it’s the twilight shot that really stands out, blending the best of both worlds. The soft, magical hues of the sky create a backdrop that accentuates the hotel’s design and lighting, providing a captivating visual experience that leaves potential guests mesmerized. The enchanting atmosphere of twilight photography can transform a nice hotel into an amazing one, making it a must-have for your hotel’s photo collection.

The Process of Capturing Twilight Shots for Hotels

To achieve the best possible twilight exterior shots, a few key factors must be taken into consideration:

Clear the front of the hotel: To capture the full beauty of your hotel’s exterior, it’s essential to have a clear, unobstructed view. This means blocking off as many parking spaces as possible and asking guests not to park under the portico during the photo shoot. Having a management team member on hand to address any concerns or issues will help ensure a smooth process.
Time it right: Twilight photography is all about capturing the perfect moment during the blue hour – the period of time after sunset when the sky takes on a deep, rich blue hue. This means that timing is crucial, and the photographer must be prepared to take a series of shots at different stages of the blue hour to get the perfect image.
Lighting: Ensuring that your hotel’s exterior lighting is in top condition is essential for twilight photography. Check that all lights are functioning and replace any burnt-out bulbs before the shoot. The right lighting will not only enhance your hotel’s architecture but also add warmth and depth to the twilight photos.

The Bottom Line – Twilight shots are a MUST!

Twilight exterior photos are the money shots that can elevate your hotel’s visual marketing to the next level.

By showcasing your hotel in a magical, captivating light, you’ll make it stand out in search results and leave potential guests eager to book a stay. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a skilled photographer, your hotel can reap the benefits of twilight photography and truly shine online.