Recently, we had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond, VA. Inspired by the evolving landscape of visual marketing, I decided to invite an aspiring travel content creator to join me on the shoot, capturing UGC-style videos that complemented our traditional hotel photography.
In this blog post, I will share my experience and highlight the harmonious relationship between traditional hotel photography and user-generated content (UGC). This fusion of two distinct approaches demonstrates the power of storytelling and offers a comprehensive visual marketing solution, inspiring the birth of our agency, Vision Quest Media.
The Synergy of Traditional Hotel Photography and UGC:
Traditional hotel photography focuses on capturing the overall ambiance, design, and logistical elements of a property. It showcases the rooms, amenities, and facilities, providing potential guests with a comprehensive overview. On the other hand, UGC offers a more authentic and experiential perspective, telling the story of the guest’s journey and the emotions they experienced during their stay. While these two approaches may seem distinct, they complement each other to create a powerful visual narrative.
The Benefits of Fusion: Overview and Experience
By integrating traditional hotel photography with UGC-style content, we create a harmonious blend that covers both the overview and the experience. The traditional photography highlights the hotel’s features, allowing potential guests to envision themselves in the space. Meanwhile, UGC-style videos capture the moments, interactions, and emotions that make the guest experience truly memorable. Together, they provide a comprehensive representation of the property, enticing travelers with a visually rich and authentic portrayal.
Introducing Vision Quest Media: Curated Content Safaris
Recognizing the value and impact of this fusion, we founded Vision Quest Media—an agency designed to meet the visual marketing needs of hotels and resorts. Our curated content safaris bring together professional photographers and content creators, seamlessly integrating traditional hotel photography with UGC-style storytelling. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of the property is beautifully captured, captivating potential guests and inspiring them to embark on their own extraordinary experiences.
Conclusion: Inspiring Visual Narratives for Hospitality
The experience of photographing the Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond, VA, alongside an aspiring travel content creator, showcased the symbiotic relationship between traditional hotel photography and UGC-style content. Together, they present a comprehensive visual narrative that entices and engages potential guests. This realization led to the creation of Vision Quest Media—an agency dedicated to curating extraordinary visual experiences for hotels and resorts. By embracing the fusion of traditional and UGC-style content, we empower properties to captivate and inspire their target audience, ultimately elevating their brand and driving success in the competitive world of hospitality marketing.
