IHG Photography Shot List & Technical Shoot Guide

Please be sure to reference the Brand Photography Guidelines: LINK

1. Review the number of mandatory shots below for your hotel (there are optional photos listed as well)

2. Fill out the room Type Worksheet and add the mandatory shots from this list to the total # of room types

3. Review the Negotiate Photography Vendor Pricing and choose the correct photo package for your needs.

4. Provide the room type worksheet, this shot list and the brand guidelines to the photographer
5. Once photos are received, please use the shot list and the worksheet in order to upload the correct photos in the correct fields in HCM.

Note to Hotel: Based on the number of room types you have at your hotel – you may have a greater number of photos needed for your property. Please plan accordingly when choosing the right photo package for your hotel based on this list and what room types are at your property. The mandatory shots listed below are what is needed for the best online experience on brand.com. You can include the optional photos for your property but that may put you into a different photo package pricing.

# / Location Shot/Specifics / What Do You Want to Capture
How the photo should be set-up/staged/shot. All images horizontal unless otherwise noted. / Notes
Please utilize the Room Type Worksheet to ensure that you have at least one photo for ALLROOM TYPES that have a UNIQUE ROOM TYPE CODE in HOLIDEX (Excluding Smoking vs Nonsmoking) ADA = Handicapped Room Types
ALL PHOTOS MUST ADHERE TO OVERALL BRAND GUIDELINES PER REGION. HOTELS MUST ENSURE THEIR ROOMS/PROPERTY ADHERE TO BRAND STANDARDS.
One image of EVERY UNIQUE non-ADA/Handicapped Guest Room type which has its own Holidex code / All shots: Wide shot of room, highlight key features (i.e. bed, work space, layout)
If a suite, capture the sleeping area and non-sleeping area.
All linens and bedding must be smoothed and wrinkle-free. Shot must depict “turned down” bed with 4 pillows (2 Soft and 2 Firm);
In US: King beds should feature king pillows; logo on phone; white on white sheets; throw at end of bed if applicable.
In EUR: beds should feature: Pillow Tags, Pillow Wraps, Bed Throws - We highly recommend that hotels take two sets of photographs of the pillows. One set to reflect the above brand standards and then the other to be taken without Pillow Wraps and Tags, just in case we need a close up pillow shot for any additional material in the future. / Mandatory
If room sold with view – showcase view outside and submit a second photo with the view from the window/balcony. / Mandatory
One image of each UNIQUE non- ADA / Handicapped Guest Bathroom type / Wide shot of bathroom. Include Bath Amenities, 3 towels in bathroom; Shower curtain should remain on the outside of the tub and closed to showcase curved shower rod.
Greater China – 2 towels in bathroom.
Be sure to note which Bathroom Type goes with each Room Type / Mandatory
One Image of EVERY UNIQUE ADA / Handicapped Guest Room type which has its own Holidex code / All shots: Wide shot of room, highlight key features (i.e. bed, work space, layout) / Mandatory
If a suite, capture the sleeping area and non-sleeping area. / Mandatory
If room sold with view – showcase impressive view outside and submit a second photo with the view from the window/balcony. / Mandatory
One image of each UNIQUE ADA / Handicapped Guest Bathroom type / Wide shot of bathroom. Include Bath Amenities, 3 towels in bathroom; Shower curtain should remain on the outside of the tub and open and on the outside of tub/shower. Remove bath mat. Showcase tub/shower with seat, towel rack.
Greater China – 2 towels in bathroom.
(ADA Bathroom shot may be vertical if only that orientation will fit the view)
Be sure to note which Bathroom Type goes with each Room Type / Mandatory
1 / Hotel Exterior Photo 1
-  Sunset or Sunrise / Hotel front with clear signage. Take a variety of angles as this may be used as your primary shot.
Ensure sunset/sunrise shot features signature blue lights.
Must display blue uplights at night, make sure all signage is working, display porte cochére / Mandatory
2 / Hotel Exterior Photo 2
-  Sunset or Sunrise / Hotel front that properly renders the brightly lit Holiday Inn Express monogram; Ensure sunset/sunrise shot features signature blue lights.
Must display blue uplights at night, make sure all signage is working, display porte cochére / Mandatory
3 / Entrance / Wide shot of entrance doors leading into Lobby taken in the evening. 2 required mats (if applicable): solid, arc in blue. Entrance features must be arranged per global standards (planters, waste cans, etc). / Mandatory
4 / Hotel Lobby / Wide shot of entrance and arrival – include key features and design such as murals.
Signature wall with backlit Holiday Inn Express sign / Mandatory
5 / Front Desk / Wide shot of desk with signature back wall, capturing as much of checkout counter as possible. Shot must include at least one staff member. Staff should be looking up and smiling naturally as if greeting a guest. This shot should look as natural as possible (not staged). IHG Rewards Club sign; two lamps; correct name badge and uniform; nothing else on desk / Mandatory
6 / Atrium = Great Room / Wide shot Atrium/Great room - Showcase a stylish and welcoming space. Capture a feeling of spaciousness and comfort; highlight any key features such as murals/artwork/fireplace / Mandatory
7 / Restaurant/Dining Area = Breakfast Bar / Wide shots of eating area - space and environment.
Shoot breakfast bar with food as if ready for guests (wide shot only – no close-up). / Mandatory
8 / Swimming Pool / Wide shot of full set up of pool area; pool water, deck and other surfaces should be clean and free of debris; avoid mid-day natural light; Where possible, limit deck chairs and/or lounges to 10 or fewer. / Mandatory hotel has this feature
9 / Swimming Pool
ADA/Handicapped Pool Lift / Wide shot of full set up showing ADA lift
*If ADA lift can be seen in the Swimming Pool shot you do not need to take two shots. / Mandatory if hotel has this feature
10 / Fitness Center Photo / Wide shot of full set up, showcase key facilities / Mandatory if hotel has this feature
11 / Business Center / Wide shot of space and environment along with any key features. Screens on IHG Rewards Club. / Mandatory
12 / Primary Groups & Meetings Space / Wide shots of functional space, table set up, multiple layouts, multiple angles, focus on key features / Mandatory if hotel has this feature
13 / Meeting Room(s) – Capture 1 shot of individual meeting rooms / Wide shots of functional space, table set up, multiple layouts, multiple angles, focus on key features; Shoot the room from eye level; ensure the room is well lit, business-like and functional. / Mandatory if hotel has this feature
14 / Guest Patio/Outdoor space / Wide shots of space and environment. / Mandatory if hotel has this feature
15 / Vending Machine / Showcase the hotel vending machine(s) / Mandatory if hotel has this feature
16 / Scenery or Landscape / Wide shots of space and environment, looking back at hotel from its surrounding area – showcase hotel in the best light - only if a selling point or next to an area attraction (eg, shopping mall, iconic travel scene) / Mandatory if hotel has this feature
OPTIONAL IMAGES
In addition to those shots labeled as mandatory those listed below can also be taken at the hotels discretion
17 / Front Desk / Wide shot of desk with signature back wall. IHG Rewards Club sign; two lamps; correct name badge and uniform; nothing else on desk. No staff/guest to be included in this shot. / Optional at hotel’s discretion
18 / Concierge = Guest Experience Champion / Shoot photos of Guest Experience Champion from shoulders up
*Subject can be looking directly at camera in this instance as image would be used in specific situations and not as brand photography. Need correct name badge and uniform.
* This photo will be uploaded as an additional/secondary image in the Concierge field in HCM. / Optional at hotel’s discretion
19 / Hotel Exterior Photo 3
-  Sunset or Sunrise
Close-up of signage / Close up of hotel front that properly renders the brightly lit Holiday Inn monogram;.
Must display blue uplights at night, make sure all signage is working, display porte cochére;
Entrance features must be arranged per global standards (planters, waste cans, etc). / Optional at hotel’s discretion
20 / Hotel Exterior Photo 4
-  Daytime / Day time close-ups of front, angled shots of building, history or architectural detail
Pylon Photos: Make sure all signage is working, display porte cochére; Entrance features must be arranged per global standards (planters, waste cans, etc). / Optional at hotel’s discretion
21 / Lobby = Great Room Interaction / Wide shots of space and environment, table set up, murals, design features; can include staff/guest interaction *Per Brand Standards, staff should not be serving guests / Optional at hotel’s discretion
22 / Guest Patio/Outdoor space Interaction / Wide shots of space and environment. Can include staff/guest interaction, staff should not be serving guests / Optional at hotel’s discretion
23 / Whirlpool / Wide shot of whirlpool area / Optional at hotel’s discretion
24 / View from Property / Showcase wide shot of the best view from hotel – only if view is a selling point / Optional at hotel’s discretion
25 / Break out area / Wide shots of functional space, multiple layouts, multiple angles, focus on key features / Optional at hotel’s discretion
26 / Unique Property Feature / All Unique Property feature shots – only shoot unique features if a selling point.
Ex: Breakfast Area/Buffet, Art / Optional at hotel’s discretion
27 / Unique Property Feature / Ex: Shuttle Bus, Van / Optional at hotel’s discretion
28 / Unique Property Feature / Ex: Sundry/Convenience Store/Market / Optional at hotel’s discretion
29 / Unique Property Feature / Outdoor Living Area / Optional at hotel’s discretion
30 / Unique Property Feature / Ex: Outdoor Amenities - Beach, Lake, Grounds, Walking Paths / Optional at hotel’s discretion
OPTIONAL HCM UPLOADS
In addition to those shots labeled as mandatory the images listed below can loaded into HCM at the hotels discretion
Area Attraction Photo / Best shot to showcase local area attraction within 10-15 miles of hotel. Hotel must be given permission to utilize photography from area attraction.
*This shot does not need to be taken by photographer but needs to be uploaded by hotel in HCM. / Optional at hotel’s discretion

Up to 16 Mandatory shots based on specific hotel features (i.e. swimming pool)

14 Optional shots (at the hotel’s discretion)

Be sure to add on the total # of unique room types in order to understand the total # of photos needed – see Room Type Worksheet.


IHG PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT GUIDE – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

In this guide you will find an overview of specifications to ensure that all of your photography meets IHG standards. Be sure to also consult your brand-specific guidelines to ensure that all photos meet brand requirements.

For any questions, please contact .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overall Guidelines……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 6

Things Not To Do……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 7

Staging…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………….Page 8

Still Photography: Technical Specifications……………………………………………………………………..……..………….Page 11

Virtual Tour: Technical Specifications……………………………………………………………………………..……..………….Page 12

OVERALL GUIDELINES

WHEN TO SHOOT

ONLY shoot Lobbies, Restaurants, Bars, Meeting Rooms, and Fitness Rooms without natural light – either at “blue time” (sunset/sunrise) or in the evening.

WHO TO SHOOT

No people to appear in primary shots, unless specified by the brand. EXCEPTION: Front desk shots should show staff members.

In addition to the shot list, you may also shoot extra lifestyle images with people in them, but they are not required. If you choose to include people in lifestyle photography, be sure you have the appropriate waivers on file that assign all rights to their images to the hotel owners.

WHAT TO SHOOT

Choose guest rooms that are typical. However, you may choose to shoot a first floor room if the ceiling is higher or a handicapped room if it gives them more room to back up and get a shot. However the image itself CANNOT look noticeably different from the standard room.

HOW TO SHOOT

-  ALWAYS correct perspective. When the camera points slightly downward for stills (especially in guest rooms) or upwards (especially hotel exteriors), always correct perspective in Photoshop. Take care to preserve the images’ original ratio.

-  ALWAYS get a tight exterior shot, a wide-angle exterior shot, a tight portrait and landscape for exterior. Keep in mind that the hotel images are often shown as thumbnails and need to be up-close, bright and colorful. A shot of the hotel from far away will be hard to see clearly at a small size.

-  With the camera pointing directly forward for exterior stills, you get equal parts pavement/ground and sky which can look distorted. Be sure to point camera upward slightly (approximately 15 degrees) and include part of the parking lot if it helps to get the whole shot. The photo can be edited later in Photoshop but try for mostly sky.