Typically the emails I receive fall into on of two the categories. First is I have this thing / space / person that needs to be photographed. Please give me a quote. The other is usually spam, But, in mid 2025 I had a different kind of request.
A hotel I had photographed quite a few times in the past had hired an in-house photographer.
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of an in-house photographer. This is usually a person who lives close to the hotel area. Or already works in the hotel in some capacity. Usually with the marketing team. And can be “on call” for anything the hotel property might need on short notice. In this particular case. The Tam Coc Garden Resort and Nam Village Resort in Ninh Binh
If I am going to be honest, An in house photographer for a hotel is a great idea. Someone who can be on call on a daily basis. Covering the smaller things a hotel needs to have photographed or recorded.
Especially in today’s media landscape. Where regularly updated images and videos are more important than ever.
A single photographer for a large property shoot can only cover so much in the limited time they are there. Other factors like the weather. Availability of guests (if they are being used as talent). And the general cost of bringing a full time professional to the site. Can make regular shoots cost prohibitive.
Even if the professional creates hundreds of images for the property or business. With the speed at which these images and videos are used. They get recycled many times. And quickly.
Having a professional come to photograph the property properly should not be underestimated. It is still important to have someone with the skills and knowledge to create the style. And the overall look of the photographs that showcase the property correctly.
But the role of an in-house photographer is different. Someone who is there regularly to capture small moments. New menus, the subtle changes of season. The diversity of the guests and new experiences. This is an important role.
The problem arises when the in-house photographer has to match a style. Either one provided by the hotel or set out by the original professional. Even for seasoned photographers this can be a challenge.
A consistent visual language across all the images the hotel presents is important. It creates a cohesive visual story that viewers or potential guests can see.
Without this consistency the images and videos seem disjointed. Even the most prestigious hotels fall victim to this problem.
Mostly because the care and time isn’t put into training the in-house photographer.
The average person in the marketing teams seems to feel that shots on a phone are “good enough” for most purposes.
While that might be the case in some instances. When trying to match a visual language. A deeper understanding of creating images should be present.
Which is why, when Tam Coc Garden reached out to me and asked me to consult / train their new in-house photographer. As well as create a set of brand / photographer guidelines for them. It was a pleasant surprise.
Many professionals would balk at the idea of sharing how they make their photos. Citing the idea that that is what makes them unique. And that is how they get the jobs.
While I do agree with that idea. What most people tend to forget is that it is difficult to copy a style. It is not just the style of shooting. But also editing, communication, preparation for a shoot.
But, shooting style really is the baseline for any photographer’s unique look.
Some Photographers vary their shooting style to the clients request or preexisting look. Others stick with what they are known for or what they prefer. While still others blend both of these skills.
I find myself to be in the last category. I have a style but I feel it is very versatile yet unique at the same time.
Knowing all this it was going to be a challenge to train a person to photograph like I do. Especially given the time frame. Only 30 days. One month. To distill 20 years of my photographic evolution.
Phew! Ok. Let’s do this.
Initially I had suggested a three month training program. I felt in that time I could adequately train someone with an “interest” in photography. I could train them to photograph to a professional level. Yes I know that is ambitious.
What I did not take into consideration. Was how much of an investment someone is willing to make into an employee. Employee turnover can be rapid in Vietnam. Many people do a job for a year or two then move on to something else. Either in the same field at a different company or in other fields all together. This makes investing in employees a bit of a rarity in Vietnam. Which is why this consulting project was nice to see.
So, how did it go? It was a challenging month to say the least. To cover everything I wanted to share we were meeting online two days a week for up to six hours per day.
That is a lot of talking. Mostly on my part. Especially over a zoom chat. I felt like a lecturer. In a digital hall. At least the chair was comfy.
Jokes aside, It was an enlightening experience. Many years ago I had a teacher tell me. “to perfect something, teach it to others”. Meaning, teaching your skills to others opens your eyes to how you were able to reach the level you are at now.
I first noticed this when I started running photography tours in Hoian with Hoian Photo Tour. I started having to think about how I create photos. And not simply shoot from what had become instinct.
Taking that lesson with me into this training program I was asked to create helped a lot.
Not that I didn’t spend a lot of time parked on Canva making presentations. Digging through archives. Finding the right photo that showed exactly the point or technique I was trying to teach.
Hours spent creating visual representations of how the camera works. Graphics, images, and writing out instructions.
On top of that there were the actuall online sessions. Run over the course of a month. All while trying to balance other work that comes in.
It was a lot of information for the trainee to digest. And a lot of information for me to dissect and deliver as well.
Overall I enjoyed the experience. If I had to change anything about how the consulting program was run. I would likely cut down the number of hours of training per day. Trying to space out the information. Giving the trainees more time to digest it and put in into action.
As well, I would likely dedicate more time on site for the practical training portion.
Perhaps it is just me. But hands on training. Where the trainer can point out ideas. Correct mistakes in real time. And walk trainees through scenarios. Is far more effective than talking for hours in a “classroom” like setting.
Yet, Everyone learns differently. And everyone teaches differently. That is what makes it fun.
If you are looking to step up your in house photography skills for your staff drop me a line right here Link .
I would be happy to work with you and your team to help them make better pictures and videos!
