Questions From Hotel & Resort Teams

Who is Arnold Novak Photography?
Arnold Novak Photography is a Tampa, Florida hotel, resort and hospitality photographer and videographer run by Arnold Novak, an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot. Arnold photographs and films branded hotels and resorts across Florida and works throughout Florida, the US and the Caribbean.

Do you photograph branded hotels and follow brand photo standards?
Yes. Arnold photographs branded hotels and resorts across Florida and works from the brand's shot list and photo standards, so images are consistent with the rest of the brand's library.

Can you photograph while our hotel is open and guests are on property?
Yes. Shoots are planned with your team so busy areas such as pools, lobbies and restaurants are photographed at quieter times, keeping disruption to guests to a minimum.

Do you offer lifestyle photography with models?
Yes. Arnold directs lifestyle shoots with models, such as couples at the pool, families on the beach, golf, yoga and spa moments, so images show what a stay feels like.

Are you a certified drone pilot?
Yes. Arnold is an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot and captures aerial photos and video of hotels, resorts and their surroundings, planned around guests, weather and local airspace rules.

Can you provide photography, video, drone and 3D tours in one visit?
Yes. Arnold shoots still photography, hospitality video, aerial drone photo and video, and Matterport 3D virtual tours, so one photographer can cover rooms, amenities, lifestyle, aerials and a walkthrough tour.

Where do you work?
Arnold is based in Tampa, Florida, and works throughout Florida, the US and the Caribbean.

Do you photograph new-construction and model homes?
Yes. Alongside hotel and resort work, Arnold provides new-construction and model home photography for builders, including Lennar and LGI Homes.

How do we request a quote?
Call (813) 400-9090 or use the contact form with your property name, location, property type, the services you need and your target shoot date. Arnold replies to inquiries within one business day.

Hotel & Resort Photography

What are the licensing terms, and where can we use the images?

At Arnold Novak Photography, we believe in straightforward and transparent licensing. Our hotel and resort photography packages include comprehensive usage rights. This means your marketing team can confidently use the high-resolution images across your property's main website, social media channels, print collateral, and all Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, and Vrbo. We ensure you have the assets you need to drive bookings without worrying about hidden licensing fees down the road.

How many final images will we receive, and what is your turnaround time?

In luxury hospitality photography, we prioritize exceptional quality and brand alignment over sheer volume. Depending on the specific scope of your project, a standard full-day shoot typically yields 80–100 meticulously retouched, high-end images. Our standard turnaround time for delivering the final edited gallery is 7–14 days. We take the time required in post-production to ensure every detail—from lighting to color grading—perfectly reflects the luxury of your property.

How should our hotel staff prepare the property before the shoot?

As an experienced hotel photographer, I understand that the guest experience is your absolute top priority. We pride ourselves on operating discreetly within live hotel environments. We will collaborate closely with your team before the shoot to strategically schedule high-traffic areas—such as pools, lobbies, and dining spaces—during off-peak hours or sunrise, ensuring a seamless process with minimal to zero disruption for your guests.

Do you offer video, drone, and 3D virtual tours alongside still photography?

Yes. We are proud to be a one-stop visual media partner for marketing directors and property managers. Alongside our premier hotel and resort photography, we provide professional videography, aerial drone photography by an FAA Part 107 certified pilot, and immersive 3D Virtual Tours (Matterport). Whether your property is in Tampa, across Florida, or in the Caribbean, we capture your destination from every stunning angle to deliver a complete, high-converting visual marketing package.

Vacation Rental Photography

Is hiring a professional Airbnb photographer really worth the investment?​

Yes. Your photos are the first thing guests see when they compare listings. Professional images show the space accurately, with proper lighting and composition, so your listing stands out in search results and sets the right expectations before guests book. Most hosts treat it as a one-time investment that keeps working for every booking.

Will the photos accurately represent my space, or will they look "fake"?

Great question. Misleading photos lead to frustrated guests and negative reviews. Our goal is to make your property look its absolute best — naturally. We avoid extreme wide-angle distortion or heavy HDR editing. Instead, we capture authentic light, accurate room proportions, and the true layout of your home so guests get exactly what they expect when they arrive.

How many photos do I need, and what exactly do you capture?

Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO favor listings with comprehensive galleries. We recommend 30–50 high-quality images. We capture stunning “Hero Shots” of your main living spaces and exterior, as well as lifestyle and amenity details — from premium coffee stations to cozy reading nooks. Drone photography can also highlight your proximity to beaches, attractions, or unique neighborhood features.

How should I prepare and stage my vacation rental for the photoshoot?

Your property should be cleaned exactly as if a VIP guest is arriving that day. Turn on all lamps and lights, open blinds for natural light, and remove visible clutter such as trash cans, personal items, and cleaning supplies. Thoughtful touches like setting the dining table, fluffing pillows, or adding fresh flowers can dramatically elevate the final result.

How quickly will I receive my photos so I can update my listing?

In the short-term rental industry, speed matters. We prioritize a fast turnaround so you can get your listing live and start booking immediately. You can expect your fully edited, high-resolution, platform-optimized gallery within 2–3 business days after the shoot.

Can I add a 3D virtual tour to my VRBO or Airbnb listing?

Yes — and it’s highly recommended. We offer immersive Matterport 3D Virtual Tours that allow guests to digitally walk through your property before booking. VRBO supports Matterport integration directly within listings. While Airbnb has different multimedia guidelines, a 3D tour remains a powerful asset for direct booking websites and guest inquiries.

Do you offer video walkthroughs or drone video for vacation rentals?

Absolutely. While photography grabs attention, video builds emotional connection. We provide cinematic walkthrough videos and aerial drone videography by an FAA Part 107 certified pilot. Drone footage is especially powerful for showcasing proximity to Florida beaches, theme parks, and attractions. These assets are ideal for OTA listings, direct booking websites, Instagram, and Facebook marketing.