GUIDE TO DIFFUSE VIRTUAL TOUR BY MAKING PERMANENT STORY WITH LINK ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK

360 shooting at DoubleTree by Hilton Lagoa, Azores

This virtual tour project at the DoubleTree by Hilton Lagoa, Azores, was initiated by the Director, who previously had successful experiences with virtual tours at her former establishment.
There was no need to convince anyone of the benefits of a virtual tour, but it was crucial to address the specific needs of this new Hilton hotel by adhering to the brand’s guidelines.

During the pre-opening phase, not all work was completed, posing challenges for 360° shoots as unfinished areas couldn’t be hidden. The shooting schedule was meticulously planned day by day to optimize the use of available spaces and take advantage of the weather conditions, which were cloudy at the beginning of the week. We had to wait for clear skies and redo several shots to capture the best possible 360° images.

We began with the stunning Frondoso Restaurant, which was available. Two perspectives were chosen: one from the center of the room to showcase the dinner setting and another from the side to highlight the breakfast layout.

The following days were dedicated to capturing the various room categories and the stunning terrace with a pool. I used a drone to find the best possible angles and gradually determined the perfect spot for the hotel’s Hero Shot at sunset.

The Foyer was finally ready, but only the Verde 2 conference room was available for the shoot, as the other space was not accessible. We decided to showcase two configurations, Boardroom and Theatre, to illustrate the available options.

Une interview audio sur mon parcours, en débutant par une carrière artistique pour finir en qualité de photographe spécialiste des visites virtuelles 2.0 pour les hôtels de luxe.
Merci à Bérangère Lou et à toute l’équipe de RCF Lyon pour cette opportunité.

“Jean-Charles Garrivet, photographe professionnel et agréé Google, a partagé son parcours entrepreneurial sur RCF Lyon. Dans cette interview, Jean-Charles raconte comment, après dix ans de carrière comme jongleur professionnel en Italie, il est revenu à Lyon pour se consacrer à la photographie.
Il se spécialise dans les visites virtuelles pour des hôtels de luxe et les commerces, ainsi que dans les reportages d’événements et les photos pour entreprises et particuliers.

Il évoque les défis et les satisfactions de son métier, notamment l’importance de rester adaptable et d’évoluer avec les nouvelles technologies, comme la photographie 360° et les visites virtuelles. Jean-Charles souligne également l’importance de la passion et de la persévérance dans son parcours professionnel​”

Interview complet : Suivre ce lien

This project truly made me realize the importance of virtual tours for heritage preservation.

The implementation of this virtual tour, the first of its kind in France, in Lyon, marks a significant step towards a more accessible and transparent justice system. The feedback we have received so far has been extremely positive, highlighting the usefulness and interest in this initiative.

Here are the benefits brought by this initiative:

1. Harmonization and Consistency: The creation of the virtual tour for the Lyon Court of Appeal allows for a uniform and consistent presentation of information, in line with the standards of the Ministry of Justice. This reinforces the image of the French justice system as a modern and accessible institution.
2. Quality and Personalization: The Lyon Court of Appeal benefits from a personalized presentation that highlights its specific features and history while maintaining a high and homogeneous level of quality.
3. Increased Accessibility: This tour is a valuable tool for people with reduced mobility, law students, and anyone curious about better understanding the workings of our judicial system.

4. Modernization of Judicial Image: The digitalization of the tour of judicial institutions demonstrates a willingness to adapt to new technologies and meet the expectations of citizens, thus improving public perception of the justice system.

As a Lyon resident, I had the opportunity to photograph the Court of Appeal when the rooms were available. The photography sessions took place from December 2023 to January 2024. To photograph the Salle des Pas Perdus, it was necessary to start very early in the morning and coordinate with the security service to allow access before the court opened.

The logistics involved careful management of the availability of different rooms, each with its own access schedule. For example, the Salle des Assises, which was under renovation, was completed and available for photography in early January 2024.

This organization allowed for the capture of high-quality images, showcasing the architecture and history of each room, thus contributing to the creation of a detailed and immersive virtual tour for the Lyon Court of Appeal.

Development and Customization of the Virtual Tour of the Lyon Court of Appeal

For this project, I proposed creating an interface similar to that of the Ministry of Justice website, adding extensive information in collaboration with the marketing team. Subsequently, the idea of making this virtual tour accessible to English speakers emerged, leading me to develop an English version.

During a meeting and demonstration with the IT department of the Ministry of Justice from Paris, we discussed in detail the interface, user experience (UX), selection of text and multimedia content to integrate, and the marketing plan. Special attention was given to the content I develop for LinkedIn and Instagram.

A key question was the hosting of the virtual tour. It was decided that I would manage the virtual tour site annually. Therefore, I rented a custom domain name and hosted the virtual tour on a dedicated server, combined with analytics tools to track the visibility of the virtual tour.

Final Project:
VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE LYON COURT OF APPEAL – Jean-Charles Garrivet

 Margaux:   Can you tell the readers a little more about “Virtual Tours Photography” ?

Creating a virtual tour for a hotel involves capturing and presenting a comprehensive, immersive experience of the hotel’s interior and amenities through digital means. This can be achieved using specialized photography equipment and software to stitch together panoramic images or through the use of 360-degree cameras. The virtual tour allows potential guests to explore different areas of the hotel virtually, including rooms, lobbies, restaurants, and other facilities.

The benefits of a virtual tour for a hotel include providing potential guests with a realistic preview of the accommodations and amenities, helping them make more informed decisions when booking. It enhances the online presence of the hotel and can serve as a powerful marketing tool, especially in an era where many travelers rely on the internet to research and plan their trips.

To create an effective virtual tour for a hotel, it’s essential to focus on high-quality visuals, user-friendly navigation, and incorporating interactive elements. This immersive experience can significantly contribute to attracting and engaging potential guests, ultimately boosting reservations and customer satisfaction. Virtual tours facilitate a thorough exploration of a space, granting potential clients, customers, or visitors a detailed perspective.

Margaux:   What or who were the catalysts to inspire you to become a professional photographer?

The factors that motivated my venture into the realm of professional photography stemmed from a blend of influences and personal encounters. To begin with, my engagement with the vivid visual realm during my artistic pursuits as a juggler instilled in me an appreciation for capturing moments in a distinctive manner.

Furthermore, interactions with skilled photographers, their portfolios, and the narratives conveyed through their images played a crucial role in shaping my perspective. These individuals, coupled with my own exploration of creative photography, intensified my enthusiasm for the art form.

The prospect of standing out in a competitive field and the chance to tell stories through my lens emerged as the driving force behind my decision to embark on a career as a professional photographer.

Margaux:  What do you look for when embarking on a virtual photography project?  What are the key elements that catch your attention?

In the current landscape, hotels face the imperative to distinguish themselves from the competition. My focus lies in collaborating with luxury hotels that share common values, such as a profound appreciation for detail, aesthetics, exceptional service, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the overall customer experience.

Hotels are increasingly demanding virtual tours, and that’s why I’ve chosen to specialise in this area.  The transformative power of virtual tours becomes evident once experienced.

Looking to the future, I imagine that every hotel will embrace the concept of the virtual tour, aiding their digital transition. The transformative power of virtual tours becomes clear once you’ve experienced them for yourself.

Upon receiving a request, my initial step involves soliciting a shoot list for the locations earmarked for photography and a date. With accumulated expertise, I can precisely determine the number of panoramas required for a comprehensive hotel project. The goal is not merely to produce numerous panoramas, but to strategically capture them in key locations, ensuring they convey ample information and evoke a sense of enchantment. This often involves timing, such as waiting for the sunset in specific rooms.

Additionally, effective communication with IT teams is crucial for seamless virtual tour hosting. I go a step further by proposing a customized interface aligned with the hotel’s website and brand, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience for maximum impact.

Margaux:  What do you find most successful when implementing a marketing plan for future guests that shall lead to bookings of major luxury hotels?

In crafting a successful marketing strategy, I firmly believe in the pivotal role of compelling visuals, particularly virtual tours and still photography, alongside other essential communication materials. The seamless integration and consistency of these elements are paramount to presenting a unified and engaging narrative for potential guests.

Regrettably, the industry has witnessed instances where high-quality photographs coexist with subpar virtual tours, sowing seeds of doubt among prospective guests. The challenge lies in discerning the authenticity of the experience presented. It prompts a critical question: What can one truly believe when faced with such disparities?

The contemporary consumer trend reveals a growing reliance on virtual visits to hotels, a digital exploration that offers a tangible preview of the forthcoming guest experience. This shift represents a reassuring trend as customers seek to familiarize themselves with the ambiance and offerings before committing to a reservation.

The virtual tours I curate are designed for widespread dissemination, being shareable across prominent platforms like Facebook, Google, and even Booking.com. Additionally, I tailor specific promotional materials for platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram, ensuring adaptability and resonance across diverse audiences. This curated content serves as the foundation for crafting a truly effective, original, and interactive marketing campaign.

One noteworthy observation is that the duration a customer spends immersed in a virtual tour correlate positively with the likelihood of conversion—convincing them to make a reservation. This underscores the importance of creating captivating content that not only attracts but also sustains the audience’s engagement, fostering a connection that transcends a mere visual encounter.

To further empower clients, I’ve implemented a system enabling them to host their own site. This grants them direct access to valuable statistics, offering insights into user behaviour and interaction with the virtual tour. Such transparency enhances the client experience, aligning the marketing strategy with a client-centric ethos.

Margaux:  Now, to move on, let us talk about where were you born and raised and what were the circumstances which motivated your relocation to Lyon, France ?

I spent my formative years in France, where I developed an early fascination with roller skating, followed by an interest in skateboarding and eventually snowboarding. While pursuing a management IT degree at the BTS level, I discovered my passion for juggling, prompting me to enroll in circus school with the goal of embarking on an artistic career.

For a significant part of my life, I worked as a juggler in Italy, concurrently shouldering responsibilities for my family, with a special focus on caring for my son. At the age of 35, I made the decision to return to France and transition into an independent photography career.

To distinguish myself, I immediately delved into creating imaginative photographs, expanding my interest to include planets then virtual tours. It was during this period that I crossed paths with my partner, Pascal Reynaud, which led me to refocus and specialize in the realm of international luxury hotels.

Margaux:  Tell us about your personal  travel plans for 2024 ..

In 2024, my ongoing project with the Lyon Court of Appeal persists, providing an avenue to explore heritage, aligning seamlessly with the values inherent in the hotel industry.

My intention is to expand this initiative to encompass other courts of appeal throughout France. Simultaneously, within the French hotel sector, I persist in disseminating information and advancing my activities, with a concerted effort to raise awareness of marketing strategies. Additionally, I am actively extending my reach internationally, collaborating with prominent brands like Hilton, Marriott, and various independent establishments.

On the artistic front, I am on the verge of initiating a project to create planet in Nice, adding another dimension to my creative pursuits.

Margaux:  Besides your love of photography and virtual photography, what do you do in your spare time that is non-related ?

The majority of my time is dedicated to work—whether it’s acquiring new clients, generating content, or building my brand. It’s not a passion, but rather a necessity.

To offset this, I’ve incorporated daily walks to a spacious park where I can immerse myself in the beauty of nature. Additionally, I opt for walking during all my city travels and professional when it’s possible.

I’m consistently on the lookout for information related to VR technology and anything original and creative, both within my field and across various sectors. My moments of respite involve engaging in networking events with fellow professionals, a common occurrence in the city.

On the other hand, I am working on an artistic series titled “Little Big World,” featuring miniature “planets” from various countries around the globe. Starting from renowned landmarks in Lyon to the Opera House in Sydney, this project has been both creatively fulfilling and motivating. Additionally, it has contributed to enhancing my visibility in the hotel industry, leading me to offer distinctive art pieces tailored for hotels.

This project really made me realize that virtual tours are not just a product, but require communication and expertise on my part. I realized that it was essential to explain in depth what my work could do to fully meet and exceed the customer’s expectations. Above all, the customer wanted to be present on Google, which my status enabled me to achieve.

Reflection:
In the context of luxury establishments such as hotels and other businesses, I’ve become aware of the importance of ensuring consistency in content quality. It’s becoming crucial to align the quality of virtual tours with that of high-end photos. Failure to maintain consistency of quality between these media is tantamount to compromising your credibility with customers.

First Session:

To optimize the use of time, I decided to photograph some of the rooms to show the potential of virtual tours to the marketing team. The aim of this session was to capture both the exterior and interior of the new Marea restaurant.

I chose to wait for sunset on the panoramic terrace to create a 360-degree image, then moved on during the blue hour to take shots just before customers arrived inside the Marea restaurant. It’s important to note that reflections on the windows were present, so I took a few shots with the lights off to minimize their visual impact.

Second session:

During my second session, I faced some unexpected challenges as the sunlight played capriciously with my lens. Despite the difficulties, I resolved to deal with this constraint, and curiously enough, it added a special touch to the virtual tours I was making. The battle was one of balance – yes to the sun, but not in excess 🙂

One of the highlights was capturing the Lobby with three models posing gracefully, bathed in sunrise light.
A little earlier, it was the Café Crème‘s turn to be immortalized in this warm morning atmosphere.

As the session progressed, I ventured to photograph the outdoor pool. And that’s where the story takes an unexpected turn.
During the preliminary reconnaissance, I was tempted by an impromptu swim, but that’s another story 🙂

Here’s the final project:
VIRTUAL TOUR CANOPY BY HILTON CANNES

Initially, my task in Uzbekistan involved capturing 360-degree panoramic images of the ballroom and various meeting rooms, following Hilton’s guidelines to present various configurations. I made more points to coherently connect the different spaces. I also added clickable icons to save time and go directly to the desired configuration. Finally, I added videos of the displays, taken from the hotel’s Instagram account.

Here’s the link to the virtual tour of the conference rooms at the Hilton Tashkent City – Conference Center.

While shooting on location, I also had the opportunity to photograph more general views of the hotel, including the presidential suites.

We had to wait until nightfall to shoot the City 21 restaurant just before and after service.
That evening it was very windy, and the crews had to double their efforts to get all the napkins in place.

Here’s the link to the virtual tour of the City 21 Restaurant: Hilton Tashkent City – City 21 Restaurant

These images were used to create a customized virtual tour, with an interface similar to that of the Hilton brand sites. This virtual tour is now used by the sales and marketing team, as well as on the hotel’s website and social media platforms.

As far as the shooting was concerned, we had enough time and adequate preparations to complete the job, even despite the hotel’s occupancy. Some shots were taken from the roof, offering original perspectives and a great view to capture the atmosphere.

Before leaving, I organized an information meeting to explain all the functionalities of the solution I was proposing.
A member of the IT team joined us to fully understand the possibilities for their website.

It’s important to note that for the Hilton brand, we had to use external storage space to host the virtual tour.
I provided a guide to simplify this process and enable quick and easy use of the virtual tour.

Here’s the link to the virtual tour of the rest of the Hilton Tashkent City hotel

During my second visit to Cyprus to carry out complementary virtual tours of the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort project, I was commissioned to create a virtual tour encompassing the entire area, consisting of 20 aerial viewpoints. The aim of the assignment was to create a product that would comprehensively showcase all the properties in the complex, and provide an overall view of the project, which was being developed by Korantina Home.

To ensure optimum consistency between the different panoramas, I decided to work mainly between 11am and 3pm, when the sun was at its zenith. Fortunately, my collaborator was on hand to assist me and create shade so that I could view my screen properly.

Our driver, Tsopozidis Georgios, who has become a friend over the years, proved invaluable for his in-depth knowledge of the area. His sound advice greatly facilitated our mission, enhancing the quality and relevance of the virtual tour we were able to create.

Here is the final project:
AERIAL VIRTUAL TOUR KORANTINA HOME

During my assignment to create the virtual tour for the new Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh hotel, I was also asked to design the virtual tour for One Park Apartments & Residences. This included virtual tours of the lobby, four different apartment types, and service areas such as the restaurant and lounge.

As part of the virtual tour of the lobby, I used the giant screen to broadcast a video presenting the One Park group. In addition, I integrated an image into the interactive display, giving virtual visitors a glimpse of the services available during their exploration.

For the overall view, I opted for an aerial virtual tour to highlight all the buildings, as well as the swimming pool and restaurant. The main difficulty lay in the presence of fairly strong winds, complicating the assembly of images with buildings relatively close to the lens. Fortunately, my Photoshop skills were able to resolve the artifacts. By adopting a creative approach, I realized that this could also represent a fascinating planet featuring all the buildings and services.

In conclusion, I designed the virtual tours of the showrooms, meticulously prepared by the teams. The objective was to present the maximum amount of information while limiting the number of panoramas: I had to show an apartment in a maximum of two panoramas.

The photographic capture of other departments such as the Restaurant and Lounge presented challenges due to the refurbishment work being carried out on the windows. By using appropriate techniques, it was possible to avoid most of these obstacles, leaving the rest to be dealt with in the post-processing phase.

Here is the final project :
ONE PARK APARTEMENTS & RESIDENCES