How to Get Great Talent for Your Holiday Park Photo Shoot
People make the pictures. see below for 6 different options to get talent happening at your next park shoot
The difference between a good shoot and an epic one usually comes down to one thing: having the right people in front of the lens.
When talent is pre-organised, we’re able to move fast, shoot at the best times of day, and deliver a huge variety of high-impact images. But if we’re spending time hunting for people during the shoot, that eats into the quality and variety we can capture.
Here’s a simple guide to help you line up great talent ahead of time. These options are flexible and easy to action, and they make a real difference to your final gallery.
Option 1: Invite Friends and Family
Know a few locals or friends of the park who would suit the holiday vibe? Invite them along.
Friends, past guests, or even your staff’s family or mates are ideal. You get flexibility with timing and relaxed, natural people who reflect the real spirit of your park.
You can offer:
A free day pass or BBQ lunch
A two night stay voucher as a thank you
The fun of seeing themselves on your brochures and your website
Ask your staff as well. Often they know people who’d be perfect and happy to help.
Option 2: Run a Facebook Competition
This is one of the most reliable and popular methods we’ve seen.
Post a simple giveaway on your park’s Facebook page, offering a free 2-3 night stay and the photos in return for being part of the photo shoot. Ask entrants to send a family photo to enter and be sure to let them know the dates so the availability lines up.
This method gives you:
Great-looking talent without hiring an agency
People on site for the full shoot window
Social media buzz around your park
Encourage entrants to share and tag friends to spread the word. Great for your social reach as a little bonus
We have a ready-to-use competition template if you need it.
Option 3: Reach Out by Email
Send an invite out directly to your upcoming guests… just a no pressure invite to be involved if you like. You may want to offer free use of hire facilities or late check out or extra nights or whatever else might sweeten the deal!
Some people may not see your Facebook post, but they’ll check their inbox. Email gives you more room to explain details and helps build your talent pool ahead of time.
Option 4: Use Your Staff and Their Network
Your staff are often your best untapped resource.
Ask them to dress casually and simply go about their day. I can get great natural shots of them making a cuppa, starting a firepit, walking the park, or just chatting.
Even better, encourage them to bring their kids, partners or local mates.
To say thanks, offer a two night stay at another park (if you are part of the BIG4 or TOP10 group then head office might be able to help out with this. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
Option 5: Hire Talent via an Agency
If your park is near a capital city or large town, hiring talent from an agency might be an option.
You’ll get guaranteed, experienced models, but the trade-off is less flexibility and extra cost. Agencies usually require fixed shoot times in advance, which may not line up with the best light or weather.
This option works best in certain situations, but for most parks, options 1 to 3 provide more value and freedom.
Option 6: Wing It (as a Bonus)
Sometimes you’ll find a gem already staying at the park who is happy to be involved. We’ll always keep an eye out and chat to guests where appropriate.
But this should be a backup plan, not your main strategy.
Most guests will be happy to be involved, and some can be real naturals. But for consistency and coverage, it’s best to have a plan in place before shoot day.
Quick Recap
Start early once your shoot is locked in
Use your staff, locals, or friends of the park
Run a competition to build buzz and attract the right people
Reach out to upcoming guests via email
Offer a small thank you, like a two night stay
Treat walk-ups and current guests as a bonus, not the plan
Final Word
Even just one of these ideas will help lift the quality of your shoot.
If you’d like help with messaging, templates or ideas, I’m happy to assist. Lock in whichever approach works best for your park, and I’ll take care of the rest.
Looking forward to making this your strongest shoot yet.
Tom
