A (Short!) Guide To Hotel Photography

Over the years I have photographed dozens of hotels and ‘Special Places to Stay’ and have (I think!) worked out the best ways to prepare for a days photography (or three!). There are some simple rules. To be ready, you must be tidy and clean. You must be organised. I need to be flexible, quick, clean and efficient.

Make sure you make a list of shots that you want, and make sure that all the staff know what is going on. I have lost count of the number of times that the chef says that he or she had no idea that we were shooting a selection of mains, starters and puds. Get the staff prepared and ready for action. Know which rooms will be ready, checked out of and cleaned. Sounds obvious doesn’t it? it is often not the case!

Try to ensure that we have easy access to a bright window in the restaurant (reserved!) so that we can shoot some glorious food shots if necessary. I don’t have too much equipment, but we need a little space to get back from the table to see the food. Try and get the beds made as well as possible, with as few creases in the sheets as possible. I can remove some blemishes and creases in Photoshop, but it adds time to the job if I have to.

Light any fires that may be required in the reception areas, and maybe put a few flowers around the place. It is good to have someone around that I can ask for basic props, things like coffee cups, magazines, reading books etc. Try and decide how you want the images to look. Do you need ‘booking engine’ shots? or more atmospheric ‘lifestyle’ images that will look great in your marketing? Or both? Think about what you may need for Instagram and Facebook.

And finally… It is good FUN! we can get a lot done in a day (maybe 4-5 rooms with bathrooms, some reception and restaurant areas, some food and maybe some staff. Also the spa or pool if you have one and an exterior). However, it may be a two dayer, or more, if you want to go to town. I am happy to give discounts on more than a day, and it helps to stay on site if possible, perhaps so that I can get shot with the property at night? contact me for more help and information, and hopefully see you soon. Mark

Thanks to The LImewood, The Sloan Square Hotel, Castello Di Vicarello, Hotel Leone, The Slaughters Hotel and San Domenico House Hotel for the images above.