Reinhard
Westphal
Photography
The complete guide to preparing your property for Professional Photography
Preparing a hotel for a photoshoot is crucial for highlighting the property’s finest features. Effective preparation, which includes everything from showcasing opulent guest rooms to highlighting picturesque outdoor areas, can significantly enhance the visual appeal.
This guide outlines vital steps, such as developing a shot list and performing a pre-shoot walkthrough, to ensure that your hotel is photographed in the most alluring manner.
Create a Shot List
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Follow Hotel's Brand Guidelines
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Photographer's recommendations
Developing a detailed shot list ensures that no key area is overlooked. This list can be based on the hotel’s brand guidelines or the photographer's recommendations, considering what spaces or features stand out the most.
Your shot list should incorporate:
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Room types: Standard rooms, suites, and specialty rooms (e.g., penthouses).
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Special features: Pools, spas, terraces, etc.
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Lifestyle shots: Guests enjoying facilities
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Event spaces: For weddings, meetings, or galas.
Involve your Team early
One often overlooked element in photoshoot prep is the team. It’s essential to involve your core staff early in the process, not just the night before.
Key roles to brief ahead of time
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Housekeeping: Bring in your most detail-oriented team members to ensure every corner of the venue is spotless and photo-ready.
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Engineering/Maintenance: These teams are crucial for spotting and addressing potential technical issues before they become a problem, avoiding last-minute disruptions.
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Food & Beverage: Any staff responsible for catering or managing public spaces should be briefed in advance to ensure a smooth experience for all involved.
Staff Coordination
Ensure your hotel staff is comfortable with being part of the photoshoot (e.g., servers, front desk staff, or spa attendants). While the focus will likely be on the spaces, there might be moments where staff can subtly be included to convey the luxury experience and seamless service.
Plan a recce (pre-shoot walkthrough)
The day before the photoshoot, it is essential to conduct a thorough walkthrough with the photographer and relevant department heads. This gives you the opportunity to review the shot list, address any
logistical challenges, and ensure the spaces are fully prepared for the shoot.
Key steps to take during the recce
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Select which guest rooms will be photographed.
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Assess the lighting in each room to ensure optimal conditions and avoid interruptions during the shoot.
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Verify that all areas are tidy and styled to create a visually appealing environment.
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Confirm the timing for specific areas by coordinating with departments (restaurants, spa, etc.) to prevent disruptions during the shoot.
Pre-shoot Preparation
To ensure a smooth and successful photoshoot, it is essential to prepare each space in advance. This includes blocking off rooms or areas on the day of the shoot, allowing the photographer to capture the space at its optimal time. For example, a sea-facing room might require an early morning or late afternoon shoot to take advantage of the soft, flattering light that enhances the room's features.
Having a staff member on hand during the shoot is also important for quick coordination and ensuring access to different areas as needed.
Below is a list of the main areas in a hotel that are typically photographed during a comprehensive photoshoot, along with tips on how to prepare each space.
Hotel Exterior
The exterior shots of a hotel are often the first impression that potential guests have. Dusk, and dawn offer the best light for capturing exterior images, the time depends on the orientation of the building. Most brands require images to be free of cars.
Landscaping
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Ensure the lawn is well-manicured. Remove any dead leaves or debris from the grounds.
Hotel entrance
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Remove all cars from the entrance, unless showcasing a hotel-branded vehicle.
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Remove trash bins and luggage carts.
Timing
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Turn on the hotel’s lights at least one hour before sunset to capture the best dusk images.
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Ensure that rooms visible from the exterior have their lights on to create a warm glow.
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Keep blackout curtains open and sheer blinds closed to filter light.
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Have an engineering team member available to override exterior light timers during the shoot.
Reception & Lobby
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The lobby is a key space to photograph as it conveys the hotel’s character, style, and feel. Because of its importance, careful preparation is essential to ensure the images truly reflect the welcoming ambiance of the hotel.
Evening for mood lighting
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If the hotel uses ambient or mood lighting (pendant lights, chandeliers, or floor lamps), evening shots can showcase these features beautifully. The soft glow of these lights can add warmth and intimacy to the lobby.
Fresh flowers and greenery
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Incorporate fresh flowers and greenery to instantly elevate the look of the lobby.
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Select arrangements that complement the color scheme and style of the environment to enhance its overall appeal.
Remove any advertising materials
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Remove flyers, and any visible promotional materials. These items can quickly date the photos and distract from the overall design of the space
Guest Rooms & Suites
As the hotel’s biggest selling point, guest rooms should be carefully selected and prepared
for the shoot. Opt for rooms on higher floors or those with distinctive features, such as
floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, or unique architectural details. These elements can elevate the visual impact and showcase the room’s appeal to potential guests.
Bedding, curtains & carpet
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Bedding should be freshly pressed and arranged neatly to create an inviting, look.
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Steam curtains to remove creases, ensuring they hang evenly and do not touch the floor.
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Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove visible marks or footprints, as imperfections will be highlighted by the camera.
Lighting and windows
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Check all lights and replace any faulty bulbs to ensure consistent and flattering illumination.
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Conceal any visible cables or wires to maintain a clean, polished appearance.
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Clean windows thoroughly to showcase any scenic views, making sure the light flows in naturally.
Printed materials
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Remove brochures, price lists, and other printed materials to maintain a tidy and uncluttered space.
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Ensure that the area feels streamlined, focusing on the space's aesthetic without distractions.
Bathrooms
Preparing luxury bathrooms for a photoshoot requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure every element conveys elegance and sophistication.
Fixtures and surfaces
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Ensure all fixtures, like polished chrome taps and gleaming mirrors, are spotless to create a sleek, luxurious look.
Light fixtures
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Ensure all light fixtures are functioning properly including recessed ceiling lights, vanity lights, lights integrated into the mirror, and accent lights around the tub.
Toiletries
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Display toiletries in a way that aligns with the brand's identity, ensuring they complement the space's overall aesthetic.
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Fresh flowers can add a touch of warmth and elegance, contributing to a welcoming, refined atmosphere.
Restaurants, Bars & Lounges
When photographing food and beverage outlets, the focus should be on showcasing the space, architectural features, and any available views that make the establishment unique.
Table setup
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Decide which meal to feature (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) and set the tables accordingly to match the occasion.
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Ensure tables are immaculately dressed with fresh linens and neatly arranged table settings.
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Pay attention to small details like polished silverware, folded napkins, and centerpieces
to convey sophistication and elegance.
Timing
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Venues with ample natural light should be photographed during the day to make the most of the natural glow.
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For spaces like cigar bars or intimate dining rooms, softer, dim lighting creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Banquets & Event Spaces
For banquet and event space photography, the atmosphere of the space can influence the overall impression of an event, and flowers play a key role in enhancing that mood. Whether the event is a wedding, gala, corporate gathering, or celebration, flowers add color and elegance.
Floral arrangements
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Choose floral arrangements that align with the tone of the event, ensuring they complement the overall atmosphere.
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Extravagant displays are ideal for grand galas, creating a sense of opulence and celebration.
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For corporate or professional gatherings, opt for minimalist, elegant arrangements that maintain a clean, sophisticated aesthetic.
Timing
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Event spaces can be photographed at any time, as many are windowless, offering flexibility in scheduling.
Pool
For many, a swimming pool is more than just a recreational amenity. It is a haven of relaxation, a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life.
Add final touches
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Place refreshing drinks on stylish tables to add an inviting, luxurious feel to the poolside.
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Arrange plush towels on poolside chairs to enhance the comfort and relaxation vibe.
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Incorporate subtle decorative accents, like stylish cushions or plant arrangements, to elevate the atmosphere and transform the space into a serene, resort-style
Timing
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It is best to schedule the shoot early morning or late afternoon to capture the soft golden glow that enhances the pool's features.The warm light complements the water and creates a serene, inviting atmosphere, perfect for capturing the relaxed ambiance
Spa & Fitness Facilities
Beyond the decor and lighting, the atmosphere is everything. Images should evoke relaxation, calm, and serenity. The focus should be on minimalist designs that create a sense of tranquility.
Model Selection
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If models are featured, select professional models with experience in relaxed, serene environments to complement and enhance the spa’s ambiance.
Timing
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The shoot must be scheduled during early mornings or late afternoons to capture the softest, most flattering natural light. These times are ideal for showcasing the spa's tranquil, serene vibe, especially with scenic window views.
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If natural light is limited, shooting at dusk can provide a warm, ambient glow that enhances the serene vibe of the space.
Terraces or Rooftop
Terraces and rooftops offer an ideal backdrop for capturing breathtaking views and a luxurious atmosphere. Highlight key features, such as a sleek bar, and stage the space with elegant details to convey sophistication, whether showcasing a city skyline or a serene garden setting.
Signature Features
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If your rooftop includes a bar, pool, or spa area, ensure these spaces are thoughtfully staged to highlight the hotel's premium services and unique amenities.
Showcase the Experience
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Add small, luxurious touches that reflect the guest experience, such as a bottle of champagne, fine glasseware, and strategically placed candles, to craft an aspirational and sophisticated atmosphere.
Timing
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Schedule the shoot just before sunset to capture the soft, magical light that enhances the elegance of the space and creates a flattering, warm ambiance.
The Last Word
The art of hotel photography plays a pivotal role in the hospitality industry, as it has the power to influence a potential guest's decision to book a room. By capturing the essence of a hotel's ambiance, amenities, and services through high-quality images, hotels can communicate their unique selling points and forge an emotional connection with their target audience.