Hotel Photography is not just a profession. It is a passion. Not all photographers pursue hotel photography. Not all pictures can capture the depth and details of a hotel. Here are 5 tips from shootwithatul to make your shoot both easy and memorable.

Remember every hotel demands and deserves specific photography that is unique to the hotel’s architect, décor, setting, staff and services. This involves a fine balance between your skill, your aesthetic sense and appreciation for details.

1. Coordination and Communication: This is the first step before the shoot begins. It is important to clearly communicate the terms and conditions once you take up a project. This includes details like number of images, the types of images (food, place, décor, service, shooting with models or guests from hotel.etc).  Once this is done the coordination of date and time of the shoot is crucial as this will determine your equipments and paraphernalia.
2.  Guidelines and Standards: Do check with the hotel guidelines and standard and follow them. Plan the shoot accordingly. Clean up each selected area and stage according to the hotel standards.
3. Equipments and Gear: Hotel photography is both fun and technical and demands accuracy. Set your bag accordingly. Ensure that the lens and lights are in perfect condition. It is advisable to carry two tripods and an extra camera body. Do not neglect the software in your laptop. Keep extra hard discs for backups. You never know when disaster decides to strike. Work with professional Tilt Shift Lenses to avoid distortion and correct perspective.
4.  Angles and spaces: Be prepared to shoot in tight and small spaces as most hotels have small rooms. So choose the right lens and always use tripod for sturdy images and the perfect angle.
5.  Expected Etiquettes: Even if achieving great images is important the process of shooting should blend with the flow of the hotel that is running and not cause inconvenience to the guests and leave the hotel in awkward situation. Plan for early morning and early evening shoots or when most guests are in their room.

An additional tip won’t kill you. Always be punctual and start your shoot on time. Be mindful of the time and work of the hotel staff. There is a lot of love when we respect their time and effort to make your shoot great and memorable. And yes, never leave the hotel without trying their coffee. It will help you decide whether to come back or not. Enjoy your shoot!