Basic Hospitality Photography

This is one of my favourite forms of photography, mostly due to the variety. You get to photograph interiors, exteriors, food and even people.

I took the above images in Cape Town, The Tablebay Hotel.

It is actually quite difficult choosing images, as there is so much to show, but for the purpose of this blog, basic tips, they will make do.

Shoot in RAW, the highest quality possible. Your client is used to the best, you give them the best, as simple as that.

Use a tripod, it does not have to be the best and most expensive one on the market, a simple one will do the job just fine.

No date stamps, matter of fact, for any form of photography remove the date stamp function.

When shooting a room, restaurant or lounge area, it is best to shoot at chest hight. you want the person to feel as if he/she is walking in to the room, not stepping down.

Pre-choose the time of day you want to shoot which room, as you don't want there to be too much light coming in from outside. This will ensure you balance both the natural light from outside and the artificial light from inside.

As for the room interiors, you can request assistance beforehand from the hotel staff, making 100% sure the room is ready to shoot by the time you arrive. You can give them a list of things to help them ready the room.

1. All cords need to be hidden (telephone, lights etc.)
2. Remove all the unwanted clutter, such as menu cards, phone and note books, pens etc.)
3. Remove all the waste bins.
4. Televisions and Computers switched off.
5. Beds need to be military of style perfection, and that includes the drapes / curtains.

As for the photographer, shoot multiple images and variations of your location / subject, for instance, shoot with drapes / curtains open and closed, change the angles. Shoot multiple images and stitch or tone-map afterwards.

Remember, the hotel management and staff are there to assist where necessary, ask and you shall receive.