How to Prepare a Hotel Photoshoot: A Step-by-Step Professional Guide

A hotel photoshoot is much more than a collection of images — it's a strategic communication tool. In hospitality, where the visual experience often precedes the real one, photographs are what invite a guest to book, trust, and imagine themselves already there.

This guide brings you behind the scenes of our workflow: a professional yet tailored approach, shaped by years of experience across Italy and abroad.

1. Location Scouting & Spatial Analysis

Every hotel has a story. To tell it, we must first understand it.
We begin with a site visit: we observe the property throughout the day, assess natural light orientation, and identify key spaces and visual anchors.

During scouting, we:

  • analyze furniture, colors, and architectural details

  • assess styling or decluttering needs

  • plan the ideal times for each shot (e.g., morning for rooms, sunset for exteriors)

2. Planning & Storyboard

We craft a detailed shooting plan, including a shot list, schedule, and gear checklist. For larger hotels, we provide a visual storyboard to align with the client’s expectations.

Planning goals:

  • ensure visual consistency with the brand identity

  • streamline the shooting process

  • coordinate extras, stylists, or mise-en-scène if needed

3. Styling & Atmosphere

A good photographer waits for the right light. A great one sets the scene.

Before shooting begins, we:

  • prepare beds, drapes, decorative objects

  • adjust artificial lighting for warmth and mood

  • add evocative touches: a book, breakfast tray, half-open window

Every element is designed to help the viewer think, “I want to be there.”

4. The Photoshoot

During the session we alternate between:

  • technical shots, showcasing geometry and space

  • emotional shots, where light and composition convey experience

Natural light is our preference, but we're equipped to handle complex scenarios with artificial lighting, modifiers, and advanced post-production.

5. Post-Production & Image Selection

Curation is part of the storytelling. We select only the images that:

  • stay true to the original vision

  • authentically convey the hotel’s mood

  • suit the client’s use (website, OTA, social, print)

Each image is optimized for:

  • color and contrast consistency

  • perfect verticals and clean lines

  • SEO (naming and metadata)

A well-crafted photoshoot can reshape how a hotel is perceived online. It’s not just about taking “nice pictures” — it’s about creating a visual experience that builds trust, desire, and emotion.

Matteo Castelli