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A hotel shoot goes well or badly long before the photographer arrives. The properties that get strong, usable imagery are the ones that decided in advance what the images are for, which spaces matter most, and what the property needs to do on the day. This guide walks through that planning, in the order I'd work through it.
The same approach applies to resorts, boutique inns, restaurants, and golf clubs. Only the shot list changes.
Quick answer
Start with where the images will run
Usage drives almost every other decision. A website hero image, an OTA listing, a paid social campaign, and a printed brochure all need different crops, resolutions, and sometimes different licensing. Because I also work on the marketing side, this is the first question I'd ask: where will each image actually run, and for how long?
Write down the answer by channel: website, organic social, paid advertising, email, print, outdoor, and third-party listings. It determines how many images you need, which aspect ratios to shoot for (wide for web heroes, vertical for social, square for some feeds), and what the license needs to cover.
Build the shot list
A ranked shot list keeps the day focused. Start with the images that earn bookings, then add the rest as time allows.
| Category | What to capture | Usually best |
|---|---|---|
| Exteriors | Arrival, facade, grounds, signature views | Golden hour and blue hour; needs a weather backup |
| Lobby & public spaces | Entry, seating, bar, design details | When the space is empty and lit well |
| Guest rooms | Each key room type, bathrooms, views | When natural light is balanced with lamps |
| Dining | Dining room, signature dishes, bar | Timed around service, often with a prep window |
| Amenities | Pool, spa, fitness, event spaces | Early, before guests arrive |
| Details & lifestyle | Textures, touches, guests enjoying the space | Throughout, with releases for anyone identifiable |
The shot list isn’t a script. It’s the order of priorities for when the light or the day doesn’t cooperate.
Prep the property
The day before is where most of the quality is won. Spaces photograph exactly as they are, including what you've stopped noticing.
- Hold the rooms. Block the room types you want photographed so they aren't occupied or mid-turnover.
- Reset every space. Fresh linens, straightened furniture, working lights, clean glass, removed clutter and signage you don't want in frame.
- Check the details. Burned-out bulbs, scuffs, wilted plants, and cords are easy to fix beforehand and costly to retouch.
- Name a point person. One contact who can open doors, move guests, and make quick decisions on the day.
- Plan around guests. Identify when pool, lobby, and dining areas are quietest.
Timeline: first call to delivery
Scope
Share the property, intended usage, rough image count, and timeline. Agree on deliverables and a quote before dates are locked.
Shot list & schedule
Finalize the ranked list, the room and space access plan, and a day-of schedule built around light and guest activity.
Prep
Reset and walk the spaces the day before, and confirm the weather plan for exteriors.
Shoot & deliver
Shoot per the schedule, then review and edit. Delivery timing depends on scope and is agreed up front.
On the Southern California coast, the marine layer can flatten morning light, so for exterior-heavy shoots it's worth holding a second window rather than betting on one morning.
People, releases & licensing
If guests or staff are identifiable in lifestyle images, you'll typically want signed releases, and a property release can matter for some uses. Your legal or brand team should confirm what your property needs.
Licensing is the other piece to settle in writing before the shoot. A license spells out what the images can be used for (website and organic social versus paid advertising, print, or outdoor), for how long, and in what territory. Broader usage generally means a broader license, which is why the usage conversation comes first.
What to send your photographer
- Property name, location, and the spaces to be photographed
- Intended usage by channel, and the target launch date
- Your ranked shot list and any must-have views
- Brand guidelines, reference images, or competitor examples you like
- Access details: contact person, parking, load-in, and quiet hours
- Any talent, release, or approval requirements
Frequently asked questions
How long does a hotel photo shoot take?
A boutique property can often be covered in one day. Larger hotels and resorts typically need one to two days or more, depending on room types, dining venues, and amenities, plus a backup window for weather.
How many images should a hotel shoot deliver?
It depends on scope. Many properties start with a core set covering exteriors, the lobby, key room types, dining, amenities, and details, then add lifestyle imagery for campaigns. Larger projects often reach 30 to 50 or more final images.
Who owns the photos from a hotel shoot?
Unless a different arrangement is agreed in writing, the photographer typically owns the copyright and licenses specific uses to the hotel. The license defines where, for how long, and in what media the images can run, so settle it before the shoot.
Planning a shoot?
Tell me about the property, where the images will run, and your timeline, and I'll scope the shoot and send a proposal. You can see the work and services on the hospitality photography page, or send a project inquiry.