Hotel Photo Shoot Checklist
Why a hotel photo shoot checklist matters
A little prep makes a big difference. Clean, styled rooms save time and give you better photos. A messy room can add hours to the shoot or force the photographer to skip it. Use this hotel photo shoot checklist before your photographer arrives.
Not booked yet? See what hotel photography costs first.
One week before the shoot
Pick the rooms and spaces to shoot, and rank them by importance
Build a shot list with your photographer. Our list of 10 must-have hotel photos is a good start
Fix anything broken, like lights, chipped paint, or loose handles
Plan for empty rooms. Photos look best with no guests in them
Check the weather forecast for outside shots
The day before the shoot
Deep clean every space, including windows and mirrors
Wash and iron bedding, curtains, and table linens
Replace dead light bulbs and match the bulb color across each room
Buy fresh flowers or plants
Tell staff and guests when the shoot will happen
Image to place here: hotel-room-styling.webp (alt text at the end of this post)
The day of the shoot
Get each room ready
Turn on all lights, even in the daytime
Make beds tight and smooth
Put away clutter, like remotes, papers, and signs
Hide trash cans, cords, and cleaning supplies
Style the small things
Fold towels neatly in the bathroom
Add a throw blanket or extra pillow to each bed
Place a coffee cup, a book, or fruit to make a space feel lived in
Set tables with clean plates and glasses
Have a helper on site
Ask one staff member to open doors, move furniture, and fix small things fast. This keeps the shoot on schedule.
Pick the right day and time
Choose a slow day with good weather. Morning light is often best for rooms. Evening is great for outside shots when the building lights glow.
Common mistakes to avoid
Leaving personal items, like staff coats or guest bags, in view
Shooting rooms with a TV on or messy cords showing
Forgetting to check for stains, scuffs, and wrinkles
Not telling guests about the shoot
Booking the shoot on a busy check-in day
Frequently asked questions
How long does a hotel photo shoot take? A small hotel can take half a day. A larger hotel may take a full day or more. Good prep makes it faster.
Should the hotel be empty during the shoot? Guest rooms should be empty. Public spaces can have a few people in them if you want a lived-in feel. Get written permission from anyone shown.
What should I wear to a hotel shoot? If staff will be in photos, choose clean uniforms or neat, simple clothes with no big logos.
Ready to book your shoot?
We send every client a full prep list before the shoot. See our hotel photography services or contact MDR Creative Visuals in New Haven, CT.
About the author: Matt is the owner of MDR Creative Visuals LLC, a photo and video studio in New Haven, CT. He shoots photos, video, and social content for restaurants and hotels.
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