studio insights
How we work
Within the hospitality industry, we work closely with the brand’s creative team adhering to their specific requirements while consistently producing visually pleasing and eye-catching images featuring the unique spaces and stunning offerings of the property.
We photograph a diverse range of styles for various brands, but we work with people. More than quality, our work is about trust. Our clients entrust us to provide them with the images they are looking for. When on location, every project brings its own unforseen challenges and time is of essence. Our goal is to ensure stress-free working environment and time efficiency for our client, and for our team.
Before The Photoshoot
Every brand has its own requirements in terms of set up and preparations involved prior to the photoshoot.
We highly recommend conducting a full scouting to define all areas that will be photographed, the best time of day and composition angles. After the walk around, our clients provide a shot list with detailed requirements for each area. Checklists ensure everything is set with deadlines for what and when to be done. A walk around or location scout is a great time to discuss the details and point out things necessary.
Pre-shoot Workflow
After the location scout, we share a brief covering the points discussed along with recommendations. Here are some suggestions that we advise our clients to keep in mind that would enhance the interior, provide a welcoming feeling and bring some life to the spaces:
- Arrangement of a couple of different flowers, preferably in bright muted tones (white, off white or light colours) to be placed in the living room, bedroom(s) and bathroom(s). Vases could be different but subtle and appropriate to the interior.
- Add fruits to a decorative plate or a shallow bowl. Whole fruits instead of sliced ones are recommended.
- Prepare magazines, newspapers and books on a generic theme (architecture, travel, local culture) that do not promote any specific brand or it is a promotional / seasonal piece that can be outdated.
- Would be great if amenities are arranged to identify the different room categories such as standard, VIP amenities and Honeymoon amenities; fresh juices /welcome drinks, chocolates and dates in addition to the fruits. These should be arranged according to what the hotel is actually offering. Fruits should be carefully selected, fresh and prepared just before the shooting date.
- We would also advise including a good looking/photogenic team member in a clean housekeeping uniform (could be from any department), a female is better but a male is also fine.
- Rooms should look at their best. Bed linen, bed runner, pillows and curtains should be crease-free. Pillows should be fluffy. All linen and pillows should be consistent in colour, pattern and logo.
- Towels in bathrooms to be folded in a way that logo appears in the middle (if applicable).
- Bath and hand towels should be placed equally on shelves if visible.
- Switching off the TV (unless otherwise required).
- Curtains should be open, especially if the view is a main feature.
- Changing of light bulbs from warm to white, if possible.
- Arranging decorations that are unique for the hotel, its location, brand or have a cultural awareness, for example toys (if applicable)
- Windows should be clean and all surfaces dust-free (a day before the photoshoot).
- Engineering and housekeeping representatives should be on stand-by for assistance. Often, a steamer is needed during the shoot.
- If there are sunbeds, tables and chairs on balcony / terrace, they should be arranged along with cushions. Coffee cups, breakfast items and dining set-up are optional and usually applicable for larger suites and villas.
- Removal of all signage, cables, wires, trash bins, tissue boxes and marketing materials.
- Removal of COVID-related materials and other materials with logos that does not pertain to the hotel brand.
Some brands are more simplistic than others and would require the removal of amenities and props from the rooms and bathrooms. If this is the case, they should be cleared prior to the photoshoot date. Some brands have a pre-shoot checklist in place, however you may refer to our Photography Checklist, which we can provide our clients upon request.
AFTER THE PHOTOSHOOT
This is the time spent on the images, no less important than the actual photo-taking process. We do the finishing touches in the house, ensuring that the images are processed and prepared as per the studio standards and of high quality. It is also very time-consuming.
Photo-retouching
Considering the photography guidelines for each brand, our goal in post-production is to preserve the image as much as possible, and while keeping the realistic natural appearance, to bring out the details and highlight those specific features that are either the key selling point or unique and specific to the hotel.
More often than not, light adjustments are just enough to do the magic. Colour correction, lighting and perspective adjustments, exposure merging and removal of unwanted objects are all it takes to bring life to an image and let the rest tell the story.
Frequently asked
Photography Q&A
- First, we like to get to know our clients, followed by a brief project overview over the phone or by email.
- We believe in “adding a face to the voice” approach, this is how we think a good start of a relationship begins. We discuss your project and accommodate any questions over a coffee.
- Provide a proposal and once agreed, we plan a recce visit.
- We brainstorm ideas/develop mood boards according to the brand’s photography guidelines.
- We discuss availability and what preparations and props are required for the photoshoot.
- The shoot day: depending on the project, it takes anything from 4-5 hours for small projects (food) to 2 or more days for large assignments (interior and exterior). Duration also depends on the number of images, internal preparation, hotel operations, and even occupancy. Although we use strobe lights, the overall look is subtle and natural.
- Retouching: also depending on the image count and how complex are the images .
- Proof sheet: after the first stage of enhancement, we send by email a sheet all images for our clients to select the agreed number of images as per their preference.
- After the selection has been made, we refine the project (further retouching if needed).
- Deliver the final project work as per signed agreement.
The project might be complete but not the process, we won’t just leave you as soon as it is complete; we are always just an email or phone call away.
We are the owners of the business and the creative mind behind every project.
Rest assured, we serve as the primary contact for every client and dedicate our time and effort to every project from initiation to completion.
The recent tendency for most hospitality brands is to keep the image style as natural as possible, away from rendered-looking appearance. This process is aligned with the individual brand photography guidelines. Even high-end post-processing involves color cast correction, exposure blending, focus stacking, removal of objects, dust and blemishes, sharpening and straightening. We do not use the HDR technique. Have a look at the examples above.
High-resolution JPG images are delivered via online transfer minimum of 5 working days. Large projects can take a month or longer. We prioritise images on an urgent basis.
No.
We provide the client with fully edited high-resolution JPG images as per the number of images agreed prior to the photoshoot. Once delivered, they cannot be replaced / exchanged with another image.
Additional images can be offered at the rate mentioned in the quotation / agreement.
We are unable to provide
RAW files or unedited images.
Yes.
With an exception for a brand architecture shoot where each image is decided during the photoshoot, we provide the client with a proof sheet with all images to select. Once they have been finalised and delivered, images cannot be swapped with another or cancelled.
Minimum 5 working days
A proof sheet with all retouched images will be sent by email to the client and after the selection has been made, we further refine the images and deliver the final work within 7 working days. We can prioritise and provide a few images on an urgent basis within 2-3 days for smaller projects.
Up to 2 locations per half day photoshoot (4 hours) and up to 4 locations for a full day (8 hours) within the same facility.
Every project is different and there is no standard rate. Detailed information about your brief is helpful to provide you with an accurate quote.
Although we do not provide these, below are some basic expenses to be considered:
- Models (female, male, child, family)
- Professional Food Stylist
- Professional Props Stylist
- Special props and backgrounds
- Drone filming / Drone operator
- Special licences and permits
- Styling by the photographer
- Advanced retouching
- Image usage rights
- Backgrounds / backdrops
- Basic styling props
- Lighting and equipment
- We do not charge for an extra day or overtime
- We do not charge for additional locations
- Transportation (within UAE)
Yes.
To the best ability, we always aim to be accommodating as possible and offer customised project base and retainer-based packages as per the client’s brief and budget.
No, we do not offer this type of photos.
We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. We also understand the operational side and if there is availability, we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests.
Yes.
We take assignments and projects worldwide.
All travel expenses will be quoted separately and the hotel accommodation and meals should be covered by the client.
All flights and hotel booking fees will be due upon signing the agreement.
If visa is required, should be arranged by the client.
Have you ever thought “I have to deliver this campaign in record time, but I can’t afford to sacrifice quality”?
We have what you require – high quality, speed in delivery, passion and creative vision, and above all, trust. With our knowledge and understanding of hotel operations (marketing, design or kitchen), we are here as your partner to deliver our promise.
Are you ready to build a relationship with us? Let’s start the conversation.