Bathroomsare often small and tight spaces that present a special challenge when it comes to photography. Anyone working in hotel photographywants to highlight the best aspects of a bathroom. In this guide, you will learn how to take appealing photos even in limited spaces and capture the beauty of any bathroom without losing sight of the typical challenges. Here are the key techniques and tricks to keep in mind.
Key Insights
- Choose the right lens to capture the spaciousness of the room.
- Pay attention to the position of the sanitary fixtures and their visibility in the image.
- Correct lighting conditions through settings on your camera.
- Make the bathroom visually appealing with small details.
Step-by-Step Guide
Taking the Entrance Shot
To show the spaciousness of the bathroom, start with the first shot at the entrance of the room. Use a wide-angle lens, ideally with a focal length of about 24 mm. Make sure the door frame is well included in the shot to give the viewer an idea of the room size. For optimal results, place the camera on a tripod to ensure stability.

Focusing on Central Elements
When photographing bathrooms, it is important that the toilet does not appear too dominant in the image. Position it so that it does not take center stage but still plays a role. Focus on aligning the shower and mirror to stand out in the picture. These elements are more appealing to the viewer and reflect the functionality of the room.

Light Management
The lighting has a significant impact on the quality of your photos. Make sure to work with the available light without using artificial light sources if the bathroom has sufficient daylight. Otherwise, you should adjust the exposure to reduce contrasts and improve the overall aesthetics. You can achieve this by adjusting the exposure by +/- 2/3 – use the histogram for verification.

Composing the Perfect Image
To best capture the bathroom, it can be helpful to include part of the room in the shot to create a connection between the bath and bedroom. This helps the viewer to imagine the arrangement and access. Ensure that any distracting objects are removed from the image or hinted at in the announcement. Often, it's worth a glance at small details, like a crooked toilet brush or messy towels.

Optimizing Small Details
Before you start photographing, take the opportunity to optimize small details. Ensure that towels are neatly placed and the room is tidy. A few small corrections, such as aligning objects, can have a big impact on image quality. If necessary, you can also simply eliminate clutter from the image.

Selecting Camera Settings
Now that everything is aligned, you can set the final camera settings. A lens with an aperture of f/8 offers good depth of field, while the exposure time should ideally be one second. Don’t forget to use the self-timer to avoid camera shake.

Optimizing White Balance
White balance plays a crucial role in the color composition of your shots. Automatic settings can be useful for simple scenarios, but in a bathroom with artificial light, you should manually adjust the white balance. Make sure to consider the possibility of artificial light to achieve the most realistic colors.

Variations of Shots
Take several shots from different perspectives with varying exposure and white balance settings. These variations will allow you to choose the best image during post-processing. Keep a comparison between automatic and manual white balance to determine which setting works best.

Final Checks Before the Shot
Before you take the final shot, look through the viewfinder again and check for any distracting elements in the image. If you find something that negatively impacts the image quality, remove it or optimize it. A thorough final look can fix many issues before you take the final photo.

Summary – Hotel Photography: Technique, Subjects & Practice – Effectively Photographing Bathrooms
Photographing bathrooms in hotels poses special challenges but also offers many opportunities. By applying the right techniques, such as choosing the right lens, considering the light, optimizing the composition, and selectively choosing camera settings, you can create great bathroom photos that effectively convey the ambiance and functionality of the spaces.
FAQ
How do I choose the right lens for bathroom shots?A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the space effectively.
How can I optimize the lighting conditions in the bathroom?Use exposure compensation and make sure to utilize the right lighting for your shots.
What should I check before taking the shot in the bathroom?Ensure that the room is tidy and that no distracting objects are visible in the image.
How many shots should I take?It is advisable to take several shots from different perspectives to select the best option.
How can I ensure that the colors in my photos look natural?Use manual white balance settings to adjust the color temperature and achieve optimal results.