Exterior Shots for Hotel Photography: Essential Tips and Techniques

The exterior shotof a hotel is often the first impression that potential guests receive of a property. It can be crucial for perception, and therefore, these images should be crafted thoughtfully. In this guide, you will learn how to take a professional exterior shot, even when the weather conditions are not optimal. Martin Buschmann, an experienced photographer, provides you with valuable tipsand insights into his working methods.

Key Insights

• Use a tripod for shake-free shots.
• Pay attention to the right perspective to highlight architectural features.
• Use the correct exposure and camera settings to maximize image quality.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, you need to assess the situation on-site. You may have a set appointment with your client when you need to take the exterior shots. Often, the hotel may already have a lot of customer traffic, so you should begin shooting immediately.

Start taking exterior shots even in poor weather conditions, even if the sky is cloudy. This first photograph helps you capture the subject in case the weather improves later. Consider which perspective is the best to present the architecture in the right light.

To ensure that your shots are stable, always work from a tripod. This allows you to take a longer exposure time and ensures that the image remains shake-free. A wide-angle lens, ideally in the range of 16 to 35 mm, is recommended for this type of exterior shot.

Opt for a central perspective to photograph the hotel head-on. Parallel lines create a harmonious image composition. Make sure to visually approach the subject before taking the camera in hand.

There may be unexpected obstructions in the image – like cars or other objects that block the view of the hotel. Wait for these obstacles to disappear from the image before beginning your shot.

After finding your perspective, take a first test shot to see if you have captured everything you want. If the framing doesn’t fit, you can step back further from the subject. It is important that all lines in the image are straight.

Use your tripod to level the camera horizontally. A level that is often attached to the tripod will help you correct the image. A straight horizon ensures a harmonious composition.

Before taking the final image, measure the exposure. In our case, we use an aperture of 16, at an exposure time of 1/30 seconds and an ISO of 400. Transfer these values to your camera and set them manually to achieve maximum image quality.

If you notice that the ISO value is too high, reduce it to 100. Now you need to adjust the exposure time accordingly to avoid overexposing the image. For a longer exposure time, you can increase the value from 1/30 seconds to 1/15 seconds while remaining at an aperture of 16 and ISO 100.

Wait until the framing is clear of distracting elements. To avoid shake, it turns out that using a self-timer is a good idea. Set it to 10 seconds so that the camera triggers without your touch.

Look at the first image. Some passersby may unintentionally walk into the frame. Since you have a long exposure time, they may appear as motion blur. If the image captures the way you envisioned it, take the shot again without disturbances.

So, after you have taken the exterior shot, you have fulfilled an important duty. It is also possible to photograph again in a similar position under better weather conditions. Your first exterior shot is a significant step in the right direction.

Now it is time to grab your bag and prepare for the next steps in your photography practice.

Summary – Exterior Shots for Hotel Photography: Effective Techniques and Tips

Successfully crafting the exterior shot of a hotel is an art in itself. With the right technique, the use of a tripod, and attentive image composition, you can achieve impressive results – even when the weather is not cooperating.