This is an example of the process that ensures that your commercial shoot is perfect for you.
Commercial Hotel Photography
Planning The Shoot
Before any photography commences, I hold a discussion with the client to ascertain what type of business image they want to convey. The client might decide that they want to convey a warm cosy atmosphere, or something more along the lines of clean, wide-open spaces, with luxury as the main focus. During this brainstorming process we all work at imagining what the finished piece or scene might look like.
From that starting point, we can then explore areas that we need to focus on to acheive that aim. We will outline locations in the premises, props needed, models, etc. We will also decide on the type of photography, whether it is wide shots, close-ups of soft furnishings, or a combination of both.
Some filler shots will also need to be taken for future brochure & website use. These will include close-ups & abstract shots. The trend in the hotel industry at the moment is for conveying an image of what peoples asperations are. This is achieved with showing set-ups of breakfat trays, fine dining, candles, books laid on tables, horse riding, etc. This shows your clients the potential of your hotel & how they can relax, unwind & enjoy your facilities in their own way. By including close-up images of soft furnishings for example, you are telling your guests "look at the attention to detail we have achieved".
The Shoot
During the shoot, it is my job to translate the desired moods, messages, concepts, and ideas that were identified during the planning stage into imagery. All the planning has been done, so on the day of the shoot, we will have a time-line & plan in place for the execution of the photography. This ensures that we capture everything that is esential to the shoot & the image of your hotel. As we are going through the day, we will always come up with new ideas & opertunities. Therefore, I would advise that clients have a Sales & Marketing & Managerial representative available on the day to add their flavour, direction & feedback on the photography.
Full studio lighting is used throughout a shoot to attain maximum control & impact.
Post Production
No matter how much attention to detail is taken during the shoot, there will always be some things that need to be eliminated, touched up or enhanced afterwards. There is no iron in the world that is going to take all the creases out of a duvet cover, there will always be little marks on paintwork, a reflection that we don't like, etc. This will all be taken care of in the post production stage, through Photoshop enhancement.
Below are 2 photos that highlight what may be necesary through the post-production process:
This first image is exactly how the scene was shot.
You will notice that some of the vertical & horizontal lines in the image are not straight. This is a normal phenomenom of wide-angle lenses on cameras.
It also proved very hard to straighten the bottom edge of the bed-throw. There are also an excessive amount of creases on the bed-throw & the pillows.
This second photo shows the re-touched & enhanced image.
The vertical & horizontal lines have been strightened to correct the perspective of the view. Some of the creases have been eliminated, however not all of them are taken out, as it is necessary to retain some to show detail & for the image to be percieved by the viewer as "normal" or "real". The folded edge on the bottom of the bed-throw has also been straightened. Subtle specular highlights have been added to the two bedside lights to add a subconscious "bling" to the overall image.
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