5 Hotel Photoshoot Hacks You Need to Know

Transform any hotel room into a high-end photography set with these creative, professional tips.

A funny snap from my course, “The Art of the Hotel Photoshoot”

If you've ever walked into a hotel room for a photoshoot and felt overwhelmed by the space, you're not alone. Hotel rooms can offer a luxurious vibe, but they also present unique challenges—tricky lighting, awkward furniture layouts, and uninspiring decor.

The good news? With the right techniques, any hotel room can become a stunning, high-end photography location. Whether you're shooting boudoir, portraits, or lifestyle content, these five hotel photoshoot hacks will help you maximize your environment and walk away with polished, professional images every time.

When positioned next to a window you have the option to photograph a client front lit, side lit, ¾ lit or backlit for varying results

1. Find the Best Light and Learn to Control It

Lighting is the foundation of beautiful photography. In hotel rooms, artificial lighting often casts unflattering yellow or orange hues. To create soft, natural light that flatters your subject:

Use Window Light

• Locate the largest window in the room and position your subject nearby.

• Use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh light and soften shadows.

• Avoid direct midday sun unless you’re going for dramatic contrast.

Turn Off Overhead Lighting

• Most hotel lights distort skin tones and add unwanted color casts.

• Stick to natural light or bring a portable LED panel for clean, consistent lighting.

Bounce Light with Reflectors

• Use a white reflector—or even a hotel pillowcase—to reduce harsh shadows.

• A silver reflector adds brightness and gives your photos a polished, editorial look.

Play with Shadows for Mood

• Create intimacy by placing your subject near a bedside lamp or behind a sheer curtain.

• Shadows can add drama, depth, and sophistication to your images.

2. Declutter and Stage the Scene

Minimal Clutter = a High End look

Hotel rooms rarely come camera-ready. Cluttered nightstands, bold comforters, and visual distractions can take away from your subject. Here’s how to style the space like a pro:

Simplify the Scene

• Remove items like phones, alarm clocks, and marketing brochures.

• Hide bags, chargers, and personal items out of frame.

• Replace loud bedding with simple white sheets—many hotels stock extras in the closet.

Rearrange for Better Composition

• Shift chairs or lamps to create open space and better angles.

• Use a desk or window ledge as a prop or posing surface.

• Adjust curtains to control light and background distraction.

Add Minimal Props

• A silk robe, champagne glass, or fresh bouquet adds instant luxury.

• Soft blankets or textured pillows enhance depth and visual interest.

Add Value with reflective surfaces

3. Use Reflective Surfaces to Add Depth and Creativity

Mirrors, glossy furniture, and even TV screens offer unique ways to add artistic flair to your hotel photoshoot.

Mirror Magic

• Position your subject near a mirror to capture their reflection for a layered, cinematic effect.

• Shoot from angles that frame your subject within the mirror to create intimacy or a voyeuristic vibe.

Glass and Glossy Surfaces

• Use a glass coffee table for subtle, dreamy reflections.

• A glossy TV screen can create unexpected, artful effects when shot at the right angle.

Smartphone Reflection Hack

• Place your phone face-up on a surface, shoot close to the screen, and use the reflection for a soft, surreal look.

Sheers are an easy way to add interest and drama

4. Create Layers for Cinematic Composition

Avoid flat, static images by adding depth and dimension through intentional composition. Hotel rooms offer plenty of layering opportunities if you know where to look.

Build Foreground, Midground, and Background

• Partially frame your subject with curtains, headboards, or furniture.

• Use textured fabrics and layered bedding to build depth.

• Place props or elements at various distances from the camera for a 3D effect.

Move with Intention

• Encourage your subject to interact with the space—walking, stretching, adjusting clothing.

• Movement creates energy and adds storytelling to the frame.

Use Angles Strategically

• Shoot slightly above or below eye level for more dynamic results.

• Experiment with side lighting and diagonal lines to enhance the composition.

Deep Shadows are easy to achieve anywhere with the right gear

5. Embrace Shadows and Contrast for Editorial Impact

While soft, natural light is ideal for many shoots, don’t shy away from moody shadows and dramatic contrast to create bold, editorial-style photos.

Work with Directional Lighting

• Place your subject so that light falls from the side for deeper shadows and dimension.

• Use lamps or small light sources to create a spotlight effect.

Play with Silhouettes

• Backlight your subject using a window or a strong directional light to create striking silhouettes.

Create Texture with Shadow Patterns

• Use blinds, sheer curtains, or lace to cast artistic patterns on your subject.

Convert to Black and White

• Strip away color for a timeless, high-fashion vibe that focuses on light, shadow, and emotion.

Final Thoughts

Hotel room photography doesn’t have to feel limiting. In fact, it can open up a world of creative possibilities. With these five expert techniques, you can turn any hotel space into a luxurious, high-end photography set:

• Master lighting for flawless, natural glow

• Declutter and style the space for clean, editorial compositions

• Use reflections for added depth and creativity

• Compose with layers, movement, and angles

• Embrace contrast for dramatic, magazine-worthy images

By approaching each shoot with intention and creativity, you’ll elevate your work—and your client experience. Try these hacks during your next session and watch your confidence (and your portfolio) soar. ✨

Want to learn more about photographing clients in Hotels? Check out my full course where I do a deep dive into everything you need to know for a successful Hotel room photoshoot.