Stellar Baguio, photo by Jon Lazaro Photography
In today’s digital landscape, your hotel’s online presence relies heavily on strong visuals. High-quality hotel room photography helps potential guests understand the comfort, cleanliness, and atmosphere your property offers long before they arrive.
To make sure your next shoot captures your rooms at their absolute best, here’s an SEO-friendly Room Photography Checklist every hotel should prepare before a photo session.
1. Deep Clean and Declutter Every Room
Professional hotel photos highlight every detail—clean or not. Before your shoot, ensure that:
• All surfaces are dust-free
• Mirrors, windows, and glass are spotless
• Curtains and linens are wrinkle-free
• Unnecessary items are removed
A clean, clutter-free space always photographs better.
Stellar Baguio, photo by Jon Lazaro Photography
2. Style the Bed Carefully
The bed is the centerpiece of most hotel room photography. To make it stand out:
• Straighten and tighten linens
• Arrange pillows neatly and symmetrically
• Align throws or runners
• Keep everything smooth and crisp
A well-styled bed instantly elevates the room’s appeal
Stellar Baguio, photo by Jon Lazaro Photography
3. Prepare and Arrange Guest Amenities
Amenities play a huge role in shaping guest expectations. Present them neatly:
• Water bottles, coffee sets, and glassware
• Robes and slippers
• Toiletries arranged cleanly in the bathroom
• Room guides, menus, and remotes aligned properly
This ensures your hotel photos showcase value and consistency.
4. Ensure All Lighting Is Perfect
Good lighting is essential for high-quality hospitality photography. Before the shoot:
• Replace dim or broken bulbs
• Use consistent color temperatures
• Turn on all lights
• Allow natural light to fill the room when possible
Bright, balanced lighting makes your rooms look more spacious and inviting.
5. Remove Non-Guest-Facing Signage
Operational reminders can distract from the room’s beauty. Remove:
• Sanitization stickers
• Temporary maintenance notes
• Staff-only tags
• Old or outdated rate cards
Keep only guest-relevant items that enhance the room’s presentation.
6. Align Furniture and Decorative Elements
Small details create a polished look in your hotel interior photos. Make sure:
• Furniture is aligned properly
• Wall art and mirrors are straight
• Surfaces are organized
• No items block windows or doors
This helps the photographer capture clean, balanced compositions.
Stellar Baguio, photo by Jon Lazaro Photography
7. Prepare the Bathroom Thoroughly
Bathrooms are key to building guest trust. Ensure:
• Tiles, glass, and mirrors are spotless
• Toiletries are arranged neatly
• Fresh towels are folded uniformly
• Shower areas look clean and refreshed
A sparkling bathroom enhances the room’s perceived value.
8. Hide Cables, Wires, and Staff Items
Visible cables instantly disrupt beautiful hotel photography. Hide:
• TV wires
• Chargers and extension cords
• Routers or modems
• Staff belongings
This keeps the focus on the room—not distractions.
9. Add Simple, Brand-Appropriate Touches
Small details help create warmth without cluttering the room. Consider:
• A small plant
• A clean décor piece
• A simple welcome card
Just enough to convey hospitality, never too much.
Stellar Baguio, photo by Jon Lazaro Photography
10. Prepare Window Areas and the View
If your room features a view, make sure the camera can capture it clearly:
• Clean balcony furniture
• Open curtains neatly
• Remove outdoor clutter
• Check the view for any obstructions
A great view can significantly improve the room’s marketability.
How Jon Lazaro Photography Supports Your Hotel’s Visual Strategy
Even with a perfectly prepared room, effective hotel room photography requires the right eye, timing, and technique. This is where Jon Lazaro Photography complements your team’s preparation.
Jon’s approach focuses on:
• Capturing rooms in their true form—clean, welcoming, and accurate
• Highlighting architecture, lighting, and room flow
• Creating consistent visuals that align with your branding
• Finding angles that guests instinctively connect with
The result? Images that feel authentic and inviting—helping guests visualize themselves staying at your property.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your rooms using this Room Photography Checklist ensures a smoother shoot and stronger results. When paired with a hospitality photographer who understands how guests browse and book, your hotel can achieve visuals that build trust and increase conversions.
