• Home
  • Browse
  • Search

5. Story Telling with Props and Light

Read More
  • Telling a Story within the confines of a "property shot" was embraced by Starwood, and using props creatively was expected when I was shooting internationally for, them and for Resorts and Great Hotels.  Here in Tien Jin China I insisted on 50 blue balloons and an ice sculpture to show off the banquet room, which was otherwise deadly.  I was informed no ice, no ice artists in that part of china, but did I want to look at the butter sculptures.   Hey, worked for me!

    Telling a Story within the confines of a "property shot" was embraced by Starwood, and using props creatively was expected when I was shooting internationally for, them and for Resorts and Great Hotels. Here in Tien Jin China I insisted on 50 blue balloons and an ice sculpture to show off the banquet room, which was otherwise deadly. I was informed no ice, no ice artists in that part of china, but did I want to look at the butter sculptures. Hey, worked for me!

  • Steamboat Springs,  Adding people to hospitality shots which show the propertie's amenities can be difficult and nothing can be more deadly that tradition shots of a couple gazing into each others eyes.  This photo captures you attention, shows the facility, slopes, and hot tub, and is rich in detail. Three friends relaxing. Cowboy motif, and nice boots!

    Steamboat Springs, Adding people to hospitality shots which show the propertie's amenities can be difficult and nothing can be more deadly that tradition shots of a couple gazing into each others eyes. This photo captures you attention, shows the facility, slopes, and hot tub, and is rich in detail. Three friends relaxing. Cowboy motif, and nice boots!

  • the Palace Hotel in Beijing, a few blocks from the Forbidden City.   Hotel Sales and Marketing jokingly ask if I could show all of the 35 high end retail stores that accessed the lobby, and do it in one shot.  I ask them to give me a few days to find a solution to this special "lobby shot", and said we could start on the suites and restaurants, and I would do that shot last.  Fortunately the idea of using each store's unique shopping bags solved the puzzle.

    the Palace Hotel in Beijing, a few blocks from the Forbidden City. Hotel Sales and Marketing jokingly ask if I could show all of the 35 high end retail stores that accessed the lobby, and do it in one shot. I ask them to give me a few days to find a solution to this special "lobby shot", and said we could start on the suites and restaurants, and I would do that shot last. Fortunately the idea of using each store's unique shopping bags solved the puzzle.

  • A woman executive traveling, and done with the business day, can feel at home kicking her shoes off at this east coast Sheraton.  Surely this trumps a boring shot of 4 walls and a bed!  They thought it did.

    A woman executive traveling, and done with the business day, can feel at home kicking her shoes off at this east coast Sheraton. Surely this trumps a boring shot of 4 walls and a bed! They thought it did.

  • Located right near San Franisco's China town, on Fishermans Wharf,  the Wharf Inn was a candidate for these appropriate props.  Our story is that guests shopped for some nice calligraphy brushes, inks, and sample sheets, even an origami set on the far bed.  Furniture was not changed, only interesting light and great props.  a Best Western from www.pacificplazahotels.com

    Located right near San Franisco's China town, on Fishermans Wharf, the Wharf Inn was a candidate for these appropriate props. Our story is that guests shopped for some nice calligraphy brushes, inks, and sample sheets, even an origami set on the far bed. Furniture was not changed, only interesting light and great props. a Best Western from www.pacificplazahotels.com

  • Great new client  http://www.camptents.com/   Finally found a use for Canon's fisheye lense.  Since the tent is basically round, edge distortion is not an issue.  The props carry the day, with of course that nice vanishing point centered in the scene.  More on these quality tents soon.

    Great new client http://www.camptents.com/ Finally found a use for Canon's fisheye lense. Since the tent is basically round, edge distortion is not an issue. The props carry the day, with of course that nice vanishing point centered in the scene. More on these quality tents soon.

  • Before and after, adding little imagination, lighting, and props.  Best Western Plus, Danville   www.pacificplaza.com

    Before and after, adding little imagination, lighting, and props. Best Western Plus, Danville www.pacificplaza.com

  • Makes a great big razor sharp 20x30 inch print too.   Selective focus, focus stacking, movement, mini spots, painting with light.
http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/

    Makes a great big razor sharp 20x30 inch print too. Selective focus, focus stacking, movement, mini spots, painting with light. http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/

  • The Wharf Inn, my clinet, http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/    OK now this might be over the top, so I shot one with all the chocolate covered berries in the dish, removing the big berry in the center.  I loved this version so much, though, that I'm posting it here.  Very complex shot, lots of work on the view, shot at dusk, and use of layered light.  That will be another lesson posting next year.

    The Wharf Inn, my clinet, http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/ OK now this might be over the top, so I shot one with all the chocolate covered berries in the dish, removing the big berry in the center. I loved this version so much, though, that I'm posting it here. Very complex shot, lots of work on the view, shot at dusk, and use of layered light. That will be another lesson posting next year.

  • http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/   Ok, so the guest, staying in the double king guest room, was a musician!

    http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/ Ok, so the guest, staying in the double king guest room, was a musician!

  • http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/      Lots of work making a nice foreground that would lead you into the guest room.  Notice image in mirror too, that must be lit as well.

    http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/ Lots of work making a nice foreground that would lead you into the guest room. Notice image in mirror too, that must be lit as well.

  • http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/          Food shots are like little room shots, still in need of highlights and shadows to give it some depth.

    http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/ Food shots are like little room shots, still in need of highlights and shadows to give it some depth.

  • http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/        Highlight and Shadow

    http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/ Highlight and Shadow

  • working with  Anady Designs to tighten up a composition.  Note the hand held spot lights I use, held by assistant.

    working with Anady Designs to tighten up a composition. Note the hand held spot lights I use, held by assistant.

  • Why get take out Pizza, when you can go get fresh oysters and crabs?  That's what staying on the California coast by the ocean is all about.
http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/   Humboldt  Bay Inn.  Eureka, CA.

    Why get take out Pizza, when you can go get fresh oysters and crabs? That's what staying on the California coast by the ocean is all about. http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/ Humboldt Bay Inn. Eureka, CA.

  • An early use of food in the foreground of an architectural interior photo.  Capellini ,San Mateo, Erin Ferer.

    An early use of food in the foreground of an architectural interior photo. Capellini ,San Mateo, Erin Ferer.

  • Another example of food as a prop. Focus stack, nice natural sunlight coming in through the atrium. Fill light and a couple spots brought it together. 
http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/   Garden Inn, Santa Rosa Best Western Plus

    Another example of food as a prop. Focus stack, nice natural sunlight coming in through the atrium. Fill light and a couple spots brought it together. http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/ Garden Inn, Santa Rosa Best Western Plus

  • http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/   Humboldt  Bay Inn.  Eureka, CA.    What a great heated outdoor patio and pool area, much loved by all the guests.

    http://www.pacificplazahotels.com/ Humboldt Bay Inn. Eureka, CA. What a great heated outdoor patio and pool area, much loved by all the guests.

  • Aspen Ridge Ranch  http://www.aspenrr.com/home.htm    Great place to do a little branding, the white cowboy hats are provided for guests who can help in the roundups, or just fish the provate lake, and enjoy the scenery.

    Aspen Ridge Ranch http://www.aspenrr.com/home.htm Great place to do a little branding, the white cowboy hats are provided for guests who can help in the roundups, or just fish the provate lake, and enjoy the scenery.

  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2022 SmugMug, Inc.