5. Story Telling with Props and Light

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!
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.
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