As the saying goes, "90% of architectural photography is moving the furniture," and there's a profound truth in that statement.

Unlike most people think, what separates an amazing interior photograph from a mediocre one is not price of camera that is used or technical ability of photographer but good composition and thoughtful staging.

We all do staging in our daily life. When we have guest coming over, we tidy up.. we move the chair from its usual place next to the window to somewhere else to make room looking neat. This is an aesthetic choice rather than functional one to make things look better temporarily. The same principle applies to hotel photography. we shuffle things, move furniture around and fine tune position of every item in the frame to make it not just practical but also visually stunning. In fact things looks different than they are in the camera. A perfectly centered vase on table can be unaligned in the camera due to distortion or perspective change. So staging is crucial in hotel photography.

Before we dive deep into topic, I want to clarify most important aspect of staging : Intention.. You must know why you are doing what you are doing. Shuffling items around randomly won’t help to achieve a superior look and better images. For that, you have to train your eyes first. As a photographer, I allocate great amount of time looking at architectural design magazines, online sites and work of other admired photographers to teach my eyes how object spread across the frame by evaluating images. So then with an educated eye, I can evaluate the scene and move things around intentionally to create images that are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Staging can vary from slightly moving a book on the table to moving a big couch entirely to the other side of the room. Yes, you can always return items to their original spots if your changes don't work but you can't recreate a photo shoot once you've left the location. So, it's better to invest a little extra effort during the shoot rather than regretting missed opportunities later.

Once you grasp the power of staging, it becomes a natural part of your workflow. Staging may not be the most glamorous or alluring task but as the saying goes "success is in those things we always avoid." It's the often-neglected details that make the most significant difference when executed correctly.

So in my opinion as much as it’s least favorable part of the job, it’s the one pays off most when done correctly.

Many people feel hesitant and lack the confidence to rearrange the layout or move items from their original positions. Whether you're a budding photographer or a marketing guru responsible for your hotel's image, my advice is this: don't be afraid to experiment. Move things around, change the scenery and dare to make your photos more visually appealing. In the end, your bravery will pay off and your hotel will stand out in the crowd.

Pictures from Ramlah Resort shooting where I tweak small stones on the coffee table even it won’t be predominantly visible in the frame. Purpose here is to make sure they are aligned in a proper way and won’t become distractive bunch of items. Also luckily designer firm team was on site in this shooting so we had chance to work together to shuffle things around for a better look without compromising overall design. Result is as below ;

Now that we know the importance of staging in hotel photography, let's explore some practical tips and insights that can help you make the most of this powerful technique.

1. Plan with Purpose: Before you even step into the location, have a clear plan in your mind. Know the story you want to tell through your photographs. This helps in making informed decisions when staging. Are you going for a cozy and inviting atmosphere or a sleek and modern look? Understanding your objective is the first step to effective staging.

2. Pay Attention to Details: As a photographer, it's your responsibility to notice the nuances that others might miss. This includes ensuring that items are perfectly aligned and avoiding distractions in the frame.

3. Furniture Arrangement: Don't be afraid to experiment with furniture arrangements. Even subtle changes, like angling a chair differently or moving a table can dramatically alter the composition of your shot. Always consider how these changes affect the flow and balance within the frame.

4. Scale and Proportion: Be mindful of scale and proportion when staging. Oversized or undersized objects can throw off the entire composition. Use the surrounding elements to guide your decisions, ensuring that everything in the frame harmonizes with each other.

5. Create Inviting Spaces: Remember, your goal is to entice viewers, whether they're potential hotel guests or enthusiasts of design and architecture. Staging should create inviting spaces that people can envision themselves in. Soft, well-placed cushions and carefully arranged decor can achieve this inviting ambiance.

6. Nurture Creativity: Staging is also an opportunity to express your creativity. Don't be bound by convention. Try different angles, experiment with color palettes and don't hesitate to think outside the box. This can lead to truly unique shots.

7. Patience and Flexibility: Sometimes, the ideal shot may require several iterations of staging. Be patient and open to change. If something isn't working, don't hesitate to try something new. Flexibility is a valuable asset in the world of photography.

8. Collaborate: If you're working as part of a team, whether with a hotel's interior designer or a client, don't hesitate to collaborate. They may have valuable insights and preferences that can guide your staging decisions effectively.

In conclusion, staging is crucial in hotel photograph. It transforms ordinary spaces into visually compelling scenes, enticing viewers to explore and experience what you have to offer. Remember, it's not just about moving furniture; it's about crafting a narrative and making a lasting visual impression. Embrace the art of staging and your hotel photography will undoubtedly stand out.