The Craft Behind Luxury Hotel and Architectural Photography
Hotel lobby: Shaun Smith, South African Marriott approved hotel photographer, recently photographed the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West. This hotel is the first Tribute Portfolio Hotel in South Africa.
In a world flooded with quick, cheap photography, there’s something to be said for the kind of image that makes someone stop and look twice. Architectural photography, when done right, does more than show a space. It captures the feeling, the craftsmanship, the light, and the story behind every design decision.
Too often in South Africa, property owners settle for low-cost real estate photography that delivers quick results, but little substance – quantity over quality. These images are often rushed, overexposed and lacks attention to detail. That approach might work for listings, but it falls short for luxury hotels, boutique lodges, and architect-designed spaces that deserve more.
As an approved Marriott luxury hotel and architectural photographer based in Johannesburg, I approach each project with care and precision. My process involves shooting 3 to 5 exposure brackets per image to capture the full range of light and detail, followed by manual blending and high-end retouching in Photoshop. On average, each image takes between 1 to 2 hours to perfect. This is hotel and lodge photography at international standards – not the kind of work that can be done in a rush.
High-end hospitality and architectural photography is a time-intensive art. It’s about creating images that reflect the true mood of a space – from the way morning light filters through sheer curtains to the warm textures of bespoke interiors. These images are essential for marketing luxury properties in a competitive tourism market like South Africa’s.
Whether you're a hotelier in Johannesburg, a game lodge in Mpumalanga, or an architect showcasing a signature project, professional architectural photography gives your space the attention it deserves – and helps you attract the right clientele.
If you're ready to elevate your brand with international standard hotel and architectural photography in South Africa, let’s talk.
