Planning a photography shoot for your hotel, riad or villa in Marrakech? Great hospitality images help prospective guests understand your property before they arrive. The best results start well before the camera comes out: with a clear brief, a prepared space and a schedule built around the light.
1. Define where the images will be used
A hotel’s website, a booking platform, a printed brochure and an Instagram reel each call for different framing. Before the shoot, identify your priority channels and list the essential spaces: bedrooms, bathrooms, reception, dining areas, terraces, pool, gardens and signature details. A photographer can then create a practical shot list rather than photographing every corner in the same way.
2. Prepare each space without losing its character
Clean glass and mirrors, straighten textiles, remove temporary signs and clutter, and check that all lights work. Keep the design details that make your property distinctive: handcrafted furniture, local materials, architectural features and thoughtful amenities. The aim is to present the property accurately, not to make it look like a different place.
3. Schedule around Marrakech’s natural light
Morning light may flatter east-facing rooms and courtyards, while late afternoon can bring warmth to terraces, pools and façades. Some spaces need a separate time slot or controlled lighting. A quick walk-through or floor plan helps identify the best order for shooting, especially in riads where light moves quickly through narrow courtyards.
4. Photograph the experience, not only the architecture
Wide images explain layout and scale. Closer frames reveal textures, craftsmanship, table settings and hospitality details. If your marketing strategy calls for lifestyle photography, plan any staff or model participation ahead of time and obtain the appropriate permissions. A balanced gallery tells a more complete story than a collection of identical wide-angle room photographs.
5. Plan photography and video together
If you also need a cinematic property tour or short vertical reels, combine the photo and video brief before the shoot. This reduces disruption and helps maintain consistent styling. Prepare any desired movement through spaces, food service moments and guest experiences in advance.
6. Ask about drone permissions early
Aerial footage can show a property’s setting and architecture, but drone operations in Morocco require the relevant permissions and authorisations. Do not assume that a hotel or villa’s agreement alone is enough. Discuss feasibility and lead time with your drone operator before promising aerial deliverables.
7. Agree on deliverables and turnaround
Specify the number and type of edited images, preferred orientations, intended usage, video formats, and any priority assets needed for a launch or campaign. Sharing examples of your visual identity also helps the photographer keep the final selection consistent with your brand.
Professional hotel and villa photography in Marrakech
At The Chihab, we produce photography and cinematic video for hotels, riads, villas and hospitality businesses in Marrakech. Discover our hotel and villa photography services, browse the portfolio, or request a tailored quote for your property.
