When people think of hotel photography, they often picture a perfectly made bed or a nice exterior shot. But after years of shooting luxury hotels in London, I’ve learned that the best hotel photography is about capturing the entire experience — the feeling a guest gets from the moment they walk through the door until they sit down for dinner.
I’ve been fortunate to photograph some wonderful properties in London, including The Dixon Hotel and Lost Property. Both shoots were a pleasure because the teams were so collaborative — from the marketing manager and general manager to the head chef, everyone wanted the images to genuinely reflect their venue.
At The Dixon, the vibe is warm and atmospheric with lots of rich textures. The food photography reflected that — deep colours, dramatic lighting, and cocktails that looked like they belonged in a stylish bar.
Sharing spread at Shakedown Restaurant, The Dixon Hotel – London hotel food photography
Close-up food spread at Shakedown Restaurant, The Dixon Hotel – London food photographer
We also shot in the Courtroom Bar, one of the hotel’s beautiful cocktail bars. The lighting there was perfect for capturing the rich tones of the drinks and the little details like the fresh orange slice and the branded Dixon chocolate that sat on top of the glass. It’s those small touches that make the images feel true to the venue.
You can see some of the restaurant shots I took for them on their official Shakedown Restaurant page here.
Signature cocktail at Courtroom Bar, The Dixon Hotel – London hotel food photography
At Lost Property, we shot in their bright, contemporary cafe. The focus was on lighter, fresher items like a pastrami bagel, a vibrant smoothie, and an iced coffee — all captured with clean, natural light that matched the hotel’s modern and welcoming energy.
Smoothie and bagel at Lost Property Hotel cafe – London food photographer
Iced coffee at Lost Property Hotel cafe – London food photographer
Food Photography That Makes Guests Want to Book a Table
Food is often one of the first things guests look at when deciding where to stay or dine. A beautifully lit dish or a tempting cocktail can be the difference between someone scrolling past or making a reservation. Good food photography helps hotels increase restaurant bookings and overall occupancy.
Burger and fries at Shakedown Restaurant, The Dixon Hotel – London restaurant food photography
Interiors That Tell the Story of the Hotel
Interiors are where guests spend most of their time, so the photography needs to show comfort, style, and personality. Whether it’s a grand lobby, a cosy bedroom, or a quiet corner lounge, the goal is to make the space feel inviting and true to the hotel’s character.
Hotel photography helps bring that character to life.
Luxury hotel bedroom photography – London hotel photographer
Luxury property exterior with pool and vintage food truck van – London commercial photographer
Exteriors and Grounds – The First Impression
The outside of a hotel sets the tone before a guest even steps inside. Golden-hour shots of the building or the surrounding gardens can make a huge difference in how the property is perceived online.
Lifestyle and Portraits – Bringing the Hotel to Life
Some of my favourite shots are the ones that show people enjoying the space — a guest relaxing in the lounge or the head chef in the kitchen. These images help potential guests imagine themselves there.
Outdoor wellness session at luxury hotel – hotel lifestyle photography
Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell at Purnell’s Restaurant – London food photographer
On some projects I also create 360 virtual tours alongside the still photography. It’s a great way to give guests a more immersive sense of the rooms, restaurants, and overall atmosphere before they book.
Why This Matters for Hotels
Good hotel photography isn’t just about pretty pictures. It helps properties stand out on booking sites, increases time spent on their website, and can boost restaurant reservations and overall bookings. When the images feel authentic and high-quality, guests are more likely to trust the experience they’ll have.
If you run a hotel in London and you’re thinking about updating your photography — whether it’s food, interiors, exteriors, lifestyle shots, or even 360 virtual tours — I’d be happy to chat about how we can capture the essence of your property.
Have you had any memorable hotel photography experiences, or are you currently working on updating your own images? Feel free to drop a comment below — I’d love to hear.