Last year, I decided I wanted to get into hotel photography — something I had been interested in for a while. I reached out to one of Savannah’s newest luxury hotels on the block, Hotel Bardo (full feature on Bardo coming soon), and I was elated when they offered me a night’s stay on the property in exchange for imagery.

Fast forward to now — Hotel Bardo has become my main Savannah-based client, and those shoot days have quickly become some of my favorites. There’s something special about stepping into a space where every detail, from the design to the hospitality, tells a story. Capturing the beauty and intention behind it all feels like photographing a living piece of art.

And while this year has been busy, it hasn’t been filled with as much travel as years past, so Hotel Bardo has been a local escape of its own for me and my shoots have taught me a lot about luxury hotel photography.

Here are a few images from that very first session:

So, naturally, when I visited California last summer, I decided to reach out to a few of the hotels I’d been eyeing on the West Coast to see if they could use a photography refresh. I had the pleasure of staying at and photographing Nicholson House in Mendocino and Kenwood Inn and Spa in Kenwood. Both lived up to the hype and I highly recommend a stay at either if you find yourself in California soon. Here is a little roundup of what I capture but you can find more on my Instagram.

Of course, now, my eyes are set on the possibility of what’s ahead. I’m scheming where I could go and photograph next. Manifesting really, if you will.

1. The Dunmore | Harbour Island:

   Who wouldn’t have this one at the top of their list? A collection of luxury guest cottages and homes, dotted along the Bahamian beach. I would move here for the summer if I could. And maybe I will if they need a haul of imagery!

   

2. Cap Juluca | Anguilla:

   Can you tell I really just love the beach? Cap Juluca is a luxurious resort hidden in the Caribbean and part of Belmond which is a dream client of mine.

   

3. Villa Lario | Lake Como:

   The Italian getaway of my dreams! Villa Lario boasts only 18 suites, making it an exclusive experience that fully immerses guests in the Lake Como lifestyle. Private gardens, Italian architecture, modern luxuries. It’s at the top of my ‘abroad’ list.

   

4. Rosewood | Little Dix Bay:

   Back to the beach I go! Rosewood is a secluded luxury resort in the British Virgin Islands. The property itself is beautifully curated, but the untouched surroundings of the Caribbean are what set the resort apart, or so I hear. Just from reading about Rosewood, I’ve gathered that it’s a wellness lover’s paradise and an ultimate retreat, something I crave in the busyness of spring.

   

Apart from just my wishlist of sorts, I’ll offer a word of advice — if you’ve been scared to make the ask or reach out to your ‘dream’ client, I’m here to say just go for it. The worst thing they can say is no or not respond. You’ll be surprised what doors open when you intentionally include yourself in the spaces you want to be in!

What hotels should I add to the list? Comment your favorites below.