Four Seasons: Washington DC
As a Philadelphia-based photographer specializing in hotel photography, I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit and photograph the Four Seasons in Washington, DC this December. This experience not only allowed me to showcase my skills but also reminded me of how unexpected opportunities can align perfectly with life’s timing.
On my last day in Palm Springs, I received a message asking if I was interested in photographing the Four Seasons in Washington, DC. It was an amazing chance to capture the essence of this luxurious hotel while still enjoying my vacation. Living in Philadelphia, I started looking into travel options. While driving was an option, my fiancée and I decided to take the Amtrak Acela, which would make the trip stress-free and quick—just 1.5 hours. This allowed us to enjoy the ride and arrive ready to work.
We started the day by dropping our dog at daycare at 7 a.m. and catching the 7:30 train. By 10 a.m., we were at the hotel, and to our delight, the suite was already prepared. The room was spacious and perfect for balancing work and creativity, with plenty of space for my fiancée to handle her tasks while I moved around photographing and filming.
A Birthday and a Unique Photography Challenge
Our trip to Washington, DC, was planned for two nights, perfectly timed to coincide with my birthday. On the first day, I explored the area surrounding the hotel. The understated exterior of the Washington DC Four Seasons is complemented by the impressive addition of a second building, making it an expansive and luxurious property.
For this trip, I brought only one camera—the Leica SL3. My goal was to use it as a hybrid for both photography and video. To push my skills further, I adapted a manual focus lens for some video work. This challenge helped me focus on maximizing the camera's capabilities and creating diverse content for this project.
Why the Four Seasons Washington, DC, Stands Out
The Four Seasons Washington, DC is designed with guests’ comfort in mind. The suite’s thoughtful touches, like Bang & Olufsen speakers (which I personally use at home) and wireless charging pads on the nightstand, made it feel like a true home away from home. These features, combined with the hotel's overall aesthetic, made it a joy to photograph.
For this shoot, I also made a change in my usual travel photography setup. Typically, I don’t pack a tripod or lights, but this time, I brought both. The tripod was particularly useful for capturing images in low-light settings while maintaining the room's ambiance. Most of my shots stayed under ISO 800, ensuring they were crisp and clean. The lighting and tripod also helped create some awesome lifestyle photos.
Additionally, I explored the vibrant Georgetown neighborhood, an area I hadn’t visited in years. Its charming streets and abundance of shops provided plenty of opportunities for street photography, adding a dynamic element to my trip.
Capturing the Macallan Hot Chocolate
One of the highlights of this project was photographing the Four Seasons’ seasonal Macallan Hot Chocolate, a winter favorite. A year ago, I saw a post about this luxurious drink and promised myself I’d try it. This year, not only did I enjoy it on my birthday, but I also had the honor of photographing it for the hotel. It was a full-circle moment that perfectly exemplified how dreams and opportunities can align.
Why Hire a Philadelphia Photographer for Hotel Photography?
As a Philadelphia photographer who photographs hotels, I bring a unique perspective to every project. My approach combines storytelling with technical precision, ensuring that every image captures the essence of the space while maintaining the brand's identity. Whether it’s a boutique hotel or a luxurious property like the Four Seasons in Washington, DC, I strive to deliver visuals that resonate with the audience and highlight the beauty of the space.
Reflections and Gratitude
This trip was a reminder of how unexpected opportunities can lead to memorable experiences. From the ease of travel to the rewarding project at the Four Seasons, everything about this trip felt like it was meant to be.
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