Through the Lens: How Great Photography Brings Your Resort to Life
Las Vegas. The name alone conjures images of dazzling lights, towering resorts, and a city that doesn’t just promise excitement—it delivers it 24/7. If you’re in the business of hospitality here, you already know the stakes. First impressions matter, and in a digital age where potential guests are scrolling through options faster than a roulette wheel spins, your visuals are your first handshake, your first smile, and your first invitation.
That’s where a skilled hotel and resort photographer enters the scene. But not just any photographer. You want someone who sees both the art and the business—a professional who combines architectural and commercial photography into a compelling package that sells the experience your property promises.
Las Vegas hotel statistics show nearly 300 hotels and resorts to pick from, which adds up to more than 151,000 rooms in total. With 140 in the greater Las Vegas area, 78 in the Las Vegas Strip area (46 on the Strip itself), 36 in downtown Las Vegas, and 28 in the surrounding areas.
With 108 non-gaming hotels, 97 motels, 74 casinos, and 26 timeshares, you’ll find heated competition between hotel options. This is why commercial photography is crucial for lasting success.
It’s More Than Just Pretty Pictures
Here’s the truth: Capturing the spirit of a resort takes more than just a good eye and a fancy camera. Your photographer needs to understand two key things: design and lifestyle. Why? Because your guests aren’t just booking a room; they’re booking a feeling, the experience of “I want this!” They’re envisioning themselves lounging by your shimmering pool, savoring a gourmet dessert under soft ambient lighting, or winning big at the blackjack table as the room erupts in cheers. Each image should evoke a daydream.
Design matters, too—Las Vegas resorts are iconic, after all. Clean architectural lines, luxurious textures, bold colors—all of it needs to shine through the lens. A skilled photographer knows how to work with light and angles to make every space—from your grand lobby to your coziest suite—look like a destination in itself.
But it doesn’t stop at buildings and interiors. Commercial photographers bring the lifestyle story into play. These are the shots that showcase the human side: a couple laughing over cocktails at the bar, a family splashing in the pool, or a bride walking down an aisle framed by glittering chandeliers. It’s about creating a visual narrative, one that invites your guests not just to look, but to imagine themselves living it.
What Needs to Be Captured?
A picture is worth a thousand words, but in hospitality, some pictures are worth thousands of bookings. Here’s a quick snapshot of what a great hotel photographer will cover:
- Rooms and Suites: Not just the bed and the desk, but the vibe. Is it cozy? Sleek? Luxurious? How does the light fall on the plush bedding or the gleaming bathtub?
- Resort Amenities: Pools, spas, gyms—your photographer should make these spaces feel both inviting and exclusive. Think of those crystal-clear spa waters almost shimmering in the photo.
- Food and Beverage: Guests are dining with their eyes first. Your photographer will highlight the artistry of the food, the ambiance of your café, the energy of the bar.
- Casinos: It’s Las Vegas—this is your heartbeat. Those action-packed shots of card tables, slot machines, and vibrant nightlife tell a story of thrill and entertainment.
You can find our essential photo list for hotel photography here.
Project Management
Success doesn’t happen by chance—it’s all about planning. Collaborate with your photographer to create a clear vision. Start with a detailed shot list (resources like the Hotel Photography Shoot Checklist and Essential Photo List for Hotel Photography are lifesavers here). Walk through the property together to find the best angles, the golden light, and the spaces that can tell the most compelling stories.
Timing is everything. Early mornings give you that soft, flattering light for exteriors, while mid-afternoon might be perfect for rooms. And don’t forget those dreamy night shots—the glow of your resort against the Vegas skyline is marketing gold.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of staging. Rooms should be spotless, spaces styled to perfection, and props or models strategically included to bring the scene to life. You want photos that feel authentic but elevated, aspirational but attainable.
You can find our Hotel Photography Shoot Checklist guide here.
The Big Picture
In a city where the competition never sleeps, the imagery of your hotel or resort can make all the difference. Investing in a commercial hotel and resort photographer who understands the dual craft of architectural beauty and lifestyle storytelling is an investment in your brand, your reputation, and your bookings. Because in Las Vegas, it’s not just about playing the game—it’s about winning it.