A Journey into a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Photography Shoot

Nestled in the heart of Bavaria’s mountains, the Arabella Alpenhotel at Spitzingsee presented a unique challenge and opportunity as it transitioned into a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Guided by Max K?nekamp, the hotel’s knowledgeable marketing manager with a rich photographic background, I embarked on a journey to capture the essence of this hidden gem. This project rolled out alongside the Arabella Jagdhof project, both aiming for similar goals. Meanwhile, I’m still actively involved with the Jagdhof project, with our current focus on the hotel rooms.Behind the Lens: Capturing the Arabella Alpenhotel, a Marriott Tribute

Behind the Lens: Capturing the Arabella Alpenhotel, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio HotelPortfolio Hotel

As an approved photographer for the Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel brand, my task at the Arabella Alpenhotel was to capture new photos that reflected its transition into this esteemed collection. This assignment involved documenting the hotel’s unique Bavarian charm and character, now part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel’s standards of elegance and individuality. Conducted in phases, the project aimed to highlight the hotel’s beauty and appeal throughout the different seasons. We started in early September with the first phase and the last phase was done at the beginning of December, during the now famous Bavarian snow storm of December 1st and 2nd, 2023.

Navigating Challenges

Working with Max K?nekamp, whose understanding of photography was invaluable, helped preempt many challenges. However, one particular challenge stood out: photographing the hotel’s exterior without the clutter of parked cars. After strategizing with Max, we returned on a quieter Sunday night, with a view to shoot before the sun came up on Monday morning. With fewer cars and the front desk’s assistance, we managed to clear most of the area. The final car (Seen in the left hand corner of the second image below), challenging to move, led to a creative solution in post-production , ensuring a clean and timeless exterior image of the hotel (See final images below).

Techniques and Tools

The process mirrored that of other Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotels, focusing on tilt-shift lenses and real-time image sharing via an iPad connected to a CamRanger. The use of a Profoto B10 flash was crucial for adding brightness and reducing reflections, essential in Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel photography. Drone photography with the Mavic 2 Pro added a dynamic perspective, despite the amusing challenge posed by a herd of curious Alpine cows who seemed intent on slowly walking towards me after I took off with my drone, forcing me to cut the flight short as I didn’t want to be too close to them upon landing in case they got scared.

The Unique Appeal of Tribute Portfolio Hotels

The Arabella Alpenhotel’s integration into the Marriott Tribute Portfolio brought forth its individuality and charm. Capturing this essence was both a challenge and a delight, highlighting the hotel’s cozy yet grand Bavarian atmosphere.

Collaborative Efforts and Unforeseen Adventures

Working closely with Max, whose intimate knowledge of the hotel and photography skills were invaluable, added depth to the project. An unexpected turn due to heavy snowfall led to an extended stay, offering an opportunity to see the hotel in a stunning winter setting.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Documenting the Arabella Alpenhotel’s journey into the Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel brand was a remarkable experience that went beyond traditional hotel photography. It was a blend of Bavarian coziness and natural beauty, all captured through my lens.

If you’re curious to see more of my work in hotel photography, feel free to browse my portfolio. It’s a collection of moments and stories captured through my lens. For any inquiries or if you’d like to discuss a potential project, please reach out to me at [email protected]. Also, you can follow my ongoing photographic journey on Instagram at @hotelphotog – I regularly share glimpses of my latest projects and travels there.