NYC Hotel Stays with a View
CitizenM in Bowery, NYC. It is important to note that the hotel rooms are on a smaller side. This is because the hotel goes for a look more on the side of simplicity and straightforwardness in the room. You have a bed, a shower, a sink, all necessities while still having a chic room.
When I first started traveling, photographing a hotel room felt almost impossible, especially if it wasn't a sprawling suite. How do you capture that cozy, inviting vibe when the space is on the smaller side? My recent stay at CitizenM Bowery in NYC gave me some fantastic insights into snagging those perfect 'hotel room photography' shots, even in a compact, chic setting. First things first: Embrace the View. CitizenM is famous for its large windows, and my room offered a genuinely panoramic city view. Even on a rainy New York City skyline day, the view was dramatic. Don't be afraid to make the large window and the outside world your main subject. Frame your bed, with its crisp white bedding and modern headboard, against that stunning backdrop. Natural light is your best friend here. Play with different times of day – the soft morning light or the glowing city lights at night can transform your photos. Next, Focus on Modern Design Details. These rooms, though compact, are a masterclass in modern design. Think about the sleek lines of the furniture, the wall-mounted lamps, or even the clever tech integration like the large flat-screen TV controlled by an iPad or app. I found myself taking close-ups of the thoughtful essentials – perhaps a stylish water bottle, or the minimalist desk setup. The simplicity of the room's aesthetic actually makes it easier to compose clean, uncluttered shots, really highlighting the room's essential amenities. And then there's the bathroom! Often overlooked, the bathroom at CitizenM is a photogenic space. The modern bathroom vanity with its sleek white sink and faucet, framed by a large mirror, offers great opportunities for reflection shots. Don't forget the clever storage solutions; I loved how neatly folded towels and the mini-fridge were integrated into the shelves. But the real star? The shower stall with its rain showerhead and adjustable mood lighting. That vibrant pink light created such a unique ambiance – a must-capture for any photo enthusiast! It really highlights how essential amenities can also be chic. Finally, Play with Angles and Lighting. Since it's a compact room, getting creative with your angles is key. Try shooting from low angles to make the room feel taller, or use the mirror for interesting reflections. The adjustable mood lighting throughout the room, not just in the shower, can drastically change the atmosphere of your photos. Don't be afraid to experiment with brighter, airy shots during the day and moody, atmospheric shots in the evening. Remember, the goal of hotel rooms photography isn't just to show the space, but to convey the feeling of staying there. CitizenM's smart design and incredible views make it surprisingly easy to do just that, resulting in photos that truly capture the essence of a stylish city stay.
