Behind the Scenes With a Hotel Photographer
"EXTERIORS: I decided to shoot these scenes in black and white in order to better contrast the flat reflective surface of the hotel’s infinity pool with the rugged, windswept landscape of northeastern Mallorca. The shots were taken on a late August afternoon and the light was not exactly how I wanted it — a bit too harsh to create the feeling I was aiming to achieve. Shifting to black and white helped solve this issue and simplified the photo. I composed both shots to be slightly off center and purposely included several distinct textures (water, rock, concrete, vegetation) to provide context to the scene as well as display Es Racó d’Artà’s strong connection with its natural surroundings. In the first photo, distinct lines created by the pool’s edge lead the viewer’s eye toward the horizon, evoking a feeling of calmness. In the second, the sleek and modern pool occupies the bottom third of the image, creating a contrast with the olive tree grove, forest, and hilltop church in the distance. INTERIORS: Inside Es Racó d’Artà, minimalist design meets artistic furnishings. In these photos I took advantage of the warm tones that emanate from the native wood throughout the hotel’s central structure. The first photo, taken in one of the main common areas, showcases a piece of local art trailing alongside a stone staircase. I composed this shot at an angle, and loved the way the art aided in leading the viewer’s gaze upward, beckoning one to wonder what lies above. The second photo shows a calming scene in the hotel’s lounge area. The afternoon light created a nice contrast in tone throughout this space. The open book draws the viewer in, leading you to imagine yourself picking it up to read and relax on the couch. The wooden beams of the ceiling illustrate the materials that compose the building, and the glimpse of a rolling olive green landscape through the window is a reminder of the property’s location amidst nature." - Mark Fedeli
