A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of shooting both stills and video for a stunning little property here in Paje, Zanzibar. The hotel is called Chokoro House, a boutique spot with just six rooms, all laid out in a traditional Zanzibari style. In the centre of the property sits a beautiful pool, surrounded by hand-carved wood furniture, soft white walls, and tropical greenery.
This wasn’t just another job. It was a hotel photography project that reminded me why I do what I do. Honest people, a real story, and a chance to let a space speak for itself.
Chokoro House is run by a friendly British couple, Loz and Jourdan. You can tell the hotel is an extension of them, every corner feels warm and inviting. From the architecture and the vibe to the welcome upon arrival, it’s got authenticity written all over it.
My Go-To Gear for Hotel Photography Shoots
The weather was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for better conditions, a soft tropical breeze, golden light, and the kind of shadows that make your job easy.
Here’s what I used for the shoot:
- Sony A7IV Mirrorless Camera – Read My Review
- Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG DN Art Lens – Read My Review
- Sigma 56mm f1.4 DC DN Lens – Read My Review
- DJI RS2 Gimbal
- K&F Variable ND Filters
- Lexar Professional 2000x V90 SD Cards – Read My Review
This combination gave me everything I needed to shoot high-end stills and smooth cinematic footage for their promotional video, all while keeping the kit light and mobile.
Wide and Airy Shots With the Sigma 35mm Art Lens
For hotel photography, getting the space to feel real and open is key. The Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens is the perfect tool for this. It gave me:
- Crisp wide-angle shots without heavy distortion
- Enough shallow depth to highlight focus areas
- Great flexibility inside tighter rooms and hallways
It’s the kind of lens that shows scale and atmosphere. Perfect for interiors, especially when you’re working with natural light like I was that day.
Capturing Detail With the Sigma 56mm f1.4
This little lens continues to be one of the best investments in my kit. The Sigma 56mm f1.4 is razor-sharp and lightweight, making it ideal for:
- Isolating smaller elements like decorative pieces, fixtures, and finishes
- Drawing the viewer’s eye to texture, wood grains, fabrics, and hand-crafted details
- Getting cinematic angles when paired with the DJI RS2 gimbal
If you’re offering hotel photography services and don’t want to bring massive glass with you, this lens is a beast in a small package. Read my full review of the Sigma 56mm here.
Shooting Hotel Video With the DJI RS2
For the video side of the shoot, I kept things light and efficient. I mounted the A7IV and either the 35mm or 56mm lens on my DJI RS2 gimbal, which is still going strong after years of abuse across continents.
I shot in 4K 50p using S-Log3, relying on:
- The ND filter to keep exposure consistent
- Natural lighting through doors, windows, and cutouts
- Slow, gliding gimbal movements to create flow through the property
Because this was a boutique hotel, I wanted the video to feel personal, like you were walking through the space yourself. Not overly produced.
Why Natural Light Always Wins
Zanzibar has its own unique light. In Paje, you’re working with a mix of ocean air and warm tones. I let the light guide the shoot.
Some simple hotel photography tips that worked well on this shoot:
- Shoot mid-morning or golden hour – avoid the harsh overhead sun
- Use curtains and shaded entryways for natural diffusion
- Strong VND Filters are your friend – helping to keep your exposure balanced in harsh light
- Embrace shadows – they give your images mood and dimension
Hotel Photography Services – What I Offer
If you’re a hotel owner or manager, whether you’re based in Zanzibar, the UK, or anywhere else, I offer professional hotel photography and video services tailored to boutique and independent properties as well as resorts and more.
What I can provide:
- High-resolution interior and exterior images
- Cinematic promotional videos (short or long-form)
- Lifestyle photography with models or staff
- Edited and delivered content ready for website, booking platforms, and social media
I work fast, I travel light, and I make sure your space feels like your space, not some generic hotel catalogue entry.
Final Thoughts
This shoot at Chokoro House in Paje was easily one of the highlights of my time in Zanzibar. A perfect blend of great light, great people, and a location that speaks for itself. Loz and Jourdan were a dream to work with, relaxed, open to ideas, and genuinely passionate about their place.
If you’re in Zanzibar and looking for somewhere peaceful and authentic to stay, check out Chokoro House. And if you’re looking for someone to bring your hotel to life through imagery and film, drop me a message.
