Behind the Frames — A Photographer’s Reflection on 2025 | Part 02

This is Part 2 of my reflections on a wonderful year, 2025. I’m sharing the second image from this journey—one that felt important enough to be talked about.

This hotel shoot was special because of how naturally it unfolded. Everything felt effortless. The weather supported us, and in many ways, nature led the process. It gave me the energy to move through the shoot with complete creative flow.

Aerial Facade of Naukuchia House, Naukuchiatal - IHCL SeleQtions

This image was shot with the sun behind the subject, creating a surreal and atmospheric mood. A day earlier, we took reference shots using a drone to understand the terrain and orientation. I also rely heavily on the SkyView app to study sun direction—especially for outdoor spaces—so timing and light align perfectly.

Naukuchiatal is a quiet retreat for nature lovers, an escape from city life. The intent behind this aerial frame was to capture that feeling—to make the viewer want to arrive, pause, and stay. Nature surprised us with a gentle haze, softening the light and adding diffusion. I’m always drawn to a bit of drama in light—it’s what helps create images that stay with you long after the first glance.

Sharing a few more snippets from this shoot below.

Yatinder Kumar is available for commissioned projects in hotels, resorts, hospitality, and lifestyle photography.

(C) Yatinder Kumar Photography | 2026

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yatiphotography

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ykphotography

Behind the Frames — A Photographer’s Reflection on 2025 | Part 01

As we moved from 2025 into 2026, a lot happened in the world—but this reflection isn’t about that.

My world, my life, and my photography went through their own set of twists and turns in 2025. It wasn’t a flat year by any measure. A lot of work unfolded quietly yet relentlessly throughout the year. From pitching to execution, the process was intense—sometimes overwhelming—but it shaped the outcomes in ways I couldn’t have planned otherwise.

To reflect on this journey, I’ve chosen three images from 2025. I’ve divided them into three parts, each representing a moment where emotion, intention, and raw decision-making came together behind the frame.

Rooftop Deck - Amaraya By LaRiSa

This image gave me a strong start to 2025.

I was presented with this space at a pre-opening boutique hotel nestled in Uttarakhand—surrounded by majestic peaks, serene rivers, and rich flora and fauna. From the very first moment, the location carried a quiet power. My intention was clear: to create a frame that allows the viewer to inhale the ambience—to feel drawn into the space and sense why they would want to be there.

I wanted the image to offer more than architecture. I wanted it to suggest experiences—vast mountain views, surreal sunsets, slow evenings, and conversations that stay with you long after the journey ends.

When I arrived on the first day and saw the space in its raw form, I was honestly clueless. I had no fixed idea of how the final image would look. The client gave me complete creative freedom, which is both a gift and a responsibility. The stylist, the client, and I sat together, discussed the space, and brainstormed possibilities. Somewhere during that conversation, I felt strongly that this frame had the potential to become a hero shot—one that visually defines the soul of the property.

Once I communicated my vision—the mood, the emotion, the stillness I was trying to achieve—the stylist, someone I’ve always enjoyed collaborating with, translated that vision into reality. As the sun began to set, the sky unfolded exactly as you see it in the image. Sometimes you plan everything right, and sometimes nature decides to collaborate. I’ll take that luck.

When the full setup came together, something still felt incomplete. The frame needed warmth—something subtle yet alive. Since a bonfire wasn’t possible due to the wooden flooring, I introduced a small fire element on the table. That single decision changed the energy of the image, adding warmth, intimacy and balance to the vastness around it.

This shot laid the foundation for my year in 2025. It gave me momentum, belief, and the motivation to keep pushing—to curate more thoughtfully, to trust the process, and to create images that don’t just show spaces, but make people feel them.

I really would like to thank Mr.Sanchit Wahi ( Chief Operating Officer at AM Hotel Kollection ) for giving me the chance to shoot this property, which has become my most memorable shoot in recent times.

I would also like to mention Ms.Sonia Bhardwaj ( Interior Designer & Co-owner of The Design Ally ), who understood my vision & gave it a reality with her styling experience. As mentioned, it's always a pleasure working with her & the way she makes us feel comfortable during the shoot process.

Yatinder Kumar is available for commissioned projects in hotels, resorts, hospitality, and lifestyle photography.

(C) Yatinder Kumar Photography | 2026

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yatiphotography

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ykphotography

Alfresco Sitting with Beach View

So this shot is one where the entire alfresco area was a mess due to pre opening stage. The setup was nowhere close to what one sees in this final shot. As a photographer, this was the ideal chance to arrange the shot to my taste while maintaining a sellable area and avoiding overkill.

It was the final day I would be staying here, so self-visualisation was crucial to getting the right shot. So I just moved around a bit and thought about what light conditions it will be at dusk time. With the help of my great assistant & hotel team, I was able to get the alfresco area ready for the shoot well before time. But something was missing, so I thought to add some elements to the table so the mood sets in right. 

It took me 15 minutes to shoot with all exposures clicked, & with some lighting adjustments, I was able to get all the raw shots. The most important aspect was the self-visualization section, where I was able to closely visualize how this shot would turn out. Not to mention that during post-production my team did a very good job where they gave my vision a reality.

I am appreciative of my assistant, the hotel staff, and the weather. Without them, this scene would have been included in the pre-opening resort shoot in Chennai's Mahabalipuram as a hero shot.

Please review the connections to my work on this website.

Experiences that bring value to Life.
Images that can Create a Difference.

See you soon in the next one.

Hospitality Photography After Covid

After the tough COVID phase in Hospitality & Tourism Sector, it's now time for a revival. A New Beginning. As times have changed drastically & digital platforms will be more relevant. Hotels & Resorts should invest in photography as it will be the effective imagery which will help in the marketing & sales campaign.

Image Credit : ITC Maurya - New Delhi

Hospitality Photography is more important during the restart of the business. But it has been neglected as it is the most important factor for travelers and prospects scanning OTA sites. Good branding and marketing begin with effective imagery.

To portray the exclusiveness of the property is a real art. The imagery should emit emotion which creates a desire to be there. 

Image Credit : Welcom Hotel Amritsar

Poor quality photos often fail to express the brand which does nothing good for their efforts, in fact, do more harm.

At Yatinder Kumar Photography the vast experience of shooting different Hotel Architecture & understanding the needs of hospitality brand photography helps hotel brands achieve success in their sales growth. Connect Now.

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I'm a professional Hotel, Resorts, Architecture, Advertising & Lifestyle Photographer. Through my work i would like to show my vision, what i am & what goes within me as a human.

Feel Free to visit my website : www.yatinderkumar.com

(C) Yatinder Kumar Photography | 2020

“Super Blue Blood Moon”…

A rare celestial phenomenon that hasn’t occurred since 1982.

It was when it just started at the right moment. Off to roof in a Cold evening, in a blanket & with sudden energy got up, grabbed my tripod & camera.

It was my first experience to do an astro photography. Have always been fascinated to do so. Today i missed having a telephoto lens. But with whatever equipment and knowledge i have grabbed, tried my best without any preparations.

Super Blue Blood Moon — 2018

I am happy today as it gave me energy which i was lacking past months.

Gear used : Canon EOS 5DS with 24–105mm F/4 II. Shot multiple shots in a span of one and a half hours & compiled into one.

Super Blue Blood Moon — 2018

Super Blue Blood Moon — 2018

• Do check out more works.

• Any query reach me at : contact@yatinderkumar.com

• Yatinder Kumar

• www.yatinderkumar.com

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I’m a professional Hotel, Resorts, Lifestyle & Travel Photographer. Through my work i would like to show my vision, what i am & what goes within me as a human.

Feel Free to visit my website : www.yatinderkumar.com

© Yatinder Kumar Photography | 2018

Tips - "Blue Hour" In Architecture Photography

It has always been challenging to shoot in blue hour where you want nice twilight sky with warm tones of the architecture just before when light is about go all out, Black. 

Duration depends on 20 - 30 minutes. Also depends on Season. Monsoon is always tricky & most of the time it spoils the mood but rarely one can some stunning shots. 

Location : The Naini Retreat Nainital, Leisure Hotels.

Thoughtfully plan for the right timing when you travel abroad where you don't really know the sunset direction & weather that time. It’s necessary to study the weather & use apps Like Skyview, Compass (Iphone) which helps you understand sunset timings & direction.

Location : The Oberoi Bali, Indonesia

When working with a tripod, make sure to shut off any image stabilization/vibration reduction for your lens – this can actually be counterproductive when your camera is mounted properly.

Location : Resort Woods at Sasan, Sasan Gir, India

I have often stuck with days when you know that i have limited mornings & evenings to get that magic light & cover many shots. Its always a rush rush time. Make sure you plan your shot well before time. Preparation should start hours before the shot. Its very necessary to communicate to the staff about your shot requirement.

Location : The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Leh

In last I would like to say is to just enjoy the time, stress-free & be confident in yourself & keep loving Nature. Just keep studying light whenever wherever you are. It’s all about observing.

For more do visit: https://www.yatinderkumar.com/hotels-resorts

Enjoy..

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I'm a professional Hotel, Resorts, Portraits, Food, Advertising & Lifestyle Photographer. Through my work i would like to show my vision, what i am & what goes within me as a human. Feel Free to visit my website : www.yatinderkumar.com

(C) Yatinder Kumar Photography | 2017

A 50 Second Portrait...

So i was about to click the Legend none other than " Boris Becker ". Ok.. Phew.                              

So we waited 1 hour as he was stuck in usual Delhi jam. It gave me time to think about the shot, Lighting at the location. So i decided to use big window light coming in 1st floor of Mercedes Showroom which was our location. Cars were amazing though. Ok coming back... So he arrived, exchange greetings and there we were started clicking. 50 Second he stood there and i got the shots and he went away. 

Thought its a dream but i saw him for real. 

*Do check out more works in Portraits section.