Surrey Hotel & Motel Association - 15 properties in 3 days / by Ian Harland

Recently, I completed an extensive photography project with the Surrey Hotel and Motel Association. Spanning four busy days, my task was to traverse Surrey and take photographs of all 15 hotels and motels that are part of the Association. The goal was multifaceted: not only were the photographs to focus on the properties themselves, but we also aimed to capture lifestyle images within the hotels and highlight some of the key attractions around the city.

Surrey is a city on the rise, and it’s evident in its development and dynamism. Having an opportunity to document this growth through my photography was particularly rewarding. Additionally, over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Discover Surrey. This partnership has focused on leveraging photography to promote the city’s growing tourism industry.

Among the properties I photographed, prominent brands like Marriott, and Sheraton were undeniably impressive. Their grand structures and upscale amenities were a feast for the lens.

However, there was also something incredibly special about the smaller, family-run motels. These establishments had their unique allure, exuding a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Their character and charm felt like well-kept secrets that deserved to be shared. The experience was akin to discovering hidden gems nestled within the city. Some of these smaller properties hadn’t had their photos updated in 30 years, while others, especially the larger hotels, already boasted high-quality professional photography. Therefore, the mission was two-fold: to refresh and modernize the image bank for those properties that needed it, and to create a cohesive, high-quality portfolio that the Surrey Hotel and Motel Association could utilize.

For more of my architectural work, click here.