Last year we wrote about Czech Republic-based photographer Jiri Lizler when he got involved with Kahanda Kanda. He shot their first advertising pictures to promote various activities around Kahanda Kanda’s luxury resort and to obtain architectural images for their website. Since then Jiri has photographed their properties a few times.
Amidst the palm tree-lined tea plantations of southern Sri Lanka, Kahanda Kanda unfolds its luxury boutique hotel. Designed to include ten individual villas featuring private pools, Kahanda Kanda is a true treasure, bathed in culture and relaxation.
Jiri had discussed with Kahanda Kanda about returning to shoot their newest location at the Kahanda Kanda Beach, planned to open in mid-December, 2016. He photographed Kahanda Kanda’s older property in the jungle. Then he moved to the beach to shoot the hotel rooms as they were finising. The goal was for Jiri to shoot architectural imagery to represent the hotel’s luxuries. Also, to shoot lifestyle photographs to promote additional amenities and activities.
Jiri’s planning for the shoot happened mostly on his flight over to Sri Lanka. Except for purchasing the plane tickets planned for and bought six months in advance. Flying was the biggest challenge due to delays and the tight timeline for the shoot. Jiri’s team had to decide in seconds where to shoot next while on location. The rooms and advertising shots had to be taken in good weather conditions. However, in Sri Lanka, the weather changes rapidly. Most of the time Jiri was running from one place to another. So having his wife as an assistant was a lifesaver.
Jiri also brought along an old friend with production experience to help with calls, arrangements, and set up. He even had a voice-activated light stand to make the time-sensitive shoot more efficient. Both Kahanda Kanda and their agency love the images.
Jiri’s favorite part was his creative freedom while shooting the hotel.
Kahanda Kanda’s trust was enormous the first time I was there and this time it was even bigger! Basically, I only received a few of their ideas and had the option to pursue them or not. Sometimes I did, sometimes I went in the other direction.
Jiri recently spoke to the director and found out that his images from last year’s campaign raised Kahanda Kanda’s booking rate of suites by 50%, ensuring a solid client relationship for the next shoot. Jiri and Kahanda Kanda are still in touch and are planning to shoot again when the hotel expands in the next year.
See more of Jiri’s work on his website.
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