Oberoi, Delhi
28.596261, 77.239662
Commission to capture portraits of the amazing staff at the Oberoi in Delhi, India
Photographer - Matt Porteous & Ollie Jones
Arriving in India, our first stop was the Oberoi Hotel, where we had been commissioned to capture portraits of the staff and photograph the Michelin star Indian restaurant. As one of the most prestigious hotel chains in India, it has an incredible reputation for the level of customer service, food quality and guest experience.
Their philosophy? ‘The guest is everything. Our joy comes from ensuring each is seen and valued as a person, a friend, a family member who has come to stay. It’s present in every gesture through words spoken or unspoken, in ways that are obvious and in ways that are quietly respectful of one’s time and privacy.’
We captured content over a day and a half, shooting on my Fuji GFX 50s with 63 – 110 lens. We used our reliable Elinchrom lighting, with our Ranger battery pack for ease of use whilst moving around, as well as our 175 octagon softbox. Will was also filming the process, getting behind-the-scenes action alongside Ollie’s BTS portraits.
We had an amazing time photographing this incredibly lavish location, having fun with the super friendly and enthusiastic staff, getting to know the people who truly make your stay. I’ve always said that the members of staff at the hotel are the most important aspect of the place - they are the first and last people you see, and the ones who leave a lasting impression on you. We wanted to capture the personality of each member of staff – from front of house to head of the kitchen, Chef Alfred Prasad, who is India’s youngest ever recipient of a Michelin Star who works within the restaurant Omya.
This was the most delicious food we tasted throughout our whole trip; the use of flavours, textures and overall presentation was extraordinary, and a taste of modern India beyond anything else we’ve ever tried. The same can be said for the cocktails, created with style and finesse with original recipes and flavours. The only rooftop bar in the city, Cirrus 9 combines specially curated music with unrivalled views of the forested golf course and UNESCO World Heritage Humayun's Tomb.
The Oberoi is advancing on so many levels; it uses state of the art clean air technology, offering the healthiest air in the city. It also offers a contemporary interpretation of Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, with decadent furnishings in 220 guest rooms, suites and reception/dining areas. Dedicated to employing women as equals to men, even celebrating their female staff on their social media platforms on International Women’s Day, the Oberoi chain shows India moving forward and progressing with modern ideologies.
The Oberoi is truly one of the most luxurious hotels we’ve ever stayed in, and we feel so lucky to have connected with the staff there and called it home for four nights, before heading out to explore and create more beautiful memories on our Indian adventure.
Camera - Fuji GFX 50s
Lighting - Elinchrom
Article - Pip Monks
