The New York Times to Condé Nast Traveler to Luxury Hotels: How I Found My Style for Hotel Photography
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam on assignment for Condé Nast Traveler.
As a professional photographer based in Vietnam, my career has taken me across the globe. For more than a decade, I worked on editorial assignments for The New York Times. Those jobs were gritty, fast-paced, and focused on storytelling under pressure. But over time, my assignments began crossing into the world of travel—and that shift would change the direction of my career.
How Travel Work Led Me to Condé Nast Traveler
Some of my New York Times assignments focused on destinations, culture, and experiences. Those stories caught the attention of editors at Condé Nast Traveler, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury travel magazines.
One assignment in particular stands out: photographing Six Senses Con Dao, a stunning resort on Vietnam’s southern coast. When the issue hit the stands, I remember flipping through the pages and noticing my photographs printed alongside glossy luxury hotel ads. I thought to myself: my images feel more interesting. That moment gave me the confidence to pursue this space seriously.
Editorial Meets Commercial: Finding My Style
The work between The New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler couldn’t have been more different. The Times valued raw authenticity and storytelling. Condé Nast demanded polish, aspiration, and refinement.
Shot on assignment for the New York Times in Cambodia.
Those “hybrid years” of doing both shaped my signature style as a Vietnam hotel photographer: commercial work infused with an editorial approach. It taught me that hotel and resort photography didn’t need to feel staged or overly produced—it could be authentic, story-driven, and engaging.
Building Mott Visuals: A Vietnam-Based Production Company
That confidence pushed me to start pitching directly to hotels and resorts. Soon, I became an official vendor for IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s largest hotel conglomerates.
From there, I built Mott Visuals, a Vietnam-based photography and cinematography production company specializing in hotels, resorts, and luxury brands. Together with my team, we’ve produced work for some of the biggest names in hospitality, including InterContinental, Four Seasons, and other global hotel brands.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam on assignment for Condé Nast Traveler.
Lessons in Adaptability
Looking back, the moral of the story is clear: industries evolve. Back then, the shift was from editorial grit to glossy travel. Today, it’s artificial intelligence reshaping creative work.
For me, the lesson is the same—stay sharp, stay adaptable, and pivot when opportunity knocks.
Looking for a Hotel Photographer in Vietnam?
If you’re a hotel, resort, or travel brand looking for professional photography and video production in Vietnam, my team at Mott Visuals can help. We specialize in creating authentic, polished imagery that connects with global audiences while capturing the unique story of your property.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam on assignment for Condé Nast Traveler.
Justin Mott is a professional editorial and commercial photographer based in Vietnam and working globally. You can visit his commercial and hotel photography portfolio here.
