Chasing the Light: My Throwback to Shooting The White Lotus Season 3 Hotel Locations in Thailand
The White Lotus Connection
Recently, there were rumors swirling about The White Lotus Season 3 filming in Thailand. Given the show's penchant for top-tier resorts, I had a hunch I might’ve shot one of the locations for my business, Mott Visuals. We’ve worked with some of the region's most luxurious hotels over the years. Maybe the Intercontinental Samui? The Four Seasons? Or perhaps an Anantara property?
Turns out, I was right. The show filmed at the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui and Anantara Lawana in Koh Samui—both of which I photographed about 16 years ago. A quick dive into my well-organized Dropbox archive confirmed it.
Gear Throwback: Canon 5D and Natural Light
I shot those properties with the original Canon 5D paired with a 135mm f/2L, 35mm f/1.4L, and a 16-35mm f/2.8L zoom. Back then, it was just me, my gear, and natural light—no lighting kits, no assistants. The models? Not professionals. Just hotel staff willing to step in front of the camera.
The assignment focused on the spa, with its lush gardens, rain showers, and serene ambiance. My process was simple: chase the light. I'd watch how the sun filtered through the leaves, casting pockets of magic, and position my subjects accordingly. Inefficient? Sure. But some of those shots still resonate with me.
The Underwater Obsession
One of my quirks back then was my obsession with an underwater bag. I tried half-submerged shots in plunge pools and ponds. Most were misses, but the experience laid the foundation for later successes with proper underwater housing. Today, it’s standard practice for us to bring underwater gear to every hotel shoot.
Lessons from the Early Days
Looking back, my retouching was rough, my rates were low, and my process lacked structure. Yet, that shoot taught me invaluable lessons:
The Power of Light: Follow it, wait for it, respect it.
The Importance of a Team: Today, I collaborate with lighting assistants, stylists, and producers to execute a cohesive vision.
Growth Takes Time: Those early experiments became the foundation of signature shots I see imitated across the industry today.
The Journey Continues
While my style and process have evolved, that early shoot remains a testament to the journey. From a solo, natural-light shooter to running a full-service creative agency working with world-class brands—every step mattered.
Curious to see how those early shots compare with my recent work? Visit mottvisuals.com for a visual timeline of my growth. And for personalized guidance, check out my 1:1 classes and workshops, including our Northern Vietnam photography experience.
Coaching, Workshops, Gear Reviews, Photography Tips https://www.askmottbyjustinmott.com
Wotancraft Bags https://tinyurl.com/5cwvnxua
Watch my full video breakdown here.
