5 Ways to Transform Your Interior & Architectural Photography
As a photographer of architecture and interiors, I’ve spent years harnessing my skills in order to portray the essence and beauty of a space.
Below I divulge 5 ways to transform your interior and architectural photography from tips on light, harnessing your creativity and through to post production.
1: LIGHT: BRINGING SPACES TO LIFE
I’m a firm believer in harnessing natural light in order to authentically portray the magical ambience of a space, enhancing colours & textures and giving the image a warmth and tactility. Natural light breathes life into a room so throw open those curtains and blinds and let it flood in.
Early morning or late afternoon offers a soft, warm and diffused light minimising shadows, giving interiors a cozy, inviting glow. If you find yourself working with harsh light then a diffuser or sheer curtains are your best friend, otherwise lean into the shadows and make them a feature.
While natural light reigns supreme, artificial interior lighting—especially those dreaded downlights—can be less forgiving. They throw off white balance and create unflattering shadows. Unless they add a creative touch, keep them off.
If there isn’t enough natural light to work with, as it’s not always available or sufficient, a well-used flash or constant studio light can still keep things looking soft and natural if used correctly. The key is to ensure the artificial light doesn't overpower the natural ambiance of the space.
2. LINES & ANGLES: CAPTURING BALANCE AND HARMONY
Architectural photography involves an element of precision. Mastering lines and angles ensures your images are balanced and visually pleasing. Tripods and camera levels are your allies here—ensuring consistency and saving time in post-production.
Tips:
- Keep lines straight and balanced e.g walls and windows.
- Consider the angle you are shooting from so that you aren’t distorting a space.
- Use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye and add depth to your shots.
- Choose an appropriate lens for the space you are shooting but be careful of distortion, for example with super wide angles.
3. CREATIVITY: BEYOND THE EXPECTED.
Once you’ve nailed the safe shots, it’s time to let your creativity shine.
A few things to experiment with:
- Shooting through doorways, windows, stair railings etc for unexpected perspectives.
- Embrace light and shadows from windows, blinds and architectural features. They can add depth and drama, emphasising textures, shapes and layers within a room.
- Explore captivating details from unique angles.
Not every shot will be a keeper, but the best shots often come from pushing boundaries and letting your creative juices flow.
4. STYLE: LESS IS MORE
In interior photography, less clutter means more impact. Don’t hesitate to move furniture, eliminate distractions, remove personal items and change things around to make an image more aesthetically appealing. We’re aiming for serenity, not chaos.
5. POST PRODUCTION TIPS: PERFECTING YOUR CRAFT
The magic continues in post production:
- Start by fine tuning exposure and white balance. Sometimes this can be tricky if there are multiple light sources so getting these things right in camera can really help.
- Keep colours are true to life.
- Embrace a clean, minimal editing style that enhances the space’s natural beauty.
By understanding the technical aspects of photography while also feeling the mood and essence of a space and bringing your creativity to it, you’ll elevate your interior and architectural photography game to new heights. Every space is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Continuously experiment, and over time you'll develop an intuitive sense for capturing spaces that resonate and inspire.