Taking pictures of interiors is a special skill. At first glance, it seems simple: just walk around the rooms and click the shutter. Something will certainly get, but not the fact that the picture will want to watch anyone except the author. But the demand for quality interior photography in business is very high. Any restaurateur or club owner would like to present their rooms at their best on the pages of glossy magazines and websites. The same can be said about museum and gallery administrations.
In a word, the skill of quality photography of interiors can be a very profitable occupation. Tempting? So take this challenge and learn to shoot rooms in such a way as to attract the interested attention of the potential viewer. Hold his or her gaze and make him or her consider the details, just like a photo on the blog https://homeprofy.com/
Let’s explore what pitfalls await the photographer along the way, and what tactics can help take your skills to the next level.
Light is the head
Interior photography is the genre where a good or bad picture depends on the right light. While in other genres there can be some compromises, here there are none. If you didn’t guess the right light, forget about the good photo.
Try to keep all the lights in the room on – this will expand the color gamut and add depth to the frame. Make sure that there are no reflections and glare from window panes and mirrors. The main light is, of course, the daylight from the windows, but in many cases additional lighting can significantly improve the quality of the picture. A flash would be very helpful. Ideally, you should aim to get an image where the light falls naturally, directing the viewer’s gaze in the right direction. Your super-task is natural, transparent light over the entire area of the frame.
Interior Condition
The exterior of the room to be shot should be neat and prepared accordingly. What is the main objective of an interior photo? To demonstrate the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the living space or public space. Agree, it would be strange to show stylish furniture and trendy decor in a room with peeling wallpaper or peeling plaster (if this is not part of the artistic design). Therefore, quality repair – one of the main conditions for a successful photo. Remember, how the rooms look like in advertising catalogs and glossy magazines. To the best samples and you need to strive! Perhaps the furniture and other interior elements are not in the best position. Try to rearrange them, swap places, until you form a spectacular composition.
But do not go overboard in bringing a “perfect” order. Do not try to create a “sterile” interior, which has not been touched by a human hand. Sometimes a rug, “forgotten” on the armrest of the chair, an open book and a half-drunk cup of coffee on the coffee table, family pictures on a stand in a niche of furniture look much more attractive than a perfect order, where everything is set out to string and adjusted to the line. A drop of carelessness and the aura of human presence is emotionally stronger than cold geometric order.
Shooting the corner of a room
Shooting interior in the corner of the room is a strategically advantageous gimmick. With two walls coming together, the space is visually enhanced, becoming deeper. More cozy and comfortable space – this is a “plus”, adding to the interior appeal. It is better to shoot with a wide angle lens from a low position, but you should be wary of excessive distortion.
But you should never shoot a wall with a straight “straight shot”. The image almost always comes out flat and boring. When you take pictures with a “wide angle” there is another problem: the wall is unnaturally curved in an arc. Shoot it better from a corner. Flip through any interior design magazine and you will see how wonderful such corner photos look. In a word, it is a proven and useful technique, so use it in your practice without any doubts.
Using the right equipment
Interior photography is a great chance for a wide-angle lens. Images with optimal perspective are characteristic of a focal length of 16 – 24 mm, keep that in mind. It’s also helpful to have a regular 35-50mm lens with you. It will help you take pictures of individual elements of the interior in addition to the overall picture. And if you want to take pictures of unusual interior details in expensive hotels, restaurants, offices it would be nice to have a macro lens (very useful thing for many genres of photography).
Tripod only…
Interior photography is too responsible to leave it to your hands. No camera shake allowed! If you want to shoot beautiful, memorable interiors that are suitable for magazine printing – use a tripod anytime, anywhere. This way you will reduce the chance of mistakes. Besides, you will have to take your pictures indoors with slow shutter speed because it is not advisable to use slow shutter speed because there is too much noise. Slow shutter speeds will certainly slow you down, but they will make you concentrate on each shot. Don’t rush when you press the shutter release, but look at each frame through the lens with care. Make sure there are no stray objects in the field of view: wires, props, clothing – anything that should not be in the frame. And only then release the shutter.
Look for the strengths of the space
Often the space of the room itself prompts the best places and angles for the most advantageous interior presentation. You just need to be agile, observant and able to concentrate. Almost every room has a unique spot, as if specially created for interior photography, you just have to find it.
You’re shooting in an old building with brick walls. Brickwork is a very photogenic but monotonous texture. Bringing it to life is easy enough if you frame unusual elements: a brick arch above a doorway, shaped projections, niches, and other non-standard details.
In the architecture of modern buildings, too, there is certainly something interesting, worthy of getting into the frame. Something trendy in design, even radical. Do not be afraid to experiment – include it in the frame. If the “test of a pen” was successful and you became the owner of several good shots, you can create a quarterly calendar with photos of interiors or even more original calendar on an easel. First, you will decorate the interior of your own house or office. Secondly, constantly having before your eyes your works in good quality, you will analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and make adjustments for future shootings.
For the magazine – the best shots
In this article we mentioned only the basics of interior photography. We are sure that following these tips will bring you much closer to the interior masterpieces that any glossy magazine will be happy to publish.