Whether you’re a keen reader of Elle Décor and Home and Garden, or a Platinum Property Partner searching for inspiration to photographing your HMO interior space, or maybe you just have a keen interest in the art of interior photography, our tips and tricks will provide you with a greater insight into the skills needed to photograph an interior. In the wise words of gifted interior designer Juan Montoya, “A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy.” This is true for all of our HMO’s unique and stylish interiors, as exemplified through our beautiful photographs, and through considering the lighting, composition and environment you are shooting in, you can achieve this too.
Today’s post will focus on composition, but look out for part 2 for more tips, such as lighting and using your environment to your advantage!
Composition:
The composition of a photograph is the way individual subjects within a frame combine to create a final image. This is crucial for any photographer to consider, given that the way you compose your image will influence the viewer’s perception of the image. Put it this way: if your composition is effective, you can make a masterpiece out of the most simple and uninspiring environments. Fortunately, interior photography is rarely uninspiring, so the possibilities are endless in how you compose an image to best capture your space.
Deciding your composition comes from choosing the right perspective. Think about the impression you want to give to your viewers: A welcoming shot of the light and airy master bedroom? Or a peak into the intricate details that give the space it’s contemporary and modern feel? From the ornamentation on the dressers, to a powerful feature wall and an open plan dining room, there are countless photographic opportunities within an interior space.
Depth:
The use of depth can be crucial in creating space and showing off the entire space. How much of the room you want to be in the frame or in focus should be deliberate: you are crafting a photographic series of the home; therefore, thinking about what you want to portray to your viewer is important. A focus on an individual piece of décor with the rest of the room out of focus suggests that small details are important in the space. However, a wide angle shot of the entire room gives the viewer an insight into the importance of space, and perhaps light within the home. Using a wide-angle lens may be preferable for this, however be careful that the photo doesn’t look warped: your fabulous décor should be showcased in a natural way – the viewer wants to imagine themselves living there!
Using a tri-pod can assist in creating a sharp and professional image. Try photographing at waist level, or at the mid-height of the room to give an insight into the entire space, but also don’t be afraid to try new angles. For example, including the floor creates a more settled and grounded atmosphere within the image, but when you capture the ceiling too, the room immediately looks more spacious. Take a look at “The Rule of Three” and “The Golden Ratio” to further inspire your composition.
Remember: you are the photographer, and you have the power to influence and best showcase your interior space to the viewer. The ball is in your court – roll with it!
Written By Molly Pestridge
