Interior photography: the art of putting rooms in the best light
As an interior photographer, I have the opportunity to capture the beauty and functionality of spaces. Whether it’s a stylish hotel, a coworking space, a modern office or a charming café – interior photography plays a crucial role in conveying the atmosphere and character of a space. In this article, I would like to give you an insight into my world of interior photography using the Cloud 44 hotel near Mannheim as an example and explain how I can help you to show your rooms in the best light.
Why is interior photography important?
In the digital world, appealing images are crucial for attracting the attention of potential customers. Whether for property adverts, hotels or social media channels, high-quality photos are the key to arousing interest and conveying emotions. As an experienced interior photographer, I know how to choose the right perspectives and play with light and shadow to emphasise the uniqueness of each room.
My approach as an interior photographer
Every room tells a little story, and my job as an interior photographer is to tell that story visually. I start with a thorough analysis of the room to identify its best features. I pay attention to details such as colours, textures and lighting conditions. Using the latest technology and creative compositions, I ensure that your rooms not only look good, but also convey the desired atmosphere.
For example, the muted colours of the hotel lobby make guests feel immediately at ease. The technology installed in the room is discreetly integrated and, together with the interesting lighting installation, creates a contemporary look.
Tips for preparing for an interior shoot
To get the best out of your interior photos, there are a few tips that we should bear in mind during the preparation and photo shoot:
- Tidy up and decorate: Make sure the room is tidy and any small decorations are added to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Use light: Natural light is often a photographer’s best friend. Open the curtains and let in as much light as possible. On very sunny days, however, this can also be rather distracting for the image impression. That’s why it sometimes makes more sense to supplement the natural light with a discreet flash. This is best decided on location.
- Changing perspectives: I experiment with different angles to emphasise the best features of the room. In the interior photos of the lobby above, you can see very clearly how different a room can look by simply turning round with the camera.
Impressions of the interior photography at Hotel Cloud 44
Firstly, a few impressions and photos of the interior design of the lobby and reception area. I immediately noticed the ‘play corner’ in the side area and such special details must of course be captured in the interior photos.
The restaurant area is slightly different in colour from the lobby, but still conveys a cosy atmosphere and offers a pleasant ambience from breakfast to dinner. The atmospheric bar connects the two areas.
Okay, the next four photos don’t really have anything to do with interior photography. Nevertheless, I couldn’t resist photographing a few dishes served in the hotel restaurant for the client’s website. The photos were taken when I had finished with the interior photos and was invited to dinner. The customer liked it and I really enjoyed it.
Interior photos of the meeting rooms
In contrast to the cosy ambience of the lounge and restaurant area, the meeting rooms are much more functional. However, in addition to the classic seating with a large table, there are also creative retreats for small groups. The equipment here supports modern creative techniques.
Interior photos of the hotel rooms
Of course, interior photos of the hotel rooms are a must. Like everyone else, when booking a hotel I like to look through the pictures on the provider’s website and often decide in favour of or against a hotel once I have gained an impression of the rooms. At Hotel Cloud 44, the rooms are quite functional yet cosy for business travellers. A small office suite with desk is available in every room. In case you still have to finalise your presentation for tomorrow night….
Last but not least, the only thing missing are photos of the exterior, even if this only has a limited connection with interior design photos. But such photos are of course important for a complete documentation of the hotel. Here I show the terrace and a view of the hotel from the street. For the last photo, I opted for a long exposure to create more dynamism in the image with the moving clouds. The reflection of the logo creates an interesting foreground and the lines of the wall on the left, the pool and the footpath lead to the building as the main subject of the photo.
