Tips for photographing interiors

An acquaintance asked me today how I approach photographing interiors. I emailed him with a view tips and thought that you may also be interested. So here goes.

Obviously it's vital the room looks presentable and there's nothing distracting lying in view. A bouquet of flowers, a colourful cushion etc, can lift the room and provide a good focal point.
Think of leading the audience's eye through the image from one point of interest to another.
Unless you're using it deliberately to create an effect make sure walls are perpendicular and the horizon straight. A door frame or wall at an angle can be quite disoreintating.
Putting all the electric lights on enhances the atmosphere and creates a warm image. Table lights etc, usually look better even in daylight when they're lit.
Candles should also be lit if they are present.

Lighting

I use a variety of techniques. Here are some:

Studio or off camera flash for fill light balanced with daylight.
I generally always try to photograph during the day as window light is very important to the character of a room.
Sometimes use tungsten lighting to fill in but if you correct for it you have to watch out because any daylight will be too blue.
ND graduated filters used vertically are a great help in coping with balancing shadow and window areas.
You can also try double exposures. First expose for the room with the outside of the window covered with black velvet cloth. Then take a second exposure for the window. This works well when you've got a small window and a large room, and you want to show detail outside.

I hope you find this useful. Please let me know and see my previous post in search of feedback. Many thanks.

Paul Indigo

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