Interior photographer
I’m David an interior photographer. For 20 years I’ve been photographing with leading businesses and creative professionals within London, the UK and globally. I’m trusted by design and advertising agencies alongside FTSE 100 clients for being reliable, and delivering consistently powerful images under tight deadlines.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for design, I specialise in capturing the beauty and character of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces. Combining technical precision with a strong creative vision, I create images that highlight the unique ambiance, textures, and features of each space.
I bring a wealth of experience to every project. Whether it’s a sleek modern apartment, a luxurious hotel, or a cozy café, I understand how to showcase a space in its best light, bringing out its personality and purpose. Driven by a passion for storytelling through imagery, I take pride in delivering photographs that not only document but also evoke a sense of atmosphere, helping clients communicate their design vision in a way that resonates with their audience. Below are some of my previous clients and examples of recent work.
Previous clients
Aston Martin, BBC, British Gas, Bupa, Canary Wharf Group, Cancer Research UK, De Beers Group, Diageo Plc, Halifax Bank, Heathrow Airport Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group, John Lewis Partnership, Land Securities, Lloyds Banking Group, Marylebone Cricket Club, NHS, PPHE Hotel Group, Rolls Royce, Severn Trent Water, Sport England, Tate & Lyle, Technicolor, The Guardian, Vodafone.
My experience doing interior photography
I’ve been lucky enough to have a very varied career in photography and have worked on an interesting range of commissions across the UK, Europe and globally. Everything from photography for advertising, brand image libraries, corporate reporting and communications to lifestyle campaigns. Below is the type of work I have been commissioned to photograph:
– Advertising photography
– Annual report photography
– Brand photography for companies and businesses
– Business portraits and corporate headshots
– Event photography for business and sports
– Lifestyle photography for branding and advertising
– Property and interior photography
– Hotel, restaurant and food photography
Interior photography focuses on capturing the beauty, design, and functionality of indoor spaces. Whether for property listings, magazines, or personal portfolios, an interior photographer requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and an understanding of lighting, composition, and the space’s aesthetic.
Below are some key tips and techniques I use to achieve the best interior photography for my clients
Lighting
Natural light: Make use of natural light wherever possible. Open curtains and blinds to let in daylight. Soft, diffused light from windows often creates the most flattering effect.
Artificial light: Use lamps, pendant lights, and overhead fixtures to add warmth and interest. Consider using external lights or flashes to fill in dark areas, but be cautious not to overexpose or create harsh shadows.
Avoid overexposure: Try to balance the light inside the room with the natural light outside the windows. A high dynamic range (HDR) technique can help capture both bright and dark details effectively.
Good composition
Wide angle: Use a wide-angle lens (usually between 16mm and 24mm for full-frame cameras) to capture more of the space. Ensure that you don't distort the lines, especially verticals like walls, doors, and windows.
Symmetry and lines: Pay attention to the lines in the space. Symmetry can create balanced, aesthetically pleasing compositions. Try to align furniture and architectural details with the frame for a clean, organized shot.
Rule of thirds: Divide your frame into thirds horizontally and vertically to guide the placement of key elements in the room. This can help create a more engaging and balanced image.
Accent items: Add small decorative elements like plants, books, or artwork to give the room life without overwhelming the shot.
Furniture placement: When photographing larger rooms, consider the placement of furniture. Avoid overcrowding the space, and try to highlight the room's flow and functionality.
Types of interior photography
Property photography: This style focuses on showcasing the entire home or apartment to potential buyers. Clean, wide-angle shots and clear, well-lit images are essential.
Architectural photography: Emphasises the design elements of a space. Here, sharpness, symmetry, and showcasing unique features (like arches, windows, or light fixtures) are important.
Lifestyle interior photography: More about storytelling, this approach includes people interacting with the space. It often captures a feeling of warmth, coziness, or luxury in a real-world context.
Editorial/design photography: Often seen in magazines or design blogs, this type of interior photography highlights aesthetics and design trends, typically with a more artistic and stylised approach.
Interior photography can be both challenging and rewarding, and mastering it takes practice. Each space is unique, and getting to know the room's best angles, lighting, and atmosphere can take your photos from good to great.
Why should I have professional interior photographs?
Professional interior photography can significantly enhance the appeal and value of your space, whether for personal, business, or real estate purposes. Here are some compelling reasons why you should invest in professional interior photography:
First impressions matter
High-quality photos create a strong first impression. Whether you're showcasing your home, office, or a rental property, professional interior photos communicate that you value your space and are committed to quality. Poor or amateur photos may detract from the overall perception.
Better lighting and composition
Professional photographers have the expertise to capture your space in the best light. They know how to balance natural light, use artificial lighting effectively, and choose the best angles to highlight your interior design. Good lighting can make a huge difference in making a space feel warm, inviting, and expansive.
Highlighting key features
A professional can emphasise the unique features of your space—whether it’s the texture of your furniture, the layout, or standout details like custom cabinetry or architectural elements. They know how to frame the shot to showcase the most attractive aspects of your interior.
Enhanced property appeal
For estate agents and sellers, professional interior photography is essential for making listings stand out. Homes with high-quality images tend to receive more views and showings. Great photos can even help a property sell faster and at a higher price. People are naturally drawn to well-shot homes.
Increase engagement on social media
If you’re a business owner or influencer, professional interior photography can enhance your online presence. A beautifully photographed interior can increase engagement on social platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, where people love to share aesthetically pleasing images.
Marketing and branding
If you're running a business—whether it’s a restaurant, hotel, or co-working space—your interior photos are often part of your brand image. Great photos help convey the atmosphere of your space and reflect the vibe you want to present to potential clients. For online marketing, catalogs, websites, or advertisements, professionally taken images have a higher conversion rate than amateur photos.
Long-term value
Investing in professional interior photography gives you high-quality, timeless images that can be used across multiple platforms over time. Whether it’s for your website, marketing materials, or even a personal portfolio, the photos remain valuable long after they’re taken.
Professional editing
Along with taking the photos, professional photographers often provide post-production editing. This includes color correction, enhancing details, and ensuring the final image is polished and professional. These tweaks can make a significant difference, creating a picture-perfect representation of your space.
Emotional appeal
Interior design is about creating an atmosphere and evoking emotions. A professional photographer can capture this atmosphere in a way that resonates with potential buyers, customers, or visitors. The right photo can convey feelings of comfort, luxury, coziness, or excitement—depending on the vibe you want to create.
Attention to detail
A skilled photographer pays attention to details that you might overlook—such as aligning furniture, adjusting décor, or minimizing distractions in the background. This can result in a cleaner, more polished look that elevates the space in the photo.
In short, professional interior photography can make your space shine, enhance its appeal, and contribute to achieving your personal or business goals. Whether for a listing, marketing, or personal portfolio, good photography is an investment that pays off.
How can clients prepare for the photoshoot?
Preparing for an interior photography shoot is essential for ensuring that the space looks its best and that the photographer can capture it in the most flattering light. Here’s a comprehensive guide for clients to prepare for an interior photographer shoot:
Declutter the space
Clear surfaces: Remove any unnecessary items from tables, countertops, and shelves. Too many objects can distract from the overall design and feel of the space.
Personal items: Consider removing personal photos, paperwork, or anything that might make the space feel too lived-in or personal.
Hidden areas: Check closets, cabinets, and other visible spaces that might appear in shots.
Deep clean the space
Floors and surfaces: Ensure the floors are swept, mopped, or vacuumed. Clean all surfaces, such as countertops, tables, and furniture.
Windows: Clean windows and glass surfaces, as they can reflect light and show up in photos.
Walls and baseboards: Check for dust or fingerprints, especially on white or light-colored walls.
Furniture arrangement
Edit furniture placement: Move furniture to create a spacious and balanced layout. Avoid overcrowding the space. Ensure that key pieces are visible and well-positioned for photos.
Symmetry and lines: Interior shots often benefit from symmetry, so try to arrange items in a way that creates visual balance.
Lighting
Maximise natural light: Open all blinds or curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. This helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Turn on lights: If the shoot is during the day, turn on all lamps, sconces, and overhead lights to ensure the space is well-lit and not too dark. Consider having a variety of lighting sources for added depth and interest.
Avoid harsh overhead lighting: If possible, avoid using harsh overhead lighting as it can create unflattering shadows.
Set the mood
Staging elements: Small touches can make a big difference. Consider adding fresh flowers, stylish books, throw pillows, or decorative objects to make the space feel inviting and lived-in.
Neutralise scents: Avoid overpowering air fresheners or candles during the shoot. A fresh and neutral scent is best for the comfort of the photographer and anyone else in the space.
Prepare specific rooms
Bedrooms: Make sure the bed is neatly made, with crisp linens and throw pillows arranged in a way that looks natural but inviting.
Kitchens: Clear countertops of any small appliances or items that are not aesthetically pleasing. You can leave out a few items like a bowl of fruit or fresh herbs for a cozy, curated look.
Bathrooms: Remove personal items such as toiletries and towels. Consider placing fresh towels or a small plant for an added touch.
Discuss your vision with the photographer
Style preferences: If you have a specific style or look in mind, communicate it to the photographer. Whether it’s a light and airy look or a more dramatic, moody aesthetic, the photographer can adjust their approach.
Focus areas: Let the photographer know if there are certain areas or details in the space that you want to highlight (e.g., architectural features, a specific piece of furniture, or unique design elements).
Prepare the outdoors (if applicable)
Exterior shots: If the photographer plans to shoot the outside of the property, ensure the garden, lawn, or exterior is well-maintained. Trim bushes, rake leaves, and tidy up outdoor furniture.
Parking and access: Ensure there is clear access for the photographer, especially if there are any outdoor shots.
Timing considerations
Golden hour: If you’re aiming for natural light, schedule the shoot at a time when the light is soft and flattering (early morning or late afternoon).
Clean up before and after: Try to schedule the shoot for a time when the space can be cleaned and prepared in advance, as well as allowing time for small adjustments during the shoot.
Final walkthrough
Before the photographer arrives, do a final walkthrough of the space. Take a step back and look at it through the lens of a camera: Are there any distractions in the background? Is there anything out of place? This is your chance to make last-minute adjustments.
By following these steps, clients can ensure that the interior photography shoot goes smoothly and results in beautiful, professional images that highlight the best features of their space.
Have a project in mind?
To discuss a project, arrange a meeting or view my portfolio please contact me on +44 (0)7956 902 509
or by email at mail@davidhares.com