Tori Sikkema, AD-Published Interior | Architectural | Lifestyle Photographer
Hotel Lulu Round Top, TX, Photography by Tori Sikkema Photography
Lighting is the silent storyteller of photography. As a lifestyle photographer, the interplay of light and shadow is essential for capturing a space’s essence and mood. Understanding how various lighting conditions affect your photos can elevate your work, showcasing interiors in their best light. Beyond mere illumination, optimizing light can transform your portfolio from mere images to stunning works of art.
The St. Laurent by, Photography by Tori Sikkema Photography
Dancing with Shadows:
Light and shadow are a photographer’s dynamic duo. The interplay between light and shadow can highlight textures, define spaces, and create a sense of depth and dimension. As a design professional, collaborating with a professional interior design | architectural photographer who understands and knows how to harness and optimize light will elevate your portfolio.
Design by Bee Hive Interiors, Photography by Tori Sikkema Photography
Time of Day: Golden Hour to the Soft Falloff
The golden hour, that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset, casts a warm, diffused light that imparts a dreamy quality to photos, making it perfect for portraits, landscapes, and architecture. On the other hand, the bright midday sun is excellent for high-contrast shots and highlighting architectural details. Harsh midday sun can create deep, unflattering shadows, while the soft light of morning or evening produces long, dramatic ones. As the sun sets, the lighting becomes softer and more diffuse, and the subdued light creates a balanced, photogenic environment that highlights natural beauty and comfort. The desired mood of an interior should dictate when you photograph it and working with a professional interior design | architectural photographer will help you create the atmosphere you want!
Design by RBDC, Photography by Tori Sikkema Photography
Geographical Influence on Lighting
Even without control over the time of day, location plays a huge role in how light affects your photos. Location is a versatile and powerful tool for adding meaning, depth, and style to your images and atmosphere. Places like Oregon, with its dramatic, overcast skies, offer a moody, subtle light that enhances the warmth and intimacy of interior spaces. In contrast, Miami’s abundant sunshine and reflective surfaces create bright, crisp images that highlight vibrant colors and details. As an interior lifestyle photography, I embrace the natural lighting of an atmosphere and discover unique light sources to add a personal touch.
The St. Laurent, Photography by Tori Sikkema Photography
Light and the Soul of Your Design:
Optimizing lighting in interior design, architectural, and hospitality photography goes beyond timing; it’s about understanding how light interacts with space and how it can be used to convey the desired mood and atmosphere. Whether capturing Oregon’s moody elegance or Miami’s vibrant energy, mastering lighting elevates your photography, bringing interior designs to life. When undertaking your next interior or architectural design endeavor, reflect on the significant impact light can have on your envisioned outcome. Count on the expertise of Tori Sikkema Photography and let’s discover the transformative power of illumination together!
Design by Bee Hive Interiors, Photography by Tori Sikkema Photography
