Three Plates Full by Whitespade
Cover Three Plates Full by Whitespade

Architecture and interior photographer extraordinaire David Yeow shares tips on how to take better pictures of a space

An architecture photographer based in Malaysia and Singapore, David Yeow has been capturing buildings and spaces in Asia beautifully for eight years. After graduating with a Masters in Architecture from the University of Melbourne, Yeow starting photographing buildings during an attachment to an international firm there. During this time, he made the decision to pursue architectural photography as a career.

​Since founding David Yeow Photography, Yeow has worked with developers, architects, interior designers and artists to document their work while contributing to publications such as Conde Nast Traveller, Elle Decoration, Architecture Malaysia and Tatler Homes.

See also: Former National Figure Skater Turned Photographer Annice Lyn On Lessons From Behind The Lens

When asked why he chose this niche, he explains: "I’m interested in design and space, with an appreciation for the materiality, atmosphere, and craftsmanship that is displayed in architecture and interior design. I enjoy capturing this essence so that viewers get to experience the spaces as I do."

And capture the essence, he does as his lens is very much sought after for going beyond documenting a building or a room, and how his photographs sparkle with life, character and poetry. Yeow shares five pro tips on how to do the same with your own space. 

1. Where The Light Is

Tatler Asia
Three Plates Full by Whitespade
Above Three Plates Full by Whitespade

Light plays an important element in emphasising a space and atmosphere, and can dramatically change how a space is experienced. Plan for the best time of day that brings in natural light into a space, as well as the direction of the sun, based on the mood lighting that you are trying to achieve. Early morning light is bright and neutral, casting clear shadows and gives a sense of freshness. Evening light tends to bring warm orange tones on a clear day, and creates a romantic mood. 

See also: Tatler House, An Exclusive Venue At The Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

 

Tatler Asia
Majestic reception lobby at YTL Group’s new HQ. Photo: Courtesy of YTL Land
Above Majestic reception lobby at YTL Group’s new HQ. Photo: Courtesy of YTL Land

Sometimes even with best of planning, overcast days are unavoidable, but that should not be something to fret about. Overcast days brings with it a soft overall tone, allowing spaces to be showcased more naturally, without any harsh shadows. So plan for the light, but also be flexible to adjust to it.

2. Human Connection

Tatler Asia
Wunderwall Design Root Remedies
Above Wunderwall Design Root Remedies

Spaces are built of people, so try including people in shots to showcase the scale and function of a space. Place people within a shot as an accompaniment, interacting or utilising the space, whilst maintaining focus on the space as a whole. 

See also: 7 Korean Furniture and Interior Designers To Know

Tatler Asia
Pamela Tan's Eden installation
Above Pamela Tan's Eden installation

It could be something simple like having a person in the kitchen preparing coffee whilst showcasing the cabinetry. Or having someone browse in a store to bring focus to a certain store design. Plan the purpose for human subjects within the space and what the story is that you want to tell. Alternatively, pets make a very cute substitute as a subject in a space!

See also: Red Hong Yi, The Malaysian Artist Behind Time Magazine's Climate Cover, On Pushing Boundaries

3. Zooming In

Tatler Asia
Eleena Jamil Architect End-lot house
Above Eleena Jamil Architect End-lot house
Tatler Asia
Wunderwall Design's Curvena Boulevard
Above Wunderwall Design's Curvena Boulevard

When photographing a space, try shooting at different focal lengths, allowing different elements to be in focus. Shooting wide showcases the breadth of the space, whilst the mid range focuses on a certain setting within the space like a table setting, and shooting close up allows specific design elements to be highlighted, such as woodworking details for furniture or cabinetry. Move around and experiment what works best for the narrative of a space, allowing the viewer to experience a space fully.

 

4. Follow The Lines

Tatler Asia
Vernakular Store
Above Vernakular Store

Vertical and horizontal lines help guide the visual focus of a space, and is a great narrative tool. Walls, beams, columns and openings are great guides to inform these lines. Look for central lines when looking down corridors, or in spaces that are symmetrical. 

Tatler Asia
Wunderwall Design Mansions House
Above Wunderwall Design Mansions House

Repetitive elements such as colonnades can be used to create leading lines. Perpendicular views can be used to show the elevational aspect of a space, where a strong sense of the vertical and horizontal is used. Learn to shift your gaze and let the lines lead the way.

See also: Home Tour: A Private Residence In Desa ParkCity Delivers The Big Wows And The Small Details

5. Explore Different Angles

Tatler Asia
The nave of La Sagrada Familia
Above The nave of La Sagrada Familia

A space can be experienced from multiple points of view. Shooting from different angles showcase views that are so often overlooked from the standard face height that is common. Explore shooting from up high, overlooking a space or furniture, or maybe showcasing beautiful carpeting or herringbone floors. 

Tatler Asia
Kloe Hotel by Studio Kanta
Above Kloe Hotel by StudioKanta

Shoot from a low angle to highlight features such as beautiful vaulted ceilings, unique designer lighting, or dazzling spiral staircases (which could conversely be photographed from a high angle too), Explore and be creative.

See also: Suite Dreams Are Made Of These Five Lofts At KLoé Hotel

Credits

Photography  

David Yeow Photography

Topics