How to photograph small rooms and bathrooms
Bathrooms and small bedrooms are the hardest spaces to shoot. Techniques to make them look open without distortion.
Small bathrooms, closets and secondary bedrooms challenge even experienced photographers. There is no room to step back, and mirrors show the camera.
Lens choice
A 14mm to 16mm lens fits more in, but stretches the edges. Keep important objects away from the corners, where distortion is strongest.
Position
- Shoot from the doorway or from outside the room.
- Place the camera in a corner for the longest diagonal.
- Lower the camera slightly in bathrooms to show the vanity and shower.
Avoid reflections
Mirrors and glass shower doors reflect you and your tripod. Shoot at an angle to the mirror, hide behind the door frame or remove the reflection later.
Lighting
Small rooms often have one ceiling light. Bounce a flash off the ceiling from outside the room for even light and clean whites.
Simplify
Remove everything from counters and floors. Small spaces look bigger when they are empty and bright.
One great photo is enough
For tiny secondary bathrooms, one strong angle is better than three cramped ones.
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