Capture 'Ghosts' for Earthly Purposes in Photos
Despite otherworldly appearances, there's a down-to-earth reason for using shadowy figures in interior images of your home
Houzz
October 26, 2012
The designers and photographers in this ideabook know that showing images of spaces designed and built for human use without humans inevitably has the reader wondering where the people, furniture and pets have gone. So they've done us a favor by including humans in the photos, though some have a supernatural quality, with blurred forms, looming shadows and figures in black walking toward the light (cue scary music).
Let's enjoy a few that show off great spaces — and a sense of intrigue, too.
Let's enjoy a few that show off great spaces — and a sense of intrigue, too.
The shadowy figure in this image lets us see the translucent quality of the glass wall. Although a little spooky at first glance, the figure adds visual interest to the image and calls our attention to the glass walls, which are used throughout this contemporary condominium.
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We would otherwise miss the walk-in pantry door in this kitchen, but the model tells us exactly where it's located.
The white-box effect of this contemporary home may not be for everyone, but it's just right for the owners of this house — and here, the subjects help us see why. They humanize the space and let us envision this sleek kitchen's potential for interaction and entertaining guests.
Some images don't require the use of a body, but in this scene, the body adds to the empty staircase. "Not only does the subject add context conceptually, it also allows the viewer to 'feel' the space," says design photographer Cynthia Lynn.
Although I wouldn't want to encounter a dark, indistinct figure while making a midnight snack run to the fridge, the subject in this contemporary home tells my eyes where to look and roots my attention to the staircase.
Although I wouldn't want to encounter a dark, indistinct figure while making a midnight snack run to the fridge, the subject in this contemporary home tells my eyes where to look and roots my attention to the staircase.
In this photo, "the ethereal figure creates the illusion of the space being occupied, and it does so in such a way that the viewer projects himself into the image, having the experience," says architect Todd Ray.
Andrew Reeves says that architectural photographs are intended to highlight the building, so they often "have no life," he admits. "Blurred figures help bring a sense of scale and explain motion throughout the space," Reeves says. "They show how people may go through and inhabit it."
A blurry figure gives depth to this hallway, a contemporary space with ancient architectural bones.
The architect, homeowner and subject in this modern house also adds depth to the space and enables the bookshelf to pop out more from the image. The slightly eerie red light tells us there's something interesting lurking behind the shelves.
See more of this minimalist, modern house
See more of this minimalist, modern house
Wannemacher Interiors strives to enhance their clients' lives by incorporating smart and functional design... Read More
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Another approach would be to take two shots - one with and one without people and then blend the layers afterwards - but I don't believe that was done in any of the above shots and doubt you'd get the effect you want... Which is not just a partially transparent person but one in motion.
A good idea and it saves you having to get model releases. Adds a bit of humanity to home photos. Here's a shot of a local museum I took using this effect.