I recently completed a project for 7 Steps Bar & Eatery in my local town of Pudsey, Leeds. Locally renowned owner, Neil, had me in to photograph their brand new venue to show off the ambient feel of the interior while highlighting the fresh, rustic yet cosy design. I jumped at the opportunity to bid for this job as I really loved what the designer had done with the space and I knew my style of photography would be a perfect marriage, helping to reveal the texture of the wood, brick and original architectural features.
The building is a old conservative club constructed in the Victorian era and considered one of the key character buildings along Chapeltown in Pudsey. It has very intricate exterior detailing around the porch/entrance to the venue so I looked to highlight this in the exterior image.
I shot the exterior during twilight and lit up the exterior using a gelled flash to highlight the architectural features of the historic building.
The entire shoot - bar the exterior (excuse the pun!) - took place after sunset to eliminate the cool blue sunlight coming through the large three quarter windows, washing out some of the ambient feel the bar is going for. I used my flash on a stick and painted with light to embellish the glow from the tea-lights on the tables and mood lighting around the room.
It was a joy to work with Neil and the team, the space really lent itself to one of my favourite ways to shoot and I feel these are some of my favourite images to date.
Thank you for reading and let me know your thoughts down in the comments!